Written by orange• October 22, 2024• 12:04 am• fullerton, Fullerton Community College, Review, Theater, Uncategorized

She Kills Monsters @ Fullerton Community College – Review

Photo Credit: Sarah Naccarato

She Kills Monsters at Fullerton Community College, October 17 – 19, 2024.

Fullerton Community College presents She Kills Monsters, Qui Nguyen’s 2011 love letter to geeks, Dungeons & Dragons, and the LGBTQ community.

Story:

She Kills Monsters follows Agnes Evans, played by Nina Rae, an incredibly average girl who wishes her life was less average. She gets her wish, but not in the way she wants, as her family is killed in a tragic car crash, changing her life forever. While trying to cope with these horrible circumstances, Agnes discovers her sister Tilly’s (Bella Caspersen) private Dungeons & Dragons game, created before she died. Agnes goes on a journey in Tilly’s game to learn more about the sister she never had a chance to connect with when she was alive. I guess Agnes is no longer average, after all.

Set Design:

Director Michael Mueller recognized that this show has two parts: the imaginary world of Tilly’s game and the more grounded real world where Agnes resides when she’s not in the game. Using the actual stage for the imaginary world with a large rolling set piece, multiple dropped projections, and tasteful 3D graphics, Mueller and Scenic Designer Cari Noel take us on an exceptional ride into this DnD space.

The rest of the play takes place off the stage directly in front. The space is covered in cardboard boxes, and in the middle of the stage, a round wooden table is used for playing the game. Right off the stage is an office set. Separating the two spaces to create a difference was a fantastic idea that was executed quite well. However, while the stage is at eye level, the scenes off-stage are harder to see.

Tech Design:

Projections in theater are fantastic. You can do so many beautiful things to add something to your production. That being said, so many productions need to take the time to light them and present them well. Projection Designer Steffan Muntsinger’s projections looked so good, and near the end, there was a thrilling boss battle.

Acting:

This youthful cast was ideal for this story and largely delivered on my night.

Agnes may be average, but that doesn’t describe Nina Rae’s performance as we watch her battle her inner demons and those on the stage.

This is not your friendly neighborhood, Tinkerbell. Aravis Rey (Farrah) was there to kick some butt and does it in the most vicious way possible. Rumor has it she’s still kicking butt and taking names. That’s no dance. That was a real whip on stage, as she whips and snaps inches away from her costars, safely, of course, and in complete control.