For a long time, LIL has been obsessed with fighting, and one fighter in particular: her older brother BIG, an aging but successful figure in the local Mixed Martial Arts circuit. But she’s been doing it all from afar…until one day when she decides to show up on his doorstep. The Monsters is a sibling love story about reunions, resentment, reconnection, and wrestling with demons.
“The Stage meets the Squared Circle; the Octagon, in this dazzlingly original mash-up of forms,” says Artistic Director Justin Waldman. “One of the most thrilling and necessary theatre artists working today, Ngozi Anyanwu has created a new paradigm, where the emotional and physical each pack a visceral punch. Originally commissioned by Two River and developed between rehearsal halls and MMA gyms, The Monsters promises to be a first of its kind theatrical experience. We are so proud to partner with the venerable Manhattan Theatre Club to first present this World Premiere in Red Bank to our Two River community before it heads Off-Broadway. Buckle up!”
The cast features Aigner Mizzelle, (as LIL) and Okieriete Onaodowan (as BIG). Mizzelle, a NYC-based multi-hyphenate creative, who originated the role of Latrice in Douglas Lyons’ Chicken & Biscuits on Broadway, as LIL. Her work in nicHi douglas’ (pray) earned her a Lucille LortelAward. Okieriete Onaodowan, a Grammy Award-winning stage, film, and television actor known for his acclaimed performances on Broadway, including originating the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Hamilton.
The creative team includes Author and Director Ngozi Anyanwu, Choreographer Rickey Tripp, Scenic Designer Andrew Boyce, Costume Designer Mika Eubanks, Lighting Designer Cha See, Sound Designer/Composer Mikaal Sulaiman, MMA Consultant Sijara “Sarj” Eubanks, Fight Director Gerardo “Gerry” Rodriguez, casting by The Telsey Office, additional casting by Caparelliotis Casting & Kelly Gillespie, Stage Manager AK Howard and Assistant Stage Manager Alexus Jade Coney.
