She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition
at Godinez Fundamental

Reviewed on October 18, 2019

Ryan Puterbaugh
Beckman
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies

Adventure awaits at Godinez Fundamental's 'She Kills Monsters'
written by Ryan Puterbaugh, a senior at Beckman High School

Many siblings find it difficult in life to understand each other fully. After a tragic car accident kills her sister Tilly, Agnes Evans seeks to understand her by playing through a personalized Dungeons and Dragons campaign that Tilly had crafted from her own real-world experiences. In Godinez Fundamental High School's production of "She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition," the power of understanding and acceptance overcomes the superficial barriers between siblings and individuals.


In particular, Sofia Barrows as Tilly Evans, a.k.a. Tillius the Paladin, is confident and courageous in the game, but meek and vulnerable in the flashbacks before her death. Barrows completely changes her physicality to embody this difference: She clutches her sword firmly and freely when fighting monsters, but she clutches herself timidly and tightly when being bullied by cheerleaders Gabbi and Tina (Lucia Briseno and Isabella Perez, respectively). These two also successfully capture the exaggerated, evil versions of themselves in the game, where they appear as some of the fiercest monsters that even Tillius dares not fight. Briseno and Perez speak and laugh evilly in unison, making their peppy cheerleader spirit creepy and unnerving.

Judith Gomez as Kaliope/Kelly completely transforms herself for each role. As Kelly, she and her disabled limbs scramble on crutches almost erratically, cracking jokes the whole time. As Kaliope the Dark Elf, however, she is stoic and resolute, but still leaning on a staff, and her humor is drier and subtler. These choices demonstrate that someone's outward appearance does not always reflect their true personality.

All of the action is set to thrilling choreography, from stage combat to an actual dance battle. It is inventive and precise, as both fights and dances feature quick movements, such as sword swings and falls.

The show also features beautifully made props, especially the five heads of the Tiamat, a powerful evil dragon, all painted different colors but with a uniform, sturdy frame. Farrah the Fairy (Luz Robles) carries a large, intimidating hammer made from styrofoam.

In Godinez Fundamental's "She Kills Monsters," understanding and love overcome ignorance and hate.

Lauren Lee
University
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Choose your own adventure in Godinez Fundamental's ‘She Kills Monsters'
written by Lauren Lee, a senior at University High School

Cheerleaders and jocks meet elves and monsters in Godinez Fundamental's action packed production of "She Kills Monsters," which follows the story of Agnes, a curious girl who recruits a dungeon master to uncover secrets of her deceased sister. Through her battle filled adventure, Agnes learns to accept her grief and carry on the messages of friendship and tolerance she acquires in the fantasy game.

Lex Verdayes, playing the aloof Agnes Evans, wonderfully carries the story as she desperately seeks to understand her sister's life. Agnes starts her virtual journey after she stumbles across Chuck Biggs (Diego Gonzales), the affable, geeky Dungeons and Dragons fanatic who hilariously blurts out sexual innuendos and guides Agnes in her journey that ultimately connects her to her sister, Tilly.

Agnes also encounters two sword-wielding allies, Kaliope (Judith Gomez) and Lilith (Damarius Rivas-Martinez) who aid Agnes in her battles and also give her a glimpse of what Tilly's real friends were like. Gomez mutters her lines and sulks around with hunched shoulders, while Rivas-Martinez struts around stage in skin tight, risqué clothing with her hands on hips; both bring out the absurdity of the magical characters brought to the stage.

Celso Porron, as Steve, brings a pop of comedic light to the show as he bounces on stage with flailing arms and questionable statements. Luz Robles, plays Farrah the Fairy, who's high pitched, bubbly tone is contradicted as she runs on stage carrying a hammer twice her size.

The show's use of props wonderfully highlight the show's battle scenes and story telling. In Agnes' last battle, several dragon heads of varying colors swarm onto stage and pester Agnes until she kills them off.

Sound, executed by Oscar Mateo and Richard Peralta, also supplements the story by creating atmospheres that help indicate the real world versus the game world. From the use of retro 90's music and intense scene change, to the familiar Stranger Things theme, the music sets the mood for the show and highlights the action taking place.

Godinez Fundamental's performance of "She Kills Monsters" communicates real issues and societal expectations in a captivating story of adventure and awareness, set to entertain just about anyone with an interest in gaming and fantasy.

Bella Kelso
Beckman
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Godinez Fundamental slays "She Kills Monsters"
written by Bella Kelso, a senior at Beckman High School

Agnes Evans, an average high school girl, does not quite understand her geeky younger sister Tilly, an avid Dungeons and Dragons master. It isn't until she loses her sister to a car crash, that she decides to throw herself into Tilly's world of D&D in effort to try and better understand her sister.

Agnes (Lex Verdayes) is a grounded, ordinary girl, who exemplifies all aspects of regular teenage life. It isn't until she meets the outgoing Chuck Biggs (Diego Gonzalez), full of bursts of energy and immature comments, that she is introduced to her sister's magical world.

Tilly, played by Sofia Barrows, emerges as a leader in the game, standing like a warrior as she confidently places her hands on her hips and strides forward, led by her heart. She exudes strength and confidence as she expertly handles her sword, skillfully attacking any monsters that get in their way. Verdayes and Barrows bring out the best in each other, sharing sincere smiles and hugs as they experience the highs and lows of their journey.

Another member of the D&D team is Lilith/Lilly (Damaris Rivas-Martinez), who commands the stage with an aggressive voice, which she uses to make jabs at Agnes, and a tall stance, with her chin held high. In the real world, Lilly is a shy, hesitant girl, who finds comfort in silence and avoiding eye contact. With distinct differences between her real and game personalities, Rivas-Martinez highlights how D&D's accepting nature makes it the perfect avenue for escape, not only for Tilly but for Agnes as well.

Characterization is expertly reflected through costumes, where characters such as Tilly and Lilith are dressed in tight, dark clothes, similar to warriors in combat, and the other players are clad in medieval, colorful looks. The characters in the real world are dressed plainly to reflect the setting of ordinary Ohio, using denims and plain colors.

The props team uses nuanced and unique elements to add to the setting of their game-world, such as the larger-than-life hammer, created to look like stone, which is used to smash the innocent Steve (Celso Porron). The dragon heads that make up Tiamat are each painted colorfully to represent the elements of nature.

Filled with epic battles and heartwarming moments, 'She Kills Monsters' tells the story of the trials and tribulations of growing up and coping with grief.