SHE KILLS MONSTERS: McNally High School

Read the Top 5 Reviews! All reviews are written by high school students in the Edmonton and surrounding area.

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By Kornelia Teresinska

St.Oscar Romero High School

From its first dice roll to its final boss battle, McNally’s production of She Kills Monsters was a bold, emotional journey through fantasy, grief, and self-discovery. With no  microphones, student-built sets, and a whole lot of heart, this show wasn’t just  impressive—it resonated deeply with its audience. 

She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen follows Agnes Evans as she uncovers the secret world of  her late sister, Tilly, through a homemade Dungeons & Dragons campaign. As Agnes enters  the game, she meets monsters, warriors, and truths she never expected—about identity,  loss, and who her sister really was. With its unique blend of fantasy and emotional weight,  the play continues to resonate with young performers and audiences for its humor, heart,  and heroic storytelling. 

One of the biggest standouts of McNally’s production was its student-built set—especially  the massive 20-sided die, designed and constructed over seven months by Simon Ross.  Combined with fog effects and flashing lights, the set transported audiences into an  immersive D&D world. A ’90s-inspired soundtrack kept the energy high and added a  nostalgic flair to the show’s quest-like vibe. 

At the heart of the cast was Chester Garett as Tilly/Tillius the Paladin, who brought a  compelling mix of strength, vulnerability, and just the right touch of sass. Their  performance was layered and moving, leaving more than a few audience members in  tears. Dominic Pizzolato also stood out as Chuck Biggs, the eccentric Dungeon Master.  With sharp comedic timing and magnetic presence, he lit up every scene he was in— especially a hilariously awkward fight scene with Miles, Agnes’s boyfriend, that had the  audience in stitches. Meanwhile, Ari Mitchell turned the role of Steve into an unexpected  highlight—bringing laugh-out-loud delivery and a presence that made the character a true  fan favourite. These performances, while unfolding in different parts of the story, each  brought something vital, anchoring the production with humour, emotion, and  authenticity. 

On the technical side, the show was a showcase of student talent and creativity. Nearly all  the costumes—about 90 percent—were designed and made by Grade 10 students,  featuring seamless quick changes and clever fantasy transformations. Ezra Fuellbrandt,  who led costuming and makeup, deserves major credit for pulling together a cohesive and  striking look across the show. His choices made the characters even more vivid and  expressive than they already were. Puppet design, led by Sophie Eyo, introduced robotic creatures that added both humour and depth to the fantasy world. Even the fight 

choreography was entirely student-created, bringing high-energy, visually exciting combat  to the stage and elevating the show’s action. 

McNally’s, She Kills Monsters wasn’t just a school play—it was a high-level production  bursting with creativity and heart. With standout performances, inventive design, and  meaningful storytelling, the show left its audience laughing, cheering, and maybe even  crying. It was a critical hit in every sense and a testament to what high school theatre can  achieve when driven by student passion and creativity.

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By Valerie Sacramento

Holy Trinity High School

Laced all throughout McNally High School’s production of the dramatic comedy She Kills Monsters is an undeniable sense of passion and heart. Inspecting each and every facet of the show, painstaking effort and attention to detail is showcased. As viewers roll out of the theatre, what they come out with in tow is an unforgettable experience of heroic inspiration.

She Kills Monsters tells the tale of Agnes Evans as she explores the mystical imaginative world of her recently deceased younger sister Tilly in her personal Dungeons & Dragons module. Along her journey she’s faced with countless battles, both externally and internally as she discovers sides of her sister completely unknown to her. Witnessing each escapade unfold, the audience is sure to experience uproarious laughter, enthralling action, and touching moments within this story of grieving and self-acceptance.

Within the cast there is no shortage of talent, with the play carefully rehearsed for a total of a whopping seven months collectively, the dedication is evident. Charisma and chemistry oozes out from each and every actor’s interactions with one another. A particularly captivating character among the ensemble was none other than the gruesome Lilith/meek Lily, played by Lexie Richards. The striking dichotomy between the bold persona of Lilith, and the passive nature of Lily is expertly balanced. Watching fights unfold upon the stage, there isn’t an area scarce of visual interest. Even as enemies stand idly, character radiates from each and every blow dealt. Countless laughs were joyously drawn out to the credit of the multitude of comical character interactions. The character of Steve, played by Ari Mitchell, skillfully highlights the unpredictable nature and humour that can be sourced from Dungeons & Dragons, as well as the play itself. Their sudden entrances followed by the signature out of tune trumpet, followed by a violent hasty death left viewers hysterical, truly a blessing upon the stage.

