TOLEDO – An Issue Box Theater production, She Kills Monsters, a drama comedy based around the cult classic tabletop game Dungeons and Dragons, premieres at the University of Toledo this weekend.
The play, written by Qui Nguyen, weaves together fantasy action alongside a heartfelt coming-of-age storyline as Agnes Evans (played by Mikayla Trimpey) tries to reconnect with her deceased sister, Tilly Evans (played by Marian Marlatt).
Agnes embarks on an exploration of a D&D storyline that her sister made before her passing; however, as Agnes progresses in her storyline, it becomes clear that there was much more to her sister than she previously knew.
Held at the University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium, the story will utilize a state-of-the-art projector roof and surround sound to bring an immersive experience to the audience as the actors surround them.
“We venture into the center aisle a lot, which is fun,” Trimpey said. “It’ll be interesting in that it’s not a traditional proscenium style.”
She Kills Monsters is also the directorial debut for Riley Runnells. She has been in the field mostly as a choreographer in the production teams before, but this story puts her at the helm.
“I’m very excited about this show; it’s very special in the sense that our audience will leave with such a poignant message” Runnells said. “It deals with grief, love, loss and many other heavy themes, but it’s told through a lens that is easily relatable and digestible for most ages and audiences to enjoy.”
The play will premiere at University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium on Sept. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and on September 21 at 2:30 p.m. To purchase tickets for the event, visit the Issue Box Theatre website.
TFP photos by Quinn Cooper
