Stony Brook University’s Pocket Theatre’s recent production of “She Kills Monsters” brought a captivating blend of fantasy, humor and heartfelt storytelling to the stage, leaving a lasting impression on audience members. Directed by Ariel Weber, a senior biochemistry major, the play was selected by the club for its powerful themes of siblinghood, grief, geek culture and strong femininity.
“It’s just such a fabulous story,” Weber said. “I didn’t think it did [that well] until everyone came up to me after the show and gave such positive responses.”
Written by Qui Nguyen, “She Kills Monsters” follows the journey of Agnes Evans, a high school teacher grappling with the sudden loss of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes discovers Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons campaign notebook, she embarks on a quest through her sister’s imaginary world, hoping to learn more about the sibling she never truly understood. The play interweaves real-life emotions with fantastical adventures, blending humor and action with undertones of love, loss and identity.
The story’s emotional depth struck a chord with many students involved in the production. Bella LeBlanc, a junior majoring in psychology and the assistant director of the production, highlighted the play’s exploration of grief, LGBTQ+ issues and sisterhood.
“A lot of the cast and crew are part of the LGBTQ+ community or have lost people that are close to them, so this story really hits home,” LeBlanc said.
For Sarah Perry, a freshman majoring in creative writing who played the lead role of Agnes, the production was an exciting yet challenging experience. Reflecting on her first read-through, Perry said, “I was really nervous at first, but as the story progressed, it just progressively got crazier and crazier, but like in the best way possible.”
Blair McGuire, a senior marine sciences major who is the assistant stage manager and president of Pocket Theatre, highlighted the emotional impacts of the play. “I love drama and emotional stories, and this play has it all. The blend of fantasy and real-life themes is just so powerful,” McGuire said.
McGuire also reflected on the immense logistical work that went into the production, which included handling the legal and administrative aspects of bringing “She Kills Monsters” to life. “Securing the license for a play like this is a bit of a challenge,” McGuire said. “It’s all about paperwork, timing and making sure you’re in the right place with the right permissions to bring these stories to life.”
The technical aspects of the play presented significant challenges in production. Weber explained how the team had to think outside the box to portray the monsters central to the story.
“We have these cardboard kobolds. We have people with fur jackets. It’s funny, and it’s charming,” Weber said. “That’s kind of the fun.”
Technical coordination was crucial during each performance. “We use these cool headsets to communicate with the crew during the show, which really helps keep everything running smoothly,” McGuire added.
The cast also had to learn new skills, including stage combat and choreography, to bring the action-packed story to the campus.
“I learned sword fighting for the play, which is a skill everyone should know,” Perry said with a laugh. She described the climactic battle against Tiamat (a five-headed dragon from Dungeons & Dragons, representing Tilly’s final adversary) as the most difficult yet rewarding scene to execute.
“The Tiamat fight scene was intense,” McGuire agreed. “There were so many moving parts, but seeing it come together was so rewarding.”
The 1990s aesthetic inspired by Dungeons & Dragons was central to the play’s charm. Jack Nause, a sophomore majoring in business management and the light board operator, explained how lighting techniques distinguished the real world from the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy realm.
“We used colored flood lights — more blue tones — to help show transitions between reality and the game,” Nause said. He added that the lighting design balanced the play’s comedic and dramatic elements, creating a more immersive experience.
The production’s costumes and set design also emphasized the era and fantasy themes. Grace Acero-Grant, a junior majoring in history and a lighting assistant, pointed out how audio brought the story to life.
“The sound and music really made a difference,” she said. “They added so much to the funny parts and made the serious moments hit harder. It helped tell the story in a really powerful way.”
Audience reactions were enthusiastic. Leah Schwarz, a senior double majoring in marine sciences and anthropology, was particularly drawn to the authenticity of the Dungeons & Dragons lore.
“[I’ve] played [Dungeons & Dragons] with the director, so it felt really special,” Schwarz said. “Seeing the characters and the costumes made it feel more real, like something I wish I could do in real life.”
Anthony Chavez, a senior majoring in astronomy/planetary sciences, praised the performances. “The way the main character is played feels so real. You could see this being an actual thing that happens in real life. It just felt genuine,” he said.
Alexandria Marhone, a senior majoring in atmospheric and oceanic sciences, appreciated the play’s take on nerd culture. “I loved how campy it was. Back in the [19]80s and 19]90s, nerds were looked down upon, and I think this play showed a different side. It’s just awkward and comedic, but in a really fun way.”
One of the most poignant moments in the play was Agnes’ heartfelt monologue about her sister.
“It’s meant to be almost like a warning to get to know the people in your life while you can,” Perry said. She hoped the scene’s emotional depth would resonate with viewers and inspire reflection.
For the cast and crew, “She Kills Monsters” was a labor of love and collaboration.
“We had rehearsals five times a week — almost every day,” McGuire said. “Everyone worked incredibly hard to bring this story to life.”
She also encouraged others to get involved in Pocket Theatre.
“We’re one of two theatre organizations on campus, and we usually produce pre-written plays like ‘She Kills Monsters,’ ‘Footloose’ and ‘Something Rotten!’ It’s so much fun. We hold open auditions and I’d definitely say, ‘Come and join us!’”
Perry reflected positively on the overall experience, saying, “This cast was one of the most incredible I’ve worked with. Everyone brought something unique and amazing.”
LeBlanc echoed Perry’s sentiments, adding, “They really gave it their all.”
As the final curtain fell, Pocket Theatre’s latest production left a lasting impression on performers and audiences alike, blending fantasy, humor and heartfelt emotion into an unforgettable experience.