The technical aspects of the show masterfully compliment the ensemble. Fantastical set pieces courtesy of the student-led set team, brought the space together as viewers first lay eyes on the stage. As lights would dim, only the glow of the gigantic dice, created by Simon Ross, would be visible, adding to an otherworldly feel as scenes transitioned into the D&D world. A particularly eye-catching set piece was the sick edgy throne Orcus, played by Quintin Harley-Hicks, sat upon, as his introductory scene opened. In terms of lighting, primarily the use of colour established the tone for scenes, conveying moods and setting expertly. Each character sports gorgeous costumes with the efforts of the costuming and makeup team, who worked tirelessly to create clothes fit for quick changes, as well as the swift application of make-up for character switching between fantasy and reality. The hard work of Sophie Eyo, a puppet master is apparent as Agnes, played by Garcie Weber, initiates the final battle with the five-headed dragon Tiamate, represented by the hand-crafted gigantic dragon puppets. As the beast entered the LED-lit eyes glowed ominously, making for an unforgettable entrance when coupled with various special effects and sound. The artistry behind each decision made is nothing short of magical.

Each talented individual of McNally truly pulled together to create a whimsical experience, consisting of hearty laughs, gripping action, and breathtaking technical components. Critically succeeding in transporting the audience into the immersive world of Dungeons & Dragons.

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By Syenne Ko

Archbishop MacDonald High School

Humorous, heartfelt, and nostalgic, McNally High School delivers a captivating rendition of She Kills Monsters, proving their undeniable talent. Their production expertly balances moments of loss and acceptance with thrilling monster battles, immersing the audience in the dynamic contrast between reality and the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons.

She Kills Monsters, a dramatic comedy by Qui Nguyen, premiered in 2011. Set in Ohio in the 1990s, the story follows high schooler Agnes Evans as she copes with the loss of her younger sister, Tilly. Seeking to understand Tilly better, Agnes delves into her sister’s D&D campaign, embarking on a compelling journey of self-discovery, epic battles, and emotional revelations.

McNally’s cast infused the production with humor, heart, and energy at every turn. Gracie Weber, as Agnes Evans, was a delight to watch, skillfully portraying Agnes’s transformation from a reserved individual into a courageous and perceptive adventurer. Chester Garrett (Tilly/Tillius the Paladin) filled the theater with raw emotion, bringing depth to their performance. Another standout was Lexie Richards (Lilith/Lily), who added impressive dimension to both roles—portraying Lilith as fierce and commanding while giving Lily a more reserved presence. McNally’s cast delivered a thrilling and memorable performance.

Behind the scenes, the impeccable crew brought the world of dragons and demons to life. The costume department expertly balanced the fashion of 1990s America with the fantastical attire of mythical creatures, ensuring authenticity on both fronts. The lighting department played a crucial role in enhancing the emotional depth of each scene. A true highlight was the frightening puppet dragon—a multi-headed creation with glowing eyes, crafted by Sophie Eyo. Another standout was the glow-in-the-dark dice on the stage, perfectly capturing the essence of playing D&D. The dedication and artistry of McNally’s crew were evident in every detail, making for a seamless and impactful show.

McNally High School’s production of She Kills Monsters took the audience on an emotional roller coaster, filling the stage with excitement, heart, and an enthralling presence that was impossible to ignore!

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By Sydney Boisvert

Louis St.Laurent High School

Have you ever imagined slaying dragons, battling demons, and confronting the monsters within us? In McNally High School’s production of She Kills Monsters, you are taken along an epic quest filled with emotion, laughter, and imagination. From the first scene, the audience was swept into a whirlwind of fantasy and deep human connection. This production skillfully balanced heart-wrenching drama with laugh-out-loud comedy, offering a powerful portrayal of grief, identity, and sisterhood. Overall, it was a thoughtful, funny, and visually captivating experience brought to life by a passionate and talented cast and crew. 

She Kills Monsters, written by Qui Nguyen, tells the story of Agnes Evans, a young woman struggling to cope with the sudden death of her younger sister, Tilly. After discovering Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, Agnes embarks on a journey through the fantasy world her sister created, coming to understand Tilly in ways she never had the chance to while she was alive. Through encounters with gelatinous cubes, evil cheerleaders, and the five-headed dragon Tiamat, Agnes gradually pieces together the truth about her sister’s life, her identity, and the bond they shared. The play cleverly shifts between reality and the imagined D&D world, weaving together humour and heartbreak equally. 

