“Don’t worry Paul, after all, I am your No. 1 fan.”

This haunting phrase spoken by the bone-chilling Annie Wilkes, is one of Stephen King’s most notable and terrifying stories. Lee Street theatre is ecstatic to bring this unnerving story of fanaticism just in time for the Valentine’s day season. Lee Street opens Stephen King’s “Misery,” written by William Goldman, this Friday, and runs weekends through Feb. 22. It is the perfect anti-Valentine’s Day show, to bring your loved one and hold them close as you are thrilled right before your eyes.

Misery began as an American psychological horror novel written by Stephen King in 1987. The novel’s narrative is based on the relationship of its two main characters — the romance novelist Paul Sheldon and his deranged self-proclaimed No. 1 fan Wilkes. When Sheldon is seriously injured following a car accident, former nurse Wilkes brings him to her home, where he receives treatment and doses of pain medication. Sheldon realizes that he is a prisoner and is forced to indulge his captor’s requests. Many people will remember the award-winning 1990 film adaptation starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, who won the award for best actress for her portrayal of Wilkes. This stage adaptation written by notable playwright William Goldman was brought to Broadway in 2015, starring Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf, who was nominated for best actress in the role of Wilkes.

Lee Street is thrilled to bring some powerhouse performers to the stage in these iconic roles. The cast includes Hickory Community Theatre’s Artistic Director Eric Seale as author-turned captive Sheldon, Kieran Mouritsen as innocent and naive sheriff Buster, and the mesmerizing and powerful Jessica Jax as the No. 1 fan herself, Wilkes.

Production staff includes direction by Ryan Miles, technical direction by Kelly Sandoval, production scenic, production design by Rod Oden, costume design by Catawba College Theatre Arts professor Erin Dougherty, stage management by Jordan Spears and assistant stage management by Catawba College Theatre Arts student Evan Moreno.

“This cast is electric. Their performances deliver powerfully and leaving you on the edge of your seat,” explained Oden, Lee Street theatre’s executive artistic director. “Everything from Seale’s riveting desperation to Ryan Mile’s direction will have you on the edge of your seat. Watching Jessica masterfully and methodically make her performance choices as Annie, is something to behold. This role is an emotional and psychological roller coaster, and Jessica delivers with force and finesse. You need to see it for yourself.”

Lee Street’s thrilling production of Stephen King’s “Misery” runs Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 7-22. Performance times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, go to leestreet.org  or call the box office at 704-870-8008 to get them while they last. This performance includes the use of adult language and themes, and also possibly triggering themes including:  the presentation of graphic violence, abuse, kidnapping and abduction.