Theater Review - Not-so-sweet dreams

Art Within’s Sleepwalking, having its world premiere at the 14th Street Playhouse, intends to sweep its audience away in a stream of consciousness. The central character, Thomas (Thad Persons), is in a coma, reliving moments of his life in a nonlinear, cinematically structured way. The flashbacks reveal the drunk driving accident that landed him in the hospital, how Thomas’ daughter’s death led to the accident, and more moments from his life.

First presented by Art Within as a staged reading in June 1999, Sleepwalking features Elizabeth Diane Wells as Thomas’ wife, as well as Jon Williams, Jackie Prucha, Dennis Nelson and child actors Lauren Burton and Molly Taylor. Playwright Sean Gaffney is the author of 11 plays, including a stage version of H.G. Wells’ The Island of Dr. Moreau, and has seen his work produced nationwide as well as in Spain and Japan.

Art Within artistic director Bryan Coley, who directs the show, believes that Gaffney’s close-up view of one tragedy can facilitate the grieving process in others. “I believe this show can bring hope to anyone who has ever lost a loved one,” remarked Coley.

Sleepwalking plays through April 8 at the 14th Street Playhouse, 173 14th St., with performances at 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. and 5 p.m. Sun. $18-20. Call 404-733-5000.??