[nabs-l] audio description review: She Kills Monsters

[Robert William Kingett]

CRITICULOUS quest log.

HP: *27*

Ability scores, *infinite*

Psionic ability: *word choice, diction, cute simile. Magical pronouns*

Extraordinary senses: *audio description*.

Skills: *critical perception, types with three fingers, types 40 words 
per minute*

Feats: *tenure, cute adjectives, plush sentences, and knowledge of comma 
placement.*

*FINAL ENTRY.*

Greetings traveler, it is I, Criticuous. I feel that I should explain my 
immediate action of perusing the lost scrolls of Qui Nguyen, a legend 
here in this stadium. I feel as though I should dictate my exact 
happenings so this way it will be clear to my fellow party, and others, 
where I disappeared to for an hour an 45 minutes.

I was at the pub down at Halsted Street acquiring training for my spells 
and abilities. Recognizing me from mystic lands such as America’s 
comedy, com, and various other online communities, a Mage named Evanore 
invited me to a judging. I was honored that he had picked me to attend 
the epic presentation of she Kills Monsters, which takes place in a 
distant magical land called Athens, Ohio. 1995. Perhaps this was a trap 
to loot me. I decided to travel with this very tall usher to this event. 
Perhaps I would level up.

I knew that, before I entered the grand chamber that was dubbed 
Steppenwolf Theater Company, I’d have to furiously level up and prepare 
for this performance. I acquired a special ability called audio 
description, which was a special mystical voice that would tell my 
visually impaired eyes what would be happening. I made sure that my Meta 
was all the way up before trekking into the Steppenwolf stadium. I 
presumed that I would find some of my missing party there but, alas, as 
I skimmed the names in sadness, not even one name jumped out at me, even 
telepathically. In the hopes that you, reader, will know them, I have 
included the names of the event participants below.

Katherine Bangs (AGNES)

Rinska Carrasco-Prestinary (KALIOPE)

Daeshawna Cook (VERA)

Fred Geyer+ (MILES)

Jessica London-Shields (TILLY)

Allie Long (EVIL TINA/FARRAH)

Morgan Maher (ORCUS)

Jose Nateras (STEVE)

Ellie Reed+ (EVIL GABBI/NARROTOR)

Sara Sawicki+ (LILITH)

Richard Traub (CHUCK)

Upon my arrival into the space I realized that I wasn't the only guest 
that Evanore had invited. Mages were there, as well as elves, and fellow 
humans were present as well but I happened to be the only reviewer in 
the throng of fellow spectators.

I sat down just before Curtin and assessed what this was going to be 
about. I was about to hear a mystical journey about adventure, loss, and 
discovery and holding onto prized possessions and feelings. I 
immediately conjured enough Meta to summon my special perception known 
as audio description, which would allow me to hear, through a headset, 
the actions that the characters did on stage, the costumes, and scene 
changes. A pleasant surprise met my ears as Evan Hatfield, also known as 
Evanore, started articulately describing the set of this event, a 
kitchen inside of a small house.

This event, she kills monsters soon had me swept up in its depth. 
Agnes's life is turned upside down when she stumbles upon her late 
sister’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook. As she embarks on an action-packed 
quest to save her sister's soul, Agnes comes face to face with homicidal 
fairies, raunchy ogres, fairies, orcs, demons, spells. And blood thirsty 
cheerleaders, and discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. 
Qui Nguyen's touching comedy combines real life, fantasy and 90's pop 
culture in the search for the badass in us all.

Not only does this flourishing comedy spin with speedy quips, it also 
manages to touch on deeper subjects in the world today. Agnes not only 
learns what her sister’s fears are about being gay in a cold cruel world 
but Agnes learns what it took for her sister to battle her daemons, even 
if that meant battling them in a different world. This smooth blend of 
comedy between characters and understanding was just the right touch 
that hypnotized me to the core. I even put away my red pen as I laughed 
along with my fellow spectators at a pop culture reference or a funny 
scene, such as the one where Agnes challenges demonic cheerleaders to a 
dance off and then kills them while their back is turned.

My special summon of audio description was very helpful, describing the 
scene in a tone that didn't conflict with the presentation. Evan clearly 
described the set, actions, facial expressions, and the like, not using 
overly complicated words or interpreting the story. There was, however, 
one downfall. The environment prevented my aid from working as 
effectively as it could have been. The music, which had a higher number 
of HP than I did, rendered the audio description impossible to hear at 
times, wounding my eardrums as I attempted to still focus on this 
brilliant blend of dialogue that did two things in one, invoked a 
sympathetic look from me whenever a deeper connection between Agnes and 
her sister and made me titter tantalizingly at some of the pop culture 
cracks. I was transfixed, gleefully enjoying the entertainment despite 
the bump with audio description. What really makes this even so powerful 
is it pinches your attention in a way that just grips you and then keeps 
stunning you with magic tricks of affectionate scenes that show 
understanding to the fullest, alongside the action packed scenes that 
are pumped up a degree by the chosen soundtracks.

Even though the sound tracked rendered audio description useless in some 
areas because I had to strain my straining to hear what Evan was saying 
I’d go to see this toss of fun, love, and light again. It was that well 
put together. Blending a mix of tight morals with the occasional swing 
of slashing comedy that dices the funny bone this enchanted event had me 
praising the creator not long after the curtains rose. Despite the fact 
the music interferes with the audio description it doesn't dwindle the 
experience down to unenjoyably painful

As a well-known traveler in the land of Chicago, I've been asked to 
oversee many important battles. Clashes between fairies, spell casting 
duels, and bar quarrels over gold. In my many explorations I've never 
treated myself to such a delight; I encourage anyone who finds this 
quest log to check out this event at the mystical Steppenwolf theater 
company. You'llnot only have a chance to refill your HP while embarking 
on a quest of laughter, adventure, and love, but I can guarantee that 
you'll level up in ways that you could have never dreamed of. I sure did.

*END OF QUEST LOG*