Spencer Theatre Company Debuted Misery in Springfield
The production brings the stage adaptation of the classic thriller to the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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The Spencer Theatre Company has launched its production of the play Misery at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. The stage adaptation by William Goldman features a cast of three actors performing within a single room.
Why it matters
The play focuses on the tense psychological interactions between characters Annie Wilkes and Paul Sheldon. This production brings a noted suspense story to the local stage in Springfield.
The production spans a 105-minute runtime without an intermission. The show features a total cast of three individuals.
The players
Spencer Theatre Company
This is a local theater troupe responsible for the production of Misery at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Justine Moser
The actor performs the role of Annie Wilkes in this stage production.
Hankins
The actor performs the role of Paul Sheldon in the production.
Jim Dahlquist
The actor portrays the character Buster in the play.
The details
The narrative centers on the relationship between Annie Wilkes, played by Justine Moser, and Paul Sheldon, portrayed by Hankins, while confined to a single room. Jim Dahlquist completes the cast in the role of Buster.
Timeline
Performances are scheduled for October 9-11, 2026.
Performances are scheduled for October 16-18, 2026.
Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinee performances begin at 3 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows the established script and staging conventions set by William Goldman's adaptation of Misery. Such works demonstrate the industry trend of focusing on intimate psychological dramas that rely on minimal set design and tight character focus.
Attendees can view the production at the Peggy Ryder Theatre within the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Performances are offered during both evening and Sunday afternoon time slots.
The takeaway
This production offers local audiences a chance to see a well-known psychological thriller in an intimate stage format. Patrons should note the 105-minute runtime and lack of an intermission when planning their attendance.
Further reading
For more information on local performance schedules, visit the Children’s Theater section.
More information
View the schedule and event details at the Hoogland Center for the Arts website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Illinois Times, the capital city's weekly source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture.
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