Citadel Theatre’s 2025-26 season will open with William Goldman’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel MISERY. The three-hander about a novelist who is rescued from a car crash by an obsessed fan and held captive after she discovers he killed off her favorite character, will be performed by Scott and Ellen Phelps, co-founders of the theatre, and Jonathan Cortez. Scott Westerman, director of last spring’s A JUKEBOX FOR THE ALGONQUIN, as well as Citadel’s previous productions of SEX WITH STRANGERS, THE CHRISTIANS, and THE MOUSETRAP, is directing. MISERY will open to the press on Friday, September 12 at 7:30 pm, following previews on September 10 and 11, and play through October 12.
MISERY, one of Stephen King’s most successful novels, was adapted for the stage by two-time Academy Award-winner William Goldman, who won Oscars for BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID and ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN. Goldman also authored the screenplay of the 1990 film of MISERY. His stage adaptation was produced on Broadway in 2015, starring Bruce Willis as Paul, and in a Tony Award-nominated performance, Laurie Metcalf as Annie.
L-R: Ellen Phelps, Scott Phelps, Jonathan Cortez
Ellen Phelps, whose many roles at Citadel include Sharon in THE ROOMMATE, Miss Hannigan in ANNIE, and Sonia in VANYA AND SONYA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, will play the deranged fan Annie Wilkes. Scott Phelps, whose professional acting career began at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, will be the production’s Paul Sheldon. At Citadel, Scott has played such iconic roles as Oscar Hubbard in THE LITTLE FOXES, George in OF MICE AND MEN, and with Ellen Phelps, the married couple Mel and Edna Edison in THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE. The third member of the cast is Jonathan Cortez, who has played Tom Collins in RENT and Curtis in SISTER ACT. Cortez will be Buster, the sheriff investigating Paul’s disappearance. Elizabeth Bushell and Jason Clark will understudy the roles of Annie and Paul.
The production team, in addition to Westerman as director, includes Bob Knuth (Set Designer), Danielle Reinhardt (Costume Designer), Jodi Williams (Lighting Designer), Petter Wahlback (Sound Designer), Patrick McGuire (Properties Designer), Mitchell Pollitt (Master Carpenter), David Blixt (Violence and Intimacy Director), Alex Trinh (Run Crew), and Bobby Lee (Stage Manager).
The regular performance schedule is Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm, with additional matinees on Wednesdays September 17 and October 3. There are no performances on Fridays September 19 and October 3. Subscriptions and single tickets priced at $45 are now on sale at www.citadeltheatre.org.Season subscriptions are available for the full four-show season at $120.00, or as flex passes that can be used for the patron’s choice of either three shows for $100.00 or two shows for $70.00. Preview flex passes are also available for $40 (two shows), $50 (three shows), or $60 (four shows).
Citadel Theatre is in residence in the West Campus of the Lake Forest School District at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Further information and ticketing is available on the company’s website at www.citadeltheatre.org.
LISTING INFORMATION
MISERY
By William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King
Directed by Scott Westerman
Friday, September 12 – Sunday, October 12, 2025
(Previews September 10 and 11 @ 7:30 pm)
PRESS OPENING Friday, September 12 at 7:30 pm
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinees at 3 pm, Wednesday matinees at 1 pm on September 17 and October 1. No performances Fridays September 19 and October 3.
Preview ticket prices $20. Regular run prices $45.00. Discounts available for groups, seniors and students.
Citadel Theatre, located in the West Campus building of the Lake Forest School District 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL
Tickets available online at www.citadeltheatre.org or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1
In this stage adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes, and held captive after she discovers he killed off her favorite character. Forced to rewrite his novel under her watch, Paul finds himself trapped in a nail-biting cat-and-mouse game that will have you at the edge of your seat.
BIOS
Scott Westerman (Director) makes, does, and teaches theatre and film in and around Chicago. At Citadel, he has directed A JUKEBOX FOR THE ALGONQUIN, THE MOUSETRAP, THE CHRISTIANS and SEX WITH STRANGERS. Scott is the founding Artistic Director of Go To Productions, a 501©3 nonprofit which develops projects that explore the nexus between theatre and film. He created and directed the web series HAMLET & OPHELIA which won Best Picture at the New York Film Awards, Best Web Series at the LA Film Awards, and Best Mobile Series at the 2022 New Media Film Festival. Scott has directed stage productions for The Artistic Home, ChiArts, City Lit Theatre, Chimera Theatre Company, Citadel Theatre, Beyond This Point, Barter Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, The Smithsonian Institution, American Theatre Company (Bridge), National High School Institute (Cherubs), and Reverie Theatre Company. Scott is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, an ensemble member with The Artistic Home, represented by Gray Talent Group, and a teaching artist with Writers Theatre and The Theatre School at DePaul University. He has an MFA from The Shakespeare Theatre Academy. As an actor, Scott has worked with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Lookingglass, Northlight, The Shakespeare Theatre and Ford’s Theatre in DC, Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, the Warehouse Theatre in South Carolina, and the Barter Theatre in Virginia to name a few. On Camera credits include MACHINE GUN PREACHER, PRISON BREAK, and HEIST 88 which will premiere in 2023. More about Scott can be perused at www.ScottWesterman.org.
