The Sarasota Players Presents
Misery
Written by William Goldman
Based on the novel by Stephen King
Directed by Kelly Woodland

The Secret Garden
Written by Marsha Norman
Directed by Cory Boyas

Audition Times: December 9, 2023, 2pm – 5pm
December 10, 2023, 2pm – 5pm (Callbacks)
Location: The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239

Misery
Rehearsals: January 8 – February 20, 2024
Performances: February 21 – March 10, 2024

Synopsis:
Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

Characters:
ANNIE WILKES (Female, 40s – 60s – any Race) A nurse who comes to Paul’s rescue (seemingly), Annie seems to be a kind, tender woman who cares deeply for Paul, even if she does seem slightly off. As Paul grows to know her it becomes clearer that Annie is manipulative, cunning, and hides a deep set and terrifying malice behind her cheery simple façade.

PAUL SHELDON (Male, Late 30s – Early 60s – any race) A famed romance novelist tired of the series that has brought him the most acclaim. Returning from a retreat to finish his most recent work, he is involved in a terrible car crash that leaves him with broken legs and unable to care for himself. He’s thoughtful, if not a touch arrogant, and extremely crafty. He quickly realizes how dangerous his situation is and must use anything and everything at his disposal to survive.

BUSTER (Male, Late 30s – Late 60s, any race) The Sherriff of a nearby town searching for Paul. Very friendly with possible hopes of something more with Annie.

The Secret Garden
Rehearsals: February 12 – April 2, 2024
Performances: April 3 – 21, 2024

Synopsis:
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved Victorian classic, The Secret Garden, blossoms anew in this enchanting musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon. When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a cholera outbreak in India, she is sent to live with her uncle, hermit Archibald Craven, who lives in an imposing, secluded manor on the British heath. Inside the haunting house upon the hill, Mary finds a reclusive, long-suffering collection of souls. Since her aunt Lily’s death, Mary’s uncle has pushed away his surviving loved ones, leaving his bedridden son, Colin, alone. Sickly Colin, hidden away in the depths of the manner, bears the guilt of his mother’s death on his crippled shoulders. When Mary discovers her Aunt Lily’s hidden garden, locked shot and overgrown with vines, stubborn Mary is determined to revive the beauty that once was. Surrounded by spirits from the past, who both warn and welcome her, determined Mary begins to peel away the layers of sadness that cover the house and the garden, showing us the power that “one small girl” can have when she “wants things to grow.”

Characters:
LILY – Mary’s aunt, Mr. Craven’s wife, now dead
MARY LENOX – A 10-year-old girl
MRS. MEDLOCK – Mr. Craven’s housekeeper
DR. NEVILLE CRAVEN – Mr. Craven’s brother
MARTHA – A housemaid
ARCHIBALD CRAVEN – Mary’s uncle and lord of Misselthwaite Manor
BEN WEATHERSTAFF – Head gardener
DICKON – Martha’s brother
COLIN CRAVEN – Archibald Craven’s 10-year-old son
MRS. WINTHROP – Headmistres
DREAMERS – Various roles