Shortly after the family's initial arrival at the hotel, Danny and the hotel's friendly chef, Dick Hallorann, talk privately to discuss Danny's talent and the hotel's sinister nature. A warning comes from Danny's imaginary friend, Tony, who tells him the hotel has an evil history and his family might be in danger. Watson emphasizes that Jack must keep a close watch on the hotel's aging boiler, which could explode and destroy the hotel if the pressure isn't 'dumped' on a regular basis each day.ĭanny's clairvoyance makes him sensitive to supernatural forces. Jack also meets Watson, the hotel's seasonal caretaker, who shows Jack the heating and power systems of the hotel. The hotel's manager, the snobby Stuart Ullmann, interviews Jack and makes no attempt to hide his contempt for him due to his alcoholism and his recent termination. Jack's job was provided to him as a last chance by a close friend of his, Al Shockley, a fellow recovering alcoholic, who knows the hotel's board of trustees. Jack, his wife Wendy, and the clairvoyant Danny move into the Overlook. Jack also plans to write a new play, believing the isolation will inspire him. After being expelled from his teaching position and giving up drinking, Jack accepts a job as a winter caretaker at the large, isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado to prove that he has recovered from alcoholism and is now a responsible person. He is trying to rebuild his life after previously breaking his son Danny's arm and assaulting a pupil at a Vermont prep school where he was a teacher. Jack Torrance, a loving father when sober, is a temperamental alcoholic and aspiring writer. There are plans to stage it again, but the Covid-19 Pandemic has delayed those plans.

The production enjoyed strong reviews and sold out performances. In 2016 the Minnesota Opera Company staged an opera based on both the novel and the 1980 movie.

It has been made into an iconic horror movie of the same title, starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall and a miniseries that was aired on TV in the 90's.

It deals with many of King's recurring themes, including alcoholism, domestic violence, misfit, yet gifted children and the insanity of authors. This classic novel is arguably King's most famous story.

The shining book