Nov. 1, 2023

Contact Benjamin Gonzales at 608-796-3791 or bmgonzales@viterbo.edu

VITERBO UNIVERSITY CONSERVATORY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS TO PRESENT SHE KILLS MONSTERS AT THE WEBER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS NOV. 17–19

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts will present the poignant comedy She Kills Monsters Friday, Nov. 17–Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Weber Center for the Performing Arts.

Written by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen, She Kills Monsters is both an action-packed adventure into the world of fantasy role-playing games and a touching journey of personal discovery. After losing her parents and little sister Tilly to a fatal car accident, Agnes Evans discovers a Dungeons & Dragons module written by the younger Evans. The sisters had not been close because of their very different interests, so to learn more about Tilly, Agnes embarks on her own adventure with the help of Dungeon Master Chuck in playing the game as Tilly designed. As Agnes delves deeper into her quest, the fantasy world and reality begin to collide and mix as she strives to connect with Tilly and realizes how much of her sister she never knew.

“It’s a very funny play with amazing characters, frightening creatures, and beautiful, touching moments between sisters that will make people cry,” said Benjamin Gonzales, the Viterbo faculty member who is directing the production. “Audience members will laugh hard and feel deeply.”

Set in 1995, She Kills Monsters is full of homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ’90s pop culture as it pays exciting homage to the geek and warrior within everyone.

“There are 12 highly choreographed fight sequences,” Gonzales said. “I think people will really enjoy the idea of getting lost into a different world they don’t fully understand and a story that is just fun.”

This production of She Kills Monsters stars Viterbo students Ryan Dettbarn as Agnes, Anna Martinson as Tilly, and Isaac Knutson as Chuck. Joie Steele is the stage manager, Jen Brown is the costume designer, and Shea Grande is the hair and makeup designer.

She Kills Monsters is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17–18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Tickets are $25, plus taxes and fees. For more information or to order tickets, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/tickets.

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