Rolling a Nat 20: She Kills Monsters Casts a Critical Hit at the Ritz

by Mike McKeon

Anyone remotely interested, as well as those with no interest at all in D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) needs to see this show.  As a slight D&D “geek” myself I would be lying if I said I haven’t been excitedly awaiting She Kills Monsters.  Just the idea of the show sounded fun to me as I tried to imagine different ways how anyone could bring D&D to life on stage. I must say, Ritz Theatre Company in Haddon Township, NJ went far beyond my imagination and their production of She Kills Monsters directed by Roberta Curless was exceptional from start to finish.  

As soon as we arrived at the theater the excitement began. Starting with a chance to roll a d20, a 20-sided die, for free admission if you rolled a natural 20, in D&D jargon, “Nat 20”.   I enjoyed watching others in line get excited for their turn to roll.  It was one of many little details Ritz added to really immerse you into the D&D environment.  Including hosting Top Deck Games from Cherry Hill NJ in their gallery where they normally display artwork from local artists.  

The stage was beautiful with two rows of pillars surrounding a hexagon of the same size and material representing a d20. The lighting was even more impressive. The lighting was used in many clever ways. For example, the giant hexagon in the center of the stage had alternating lights on either side to distinguish from when we were in real life versus in the D&D world the DM was creating.  The light design was important to help tell the story and understand what was happening on stage as scene changes happened very quickly.  Credit for the set design and light is given to Jen Donsky (Lighting & Set Designer), Seth Chaffin (Master Builder), and Brian Gensel (Master Electrician). The set design gave plenty of room for fight scenes consisting of at least 6 performers on stage at a time.  Much credit is given to the Fight Directors Sean McGarry and Dominic Ciarrocchi.  I don’t remember how many fight scenes there were, but each one was more entertaining than the last, keeping the audience very engaged.  During these great fight scenes you could hear sounds of clashing blades, while intense music played in the background pulling you even further into the D&D world. This can be credited to the great sound design by Brian Gensel.

The show starts with a narrator explaining the death of Tilly (Abby-Jeanne) and Agnes (Christie Heimback Pietrzak) family and why Agnes finds herself sorting through Tilly’s personal things.  The live narration was a great touch that came back into play multiple times throughout the night.  We first meet Agnes (Pietrzak) seeking more information about D&D from Chuck (Relena Kiser) who we later find out was friends with Agnes’ late sister Tilly.  Chuck is a high school “geek” and a passionate DM. (A Dungeon Master is the game organizer, storyteller, and referee who controls all aspects of the world, including non-player character (NPC), monsters, and environmental challenges.)  The DM guides the narrative, interprets rules, and reacts to player choices to create a shared interactive adventure. Kiser does an amazing job of portraying exactly that!  Kiser’s comedic timing with immature comments to Agnes perfectly paired with the more serious scenes when Kiser must be direct and stern while keeping up both the integrity of the game and Agnes. Pietrzak did a phenomenal job allowing Agnes to get emotionally involved with the "figment" of Tilly then quickly switching to reality that this is all pretend - not an easy thing to do.

Once Chuck and Agnes begin playing D&D we are introduced to their adventuring party, the team of players involved in the game. Kaliope (Allie Coeby) Lilith (Katie Cannon), and shortly after Orcus (Peter Hoefler).  The last party member we meet is Tilly (Abby-Jeanne) who Agnes has trouble telling is really her sister or just a memory. Abby-Jeanne had the perfect "tough guy" attitude matched with the grace a Paladin needs in D&D and a softness that made us fall in love with Tilly. Coeby portrayed an Elf and Cannon a Demon Queen, both fit the part wonderfully with their attitude and physical presence on stage.  Coeby was excellent with her bow & arrow work as well as featuring the almost robotic emotionless quirk of an Elf. Cannon beautifully flip-flopped between badass Demon Queen and sweet, shy high school student. Hoefler was a demon overlord that holds on the lost souls. Since he lost Tilly’s soul he was forced to join the party to help return it. Hoefler provided great comic relief throughout their adventure. Upon meeting these characters, you can tell how much passion was put into the show because the costumes were spot on.  Costume design is credited to Megan Iafolla  and she did an amazing job emulating the D&D world. 

As the game begins the party is attacked by a troop of “Bugbears” (D&D creatures) and the ensuing fight was so much fun to watch.  Coeby convincingly shot and struck her enemies with her bow and arrows.  Cannon and Hoefler used their brute strength to defeat their enemies with clubs and axes. While Abby-Jeane used their paladin healing powers to revive Pietrzak because her character was downed while trying to learn how to play.  The ensemble of bugbears consisted of other performers playing other parts during the show including Shaun Grace, Caren Bermudez, Matt Johnston, Kelsey Brooks, and Haley Hartline.  Their fight work was just as impressive and entertaining as the lead roles.  Grace later playing the “Gelatinous Cube” and Bermudez the third dragon boss in the D&D world was fun and both costumes were great.  Grace also played Miles, Agnes’ boyfriend and Bermudez played Vera, Agnes’ best friend. Brooks and Hartline later portrayed Evil Gabby and Evil Tina respectfully, two cheerleader succubae who torment Tilly in real life and in the game.  Each performer wore many hats in their roles, but at no point was I confused about who was who. For example, Brooks also killed it as Farrah (the fairy) who brought charm, hilarity and chaos to the stage. Another example of how beautifully the lighting design was able to bounce back and forth. When Farrah was sweet and cute the lighting was light and airy, when Farrah was angry and mean it turned red and disastrous.

The last D&D world character we meet was my absolute favorite and that was Steve the Mage played by Matt Johnston, who also played the real life version of Steve.  Johnston did a great job keeping up the energy of excited yet naive Steve, even though most scenes ended with one of Steve’s hilarious downfalls.  This character really helped show the chaotic, unpredictable side of D&D and what makes it so much fun to play.  The show ran for 1 hour and 50 minutes, and it seamlessly flew by. A large part of that is credited to the very talented Stage Manager David Mooney-Todd and his Assistant Stage Managers Sammi Coyle and Allen Jay.  Scene changes flowed quickly and accurately allowing us to stay in the moment. Also I cannot forget to mention properties by Tracy Jones and Puppetry Consultant & Coach Steven Brandt. They collaborated to make for an amazing final fight between the whole party and a 5 headed dragon.  It was beautiful to watch.  Another small detail added by properties I loved was that as Agnes progressed through the game and her real life grief with the loss of her family, she “leveled up”.  Meaning she gained experience in the game. But as this happened every time you saw Agnes she was wielding better, more advanced equipment in the form of sword and shield. Showing her growth and preparedness to confront both the D&D world along with the real world.  

I urge you to go see this show at Ritz Theatre Company in Haddonfield.  It is fun and immersive. Even if you know nothing about D&D it tells a beautiful story about the importance of connecting with loved ones to grow yourself and your relationships while also not forgetting to live in the moment. You can get your tickets at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/RitzTheatreCo/6520 until March 29^th.