LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE EDUCATION,
YOUTH THEATRE & OUTREACH
Announces its First Ever Virtual Show
“SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS”
by Qui Nguyen
Directed by Dylan Russell
Back By Popular Demand!
Extended – Two weekends only – October 9-11 and 16-18, 2020
Laguna Playhouse Education, Youth Theatre and Outreach announces “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms,” written by Qui Nguyen has been extended for two more weekends, October 9-11 & October 16-18. “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” is an adapted version of Nguyen’s popular play “She Kills Monsters,” created specifically for online performances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and is Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre’s first ever virtual show.
“She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” features updated references, technical adjustments and suggestions made for teleconferencing software. A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of high schooler Agnes Evans as she deals with the death of her younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes stumbles upon Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ’90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
Laguna Playhouse’s Youth Theatre Director of Education, Dylan Russell, directs the virtual production. “We are excited to be able to rescreen “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms.” We received such great response during our first run that we wanted to bring this wonderful and important show back for those who missed it the first time around.” Russell stated. “When Covid-19 hit, it became clear that we needed to pivot to an online format for the remainder of our Youth Theatre season and thankfully Qui Nguyen had revised this script to address the challenges theatres were facing due to the pandemic and social distancing regulations. It is a perfect addition to our Theatre For a New Generation teen series.”
This on-line production also aligns with the Playhouse’s new program, Our Stories. Our Stories is Laguna Playhouse’s new outreach program utilizing theatre arts workshops to strengthen one’s own health and well-being, strengthen community connection, and envision a better future for all.
“She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” features El Colover, Caroline Field, Lindsey Grace, Elijah Lopez, Cassidy Morgan and Bridget Phillips, who are all members of the Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre Conservatory. Rounding out the rest of the cast are Luke Giannelli, Yasmine Hamady, Penelope Hinds, Ryann Fox Kristensen, Achille Van Ricca, Bernadette Roden, Conor Sheehan and Isabella Tecson.
Tickets for “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” are available on lagunaplayhouse.com.
ABOUT LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE: Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 100,000 patrons each season.
Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.
Laguna Playhouse has been recognized for the past five years as one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Paul Rodriguez, Rita Rudner, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.