William Goldman (Playwright) was a legendary American screenwriter, novelist, and playwright celebrated for his sharp dialogue, genre versatility, and storytelling brilliance. Born in Highland Park, Illinois, Goldman began his career as a novelist in the 1950s before transitioning to screenwriting in the mid-1960s. He won two Academy Awards: one for BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969) and another for ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN (1976), cementing his reputation in Hollywood. His novel THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1973), which he also adapted for film in 1987, became a cult classic, blending fantasy, romance, and satire. Beyond film, Goldman authored over 20 novels and several influential nonfiction works, including ADVENTURES IN THE SCREEN TRADE, where he famously declared, “Nobody knows anything” about Hollywood. His career spanned decades, influencing generations of writers with his wit, candor, and craftsmanship. His stage plays include BLOOD, SWEAT AND STANLEY POOLE (1961), co-written with his brother James Goldman; A FAMILY AFFAIR (1962), a musical co-written with James Goldman and composer John Kander: and MISERY (2012).
Ellen Phelps (Annie Wilkes). Ellen Phelps (Annie Wilkes) Co-Founder, Managing Director, Director, and Actor at Citadel Theatre. Most recently seen at Citadel Theatre in A JUKEBOX FOR THE ALGONQUIN. Other past productions at Citadel include THE CHRISTIANS, IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY, ANNIE, THE ROOMMATE, VANYA SONIA MASHA AND SPIKE, ELEMENO PEA, ‘TIL THE FAT LADY SINGS, PRISONER OF 2ND AVENUE, SOMETHING’S AFOOT, SIRENS, OTHER DESERT CITIES , and A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM . Other theatre credits include COMPANY, RUMORS, THE BOY FRIEND, and THE GLASS MENAGERIE
Scott Phelps (Paul Sheldon, Artistic Director) Scott is now in his 23rd year as the Artistic Director of Citadel, the North Shore theatre he co-founded in 2002 with his friend and lifelong companion, Ellen. Over the past 2.3 decades, he has acted in and directed dozens of Citadel productions, continuing to bring his passion and vision to the stage year after year.
In 2023, Scott took on the leading role of Pastor Paul in THE CHRISTIANS. His career has also taken him to New York City and his home state of California, where he has both acted and directed. He trained as an actor at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, pursued a BFA at the University of Utah, and completed an apprenticeship with the renowned Actors Theatre of Louisville.
In addition to his theatre work, Scott spent 18 years with a promotional company while raising his three daughters and son in Lake Forest. Now entering a new chapter of life, he has embraced his latest role—“Beepa” to his growing crew of grandchildren (almost seven and counting). While he’s not entirely convinced he’s old enough for the part, he’s enjoying the challenge.
Jonathan Cortez (Buster). “A shining element…” Jonathan is excited to join the stage for his first production with Citadel Theatre. Jonathan is a University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign alumnus, who studied Vocal Performance under Jerold Siena. Alongside this show, Jonathan is currently music directing BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL and HADESTOWN. Jonathan keeps busy with his involvement in Second City, Chicago Fringe Opera’s premiere improv group OP*ERRATIC, previewing works with South Shore Opera, and vocal directing musicals in the Chicagoland area. Other credits include Tom Collins in RENT, Curtis in SISTER ACT, Leporello in Mozart’s DON GIOVANNI, and Fasolt in Wagner’s DAS RHEINGOLD. He also sings with Consonance - Chicago Choral Artists and the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus.
Citadel Theatre is one of Chicagoland’s premier live theatres, producing hundreds of performances annually and inspiring audiences for nearly 24 years. Founded by Scott and Ellen Phelps in 2002, Citadel Theatre is comprised of its Main Stage performances and its theatre acting classes for children. A proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff ArtsLink, Citadel Theatre offers a unique intimate theatre experience that transports you to another setting and leaves you feeling exhilarated and wanting more. A recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Citadel can accept tax-deductible donations. For more information, ticketing, and to donate, please visit Citadel online at www.CitadelTheatre.org or call 847.735.8554.