The emotional depth of the show relied heavily on strong performances from the lead actors, particularly Chester Garrett as Tilly Evans/Tillius the Paladin. Garrett moved seamlessly between the character’s steely confidence in the fantasy world and the vulnerabilities of a teenager struggling with acceptance and isolation. Their performance was both commanding and deeply moving.

Complementing them beautifully was Gracie Weber as Agnes Evans, who portrayed the arc of a sister rediscovering love and understanding with heartfelt sincerity. Weber’s portrayal was grounded and powerful, effectively showcasing Agnes’s transformation from passive to passionate. Dominic Pizzolato’s comedic timing as Chuck Biggs brought much-needed levity to the story. Their charming awkwardness and geeky enthusiasm consistently had the audience laughing. Leith Porter’s portrayal of Miles, the well-meaning but slightly clueless boyfriend, was well executed. Porter embraced the jock stereotype with humor, making them a standout comedic foil. Together, Pizzolato and Porter provided a brilliant contrast to the more dramatic scenes, keeping the show balanced and energetic. 

The technical elements of the production were equally impressive. The lighting design, expertly handled by Ryder Popowich, Jackson Stokke, and Owen Mullen, played a crucial role in distinguishing between the real world and the fantasy realm. Sharp transitions and thoughtful colour choices enhanced the mood and made the narrative shifts seamless for the audience. The costumes, designed by Ezra Fuellbrandt and Myra Dawnay, effectively reflected both the 90s setting and the imaginative D&D world, ranging from carefully thought-out casual attire to elaborate armour and fantasy garments. Each costume was detailed, grounding the characters in their respective worlds. Another major highlight was the meticulously designed puppet of Tiamat, the five-headed dragon. Sophie Eyo, who designed and coached cast members to operate the creature, deserves immense praise for their craftsmanship and puppetry, which created a dramatic climax that was visually stunning.

In the end, McNally High School’s She Kills Monsters was more than just a student play; it was a labour of love, creativity, and collaboration. With a strong cast, clever comedic moments, impressive technical design, and an emotionally resonant story, the production delivered an unforgettable theatrical journey. Whether you are a D&D fan or simply love good storytelling, this show was a critical hit worth celebrating.

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By Finn Dione

Morinville Community High School

Fantasy worlds and stories are a very common form of escape for many people, teenagers going through the motions of high school especially. She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen is a key example of this, following the story of Agnes Evans grieving over the death of her younger sister, Tilly. During this time, Agnes finds a notebook of Tilly’s about the action filled and adventurous imaginary world of Dungeons and Dragons. While immersing herself in the fantastical world of dragons and elves, she learns of the struggles Tilly faced, like bullying, and exploring her sexuality, but she also learns of the things and meets the people Tilly loved and connected with. 

McNally High School’s rendition of the play encapsulates a side of each character in such a unique and beautiful way, it’s hard not to love every bit of the show. From the incredibly talented and hardworking cast, to the unique and punk-esque sound scape, to the breathtaking design of the set, there isn’t a single thing from this production that was ignored. 

A special stand-out from this show was the portrayal of disability. The mystique elf, Kaliope, and real world counterpart, Kelly, who is written to have Cerebral Palsy, played by Anna Friere-Gibb, does an incredible job of playing a physically disabled character. By seeing the way she acts and moves on stage, it’s immediately apparent that there was no lack of delicate care and research for the character. 

Another actor to mention is Chester Garrett, who portrays rambunctious and awkwardly-social Tilly, delivers a performance so raw and convincing, it left audience members wondering if he was really acting at all. 

There’s one thing that any fantastical world needs, and that is dragons. With the beautifully crafted puppets, hand made by the incredibly talented and passionate Sophie Eyo, there’s not one scene of this show that gets dull. A huge highlight of this show was seeing the uniquely made dragon puppets throughout the last few scenes. The amount of detail and care put into creating, handling, and operating these puppets was truly amazing, and something that audience members will remember for years to come.

Possibly one of the most impressive parts of this show was the intricate and unique costuming of every character. With costume pieces being hand-sewn by grade ten students, there aren’t enough words in the world to describe the talents of the heads of the costume department; Ezra Fuellbrandt and Myra Dawnay. 

Of course there’s one special part of this show that can’t be left out, the character of Steve played by Ari Mitchell. Showing up at the best times as comedic relief, Ari does an incredible job of playing to be comedic without ever getting dull. 

With all that being said, there’s no shortage of talent and dedication that could go unnoticed in this show, and it is an experience that not one audience will forget due to how hard this cast and crew worked for their show.