Dunes Arts Summer Theatre kicks off its 2025 season with the classic psychological horror thriller "Misery," on Friday, May 30, running through June 15.
Written by William Goldman and based on the novel by Stephen King, “Misery” is directed by John Hancock and features actors Janet Davies and Kevin Giese in the lead roles. Resident set designer Michael Lasswell brings his signature realism and tension-building detail to the production, transforming the intimate Dunes Theatre stage into a snowbound cabin where the suspense unfolds.
The chilling cat-and-mouse showdown tells the story of novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued—and then held captive—by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, after a car crash. As the boundaries between care and control blur, the stakes rise in a deadly game of obsession and survival. Described by Newcity as "an intense love story...dipped in poison," “Misery will surely grip theatergoers.
“I am absolutely thrilled to begin Dunes’ 74th season with the stage version of ‘Misery,’ which has become one of the most popular plays produced in the U.S. in recent years,” says Artistic Director Steve Scott. “I'm doubly thrilled to welcome distinguished film and stage director John Hancock to the Dunes, as well as my longtime friend Janet Davies and Dunes’ favorite Kevin Lee Giese. It's going to be a great summer.”
Joining Dunes Summer Theatre to direct for the first time, Hancock has received widespread critical acclaim for his approach to the work of many contemporary and classical playwrights. His successes in New York City led to being appointed artistic director of the famed San Francisco Actor Workshop before taking the same positions later at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and the New Repertory Theatre company in New York. “I have long term feelings for Dunes Summer Theatre. It was here I attended—between my sophomore and junior years of college—a workshop led by a director from the BBC and decided this is what I want to do with my life,” he says.
Performances of “Misery” take place at Dunes Summer Theatre, located at 288 Shady Oak Drive in Michiana Shores, Indiana. Showtimes are 7 p.m. CST (8 p.m. EST), Sundays 2 p.m. CST (3 p.m. EST). Tickets and full season information are available at dunesarts.org.
ABOUT THE ACTORS
Kevin Lee Giese has performed on nearly every stage in Northwest Indiana. After an 11-year hiatus, he is thrilled to return to his Dunes home, where he is best known for his 18 years of service as a director, actor, board member and past president of the Dunes Arts Foundation. His directing and acting credits include “Guys and Dolls,” “Godspell” and “Hair,” as well as regional premieres of “Jekyll & Hyde,” “The Who’s Tommy” and “The Rocky Horror Show.” Many audiences will remember his six-year run as Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Janet Davies spent 43 years as a television journalist in Chicago, Philadelphia and Cincinnati, including 37 years at ABC7 Chicago as a reporter, host and executive producer. She created and produced the Emmy Award–winning, top-rated “190 North.” Nominated for 81 regional Emmy Awards, she has won 18 for hosting, producing, writing and reporting. Now retired to southwest Michigan, Davies serves as board chair of The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts in Three Oaks. She holds a degree in communications and theatre from Miami University and is grateful to the Dunes Arts Foundation for the opportunity to return to the stage.
ABOUT DUNES ARTS SUMMER THEATRE
The Dunes Arts Foundation, which operates Dunes Arts Summer Theatre and Education Programs, was incorporated in the State of Indiana in 1951 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Nestled within the woodsy dunes of Michiana Shores, Dunes Summer Theatre is located at about a half mile from the Indiana Dunes and the Lake Michigan shore at 288 Shady Oak Dr, Michigan City, Ind. As northwest Indiana’s longest-running summer theater program, Dunes Summer Theatre has provided professional theater productions for more than seven decades. This one-of-a-kind experience is a highlight of Harbor Country’s cultural fabric, promoting community spirit and embracing inclusivity, diversity and accessibility in all areas of operations. For more information or to purchase individual tickets ($35), senior/student tickets ($30), group sales ($25 for four or more) and season subscriptions ($150) please visit dunesARTS.org or call (219) 879-7509. Follow along on social media @dunesartsfoundation.