Whether from children’s fairy tales, fiction tales about the likes of Frankenstein or Dracula, revered tomes like the Bible, or stories dating from today to thousands of years earlier – did you ever wonder where all those frightening monsters came from? Playwright Steve Yockey was clearly inspired by this question and, in response, penned SLEEPING GIANT. Originally produced as part of the Edinburgh Film Festival 2019, later commissioned by Theatre Emory in Atlanta, Georgia, and developed further through the Center Theatre Group Los Angeles Writers Workshop, SLEEPING GIANT premiered in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2022, subsequently moving on the Cleveland, Phoenix, and Washington DC. Theater reviews have described the play as “…macabre, creepy, comical, kooky, and a slow burn of a surreal thriller that brings its horror slowly to the forefront. It’s also a whole lot of fun and a play that will make you think (Talkin’ Broadway),” as well as “a darkly comic fable about how humans deal with the unfamiliar and frightening (Salt Lake City Weekly). In 2025, SLEEPING GIANT makes its West Coast premiere at the Road Theatre.
Andrea Flowers, Eric Patrick Harper, and Jacqueline Misaye – Photo by Brian Graves
SLEEPING GIANT consists of seven vignettes, with all characters performed by four actors wearing multiple hats (Jacqueline Misaye, Eric Patrick Harper, Justin Lawrence Barnes, and Andrea Flowers). The first few vignettes seem independent of each other – until, gradually, characters begin to cross paths and the many stories coalesce into one. And what is that one? It seems that Alex and Ryan inadvertently awaken a sleeping giant in the local lake – something like the Loch Ness monster – but bigger and scarier. Bits and pieces of the tale follow as others try to understand what is happening and why it is happening. In their fear and ignorance, they grab onto a variety of explanations which become stranger, creepier, and more dangerous as time progresses. Into this scenario, author Yockey tosses some comical and even satirical elements about society, politics, and culture.
Andrea Flowers, Eric Patrick Harper, and Jacqueline Misaye – Photo by Brian Graves
Skillfully helmed by Ann Hearn Tobolowsky, SLEEPING GIANT explores a surreal world, a world in which monsters exist and must be appeased. Slowly but surely, any humans in the neighborhood fall under its spell as they desperately attempt to allay their fear of the unknown. The actors caught up in the monstrous web have a scary-merry (and very active) time showing how regular folks are changed by the experience as they become immersed in it, try to avoid it, or simply run for their lives.
Eric Patrick Harper, Andrea Flowers, and Justin Lawrence Barnes – Photo by Brian Graves
Katrina Coulourides’ set design – especially with the aid of Ben Rock’s projection design – creates a peaceful environment just waiting for something to happen. Derrick McDaniels’ lighting and David B. Marling’s sound keep the reminding us of the ghastly just around the corner. Audiences should get ready to chuckle, but also tremble, as the tale progresses. After all, monsters are born inside each of us.
Andrea Flowers, Justin Lawrence Barnes, and Eric Patrick Harper – Photo by Brian Graves
SLEEPING GIANT runs through February 23, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Road Theatre is located in the NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. Tickets are $39 ($25 seniors, $17 students). For information and reservations, call 818-761-8838 or go online.
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