Photographed for the UCM Department of Theatre & Dance
UCM Theatre & Dance’s October 2024 production of She Kills Monsters offered a thrilling blend of emotional depth, geek culture homage, and stagecraft mastery, leaving Warrensburg audiences both entertained and moved.
Direction & Choreography
Under Dr. Aaron Scully’s direction, who also served as fight choreographer, the production embraced the show’s physicality with precision and flair. The highly staged combat sequences, where Tilly (Raegan Weber) and her sister Agnes (Alannah Trigg) battle an assortment of monsters, showcased tightly coordinated timing and impressive energy. For many cast members, the physical challenge was fresh territory, yet the results were polished and intense.
Thematic Resonance
The dual worlds of reality and Tilly’s D&D realm were navigated with both humor and heart. Agnes’s journey to connect with her late sister through Tilly’s notebook revealed layers of grief, regret, and sisterly love, anchored by clear character arcs. The script’s queer themes and coming-out storyline resonated powerfully without being reduced to mere messaging.
Technical Design
A standout element was the integration of animation and projections, like the slick animated intro depicting the family’s crash and the bold backdrops for dragon fights. These elements dramatically elevated the show’s fantasy realm. Costuming further distinguished real-world and fantasy, with characters like Miles in everyday flannel contrasted against elves and demon warriors in vibrant, pleather-laced garb.
Final Verdict
UCM’s She Kills Monsters achieved more than just spectacle, it forged emotional connections, celebrated diversity, and showcased ambitious staging. For fans of theatrical combat, heartfelt drama, or D&D-inspired fantasy, this production was a vivid testament to UCM Theatre & Dance’s talent and vision.
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All photos © Andrew Mather | UCM Department of Theatre & Dance
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