Downey High School’s 'She Kills Monsters' is captivating and enticing

The cast of “She Killed Monsters,” playing at Downey High School for two final performances. (Courtesy DHS Theatre Department)

DOWNEY — The Downey High School Drama Department is presenting Obie winner Qui Nugyen’s play “She Killed Monsters” (2011). Final performances are Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 pm and Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 pm. This is something not to be missed.

The New York Times referred to it as a “deceptively breezy and somewhat ingenious comedy.”

Nugyen’s play is popular, especially with young people, and I have seen it a number of times. Producer and Director Chris Nelson brings the story to life in a way that is captivating and enticing.

The play takes place in 1996 in Athens, Ohio. Projections on back of the stage give us the settings. The stage itself is filled with simple actors blocks facilitating movement. Stage left and stage right are colorful murals painted by Columbus High School teacher Jennifer LaMar of Dungeons and Dragons maps that help the characters and the audience on this D&D quest. Nineties music is the soundtrack.

There is magic here in many ways. In the choreography by Kei’la Ryan that makes the actors movement clean and purposeful. The actors are confident in their swordplay and fight choreography by Patrick Vest. Regina Chavez’s costumes establish each of the characters.

Nelson places much of the action on the front of the stage making the story, dialogue, and the characters easy to follow.

Agnes Evans is a 25-year-old high school teacher who has lost her parents and younger sister, Tilly, in a car accident. Agnes, a bit of a conformist, was never close to Tilly. They lived in different worlds. Agnes loved everything trendy and 90’s pop culture. Tilly had no interest in that, but had a passion for writing and playing Dungeons and Dragons adventures with characters based on her friends giving them special powers.

Agnes is packing up Tilly's room before moving in with her boyfriend. She finds Tilly’s D&D journal and a strange map. With the help of Dungeon Master Chuck she plays the role playing game Tilly designed. The story takes place in reality and in the imaginary game world of D&D. Strong female characters are leaders wielding swords and defeating monsters and demons.

Fantasy and reality collide as Agnes realizes how much of her sister she never knew. Agnes discovers how Tilly struggled with her sexuality and also with being bullied.

These are amateur actors learning their craft. Some of them are on stage for the first time. But there are young actors I have watched over the years who have shown growth and are highlights.

Celine Bautista is in her breakout role as Tilly. It is the strongest performance in this play I have seen. She embodies Tilly with an honesty and truthfulness. We believe every word, smirk, and blow of the sword. That’s an accomplishment.

John Yabara is a young actor who shows growth in his role of Chuck, the Dungeon Master. He’s a funny guy.

Charlize Leslie-Barrera as Lilith has new strength as the statuesque supporter of Tilly.

Giselle Bispango as Kaliope takes risks that pay off in her leather clad dominatrix role. She says that when you're in a play, you "...step into another world and become someone else".

Melissa Flores as Evil Gabbi has a presence on stage that will serve her well.

Mayor Hector Sosa with cast members.

I was delighted to see Downey Mayor Hector Sosa and his wife in attendance, joining us in applauding all of those involved. A small gesture but one that shows support for these young people, their parents and families that have spent two months in preparation to share this experience. The arts bring communities together.

As a former school administrator with the Los Angeles County Office of Education I join with Nelson in applauding Downey High School Principal Tom Houts in his leadership, creativity and dedication to the entire DHS student body and especially the Theatre Department.

Congratulations to the entire cast.

Agnes Evans: Natalia Fabian
Tilly Evans: Celine June Bautista
Chuck: John Ybarra
Miles: Francisco Castellon
Lilith: Charlize Leslie-Barrera
Kaliope: Giselle Bispango
Orcus: Clemontay Montgomery
Vera: Naomi Calzadilla
Steve: Leo Felix
Farrah: Sophia Morales
Evil Gabbi: Melissa Flores
Evil Tina: Kaylee Rodriguez
Ensemble: Darrien Aguirre, Mariana Avila, John Barra, Chris Barragan, Guy DePatis, Santiago Gutierrez, Jackelinne Rodriguez