'She Kills Monsters’ Seriocomic Blend of Fantasy and Reality

by Amber Rivard

“She Kills Monsters” leaves you with a mix of emotions – in a good way.

The 4C’s production of Qui Nguyen’s 2011 play is funny, yet deadly serious; heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Agnes is a teacher whose younger sister, Tilly, have been killed in a car accident. Agnes discovers Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook. In the notebook, Tilly has created her own fantasy world and, in the process, reveals things about herself that she kept secret from Agnes.

With the help of her sister’s friends, Agnes literally enters the world Tilly created. There, she is reunited with a version of her sister she never truly knew.

Lead actress Cara Girardi gives a compelling performance as Agnes, providing the emotional core of the production. Ari Lew, as Miles, Agnes’ boyfriend, delivers the most, and biggest, laughs. Everyone in the cast, however, is excellent. Also in the ensemble: Anna Josselyn, Dan Svirsky, Hannah Carrita, John Guptill, Ashley Scott-Sandagato, Maddie Pitts, Jacob Cardinal, Matthew Neal, Gwen Lyons, Savannah O’Brien, and Sail Fisichella Bower. 

Left: Agnes (Cara Girardi). Middle: Kaliope (Ashley Scott-Sandagato). Right: Orcus (Dan Svirsky)

Photo taken by Kendra Murphy

Directed by Holly Erin McCarthy, the show leaves you wondering what’s going to happen next. Amy Canaday’s costume designs imaginatively and convincing emphasize the differences between characters that inhabit the real world and the Tilly’s fantasy world.

Overall, “She Kills Monsters” is highly entertaining, whether characters are battling dragons or villains, having an epic dance competition, or saying goodbye in a way that makes you tear up.

At the same time, it deals with real-life circumstances related to grief, sexuality, bullying and other issues in ways that are thought-provoking and moving.

The show leaves you with a reminder that anyone can be going through silent battles and to check in on those you love.

The show continues at the Tilden Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays through April 23. To purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/she-kills-monsters-by-qui-nguyen-tickets-291298941977.

Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Around Campus, Events