The Tony-award-winning play God of Carnage is currently on the Indiana Repertory Theatre's main stage. The adult comedy is a 90 minute show with no intermission and provides an intense look at what happens when two couples are thrown together to resolve a scuffle between their young sons. Although it sounds like it might make for dour material, the show is hilarious.
Don’t let the homey set lull you into a false sense of security. Though the cast may seem polite enough on the surface, their immature tendencies are lurking just below the surface and need only the slightest provocation to be released.
IRT’s playwright in residence, James Still directs. Still is always at his best when telling a character driven story and this one is no exception. With his excellent guidance the characters, which are somewhat unlikeable, are also incredibly relatable. It's hard not to see a little bit of yourself in the couples as they spiral away from social niceties.
Ryan Artzberger plays Alan, a high-strung, career-driven lawyer and Constance Macy is Annette, his wife who tries to keep the peace. Their son, Henry, initiated the fight. The second couple is played by Shannon Holt as Veronica, a snobby idealist, and Tim Grimm as her down-to-earth but unsympathetic husband Michael, who has many of the play's best lines.
The show hinges on a steady stream of dialogue and escalating emotions and the four actors chemistry. The four work incredibly well together, making the heighten tensions palpable and the breaking point inevitable. Allegiances change in the blink of an eye as they find common ground and lose it just as quickly.
This comedy proves we’re never far from a playground brawl.
On a side note, the IRT has a “Find Nibbles” campaign to promote the show. They have placed plush hamsters throughout downtown and if you find him, the IRT will reward you with a free ticket to God of Carnage. For more information visit www.facebook.com/findnibbles
Don't Miss the Show
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall between northbound Illinois St. and southbound Capitol Ave. "God of Carnage" runs until Saturday, March 24 on IRT's Main Stage. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at (317) 635-5252. To purchase tickets call (317) 635-5252 or order online at www.irtlive.com
Photos Courtesy of the Indiana Repertory Theatre
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