Review: SHE KILLS MONSTERS Is Unexpected

I have to be honest. When I was invited to review SHE KILLS MONSTERS at Theatre Downtown I really didn't want to go. I know nothing about Dungeons & Dragons and I don't play video games. I asked my son, a former professional gamer who has traveled the world to represent the USA in competitions, to accompany me so he could explain what was going on.

Although I loved his company, I didn't need him.

When I first walked into the theatre and saw the "blood" on the walls, I asked my son more about the game Dungeons & Dragons. As he told me about it and read me the director's notes that this was going to be a "wild, bloody ride," I wanted to leave.

I am glad I didn't.

I have to say that this is not a show for everyone, but I liked it much more than I thought I would. It is funny, has some really nice acting, and has a point to make. I am so glad that I was invited and made the time to see this interesting play.

Sisters Agnes and Tilly are played by Erin Williams and Leah Hudspeth, respectively. Both are natural and engaging. Ms. Hudspeth in particular has the sort of stage presence that makes it hard to watch anyone else while she is on stage, but I must say she was up there with a lot of other very talented people.

There is quite a bit of fighting in this show, swords and fists. The fight choreography by director Hunter Brown is good, although it is hard to pull off some of the stunts in such close quarters with the audience so near. This group did as good a job as could be expected. The "blood" could have been left out, it malfunctioned at times, made us laugh at others. We got the gist without it.

The story has real depth and meaning, something I didn't expect. And the ultra-young cast has some really fine actors among the group. From some of the tired things I've seen around town lately, I hope to see more of these fresh-faced up and comers.

From the two sisters to the Dungeon Master played by Noah Duffy to the cheerleaders played by Travis Roddy and the ever effervescent Francis Pope, each person in the cast brought a significant piece to the "game". Katie Milligan and Jordan Fore are fun as characters in the game, but bring home the reason for such fantasies in their "real life" roles.

I figured on the way home we would be discussing D&D rules, but instead we were discussing how role-playing games are there for people to step out of their mundane lives and be heros. And isn't that what we actors are trying to do anyway?

If you want to see this interesting play call 205-565-8838 or go to www.theatredowntown.org.

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