God of Carnage -- Play I Recommend

I don't typically blog about a play I've seen, but I feel compelled in this instant.

I adore theatre, but with tickets prices so high these days, I try to be selective about what I see. This time I'm happy to say I picked right!!

My husband and I hired a sitter and went to see GOD OF CARNAGE on Broadway this past Saturday night.

I haven't laughed so hard in a long time, and as a mom, I could so fully relate.

The premise is that two married couples meet in the home of one of them to discuss a delicate situation involving their 11 year old children. One boy left the other with a swollen lip and broken teeth after a playground brawl.

What starts out is a somewhat awkward, though mild-mannered discussion between seemingly sophisticated adults re: how best to handle the matter. They contemplated when/whether to get the boys together for an apology, why the incident happened to begin with, etc. etc. As the banter progresses, gradually the protective layers (clothing & otherwise) of each couple wears away, and they let loose on each other.

It's a riveting and riotous take on parenting, marital relations, society expectations, etc.

Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden star, and are total fun to watch. Performed without an intermission, the production picks up breakneck comedic speed and never loses steam. It was a real treat to witness the acting chops of these veteran performers. (And, for Sopranos fans, you'll get a hoot out of James Gandolfini who is in fine theatrical form.)

The Broadway production of Yasmina Reza’s GOD OF CARNAGE opened on Sunday, March 22. The play, translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Matthew Warchus began previews on Saturday, February 28 at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45 Street in NYC).

GOD OF CARNAGE reunites the creative team that staged the Tony Award-winning Best Play, Art. Designed by Mark Thompson (sets and costumes), with lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker & Chris Cronin, the play has music by Gary Yershon.

Tickets are available through Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200, or 800-432-7250, online at http://www.telecharge.com/ or in person at the Jacobs Theatre box office, 242 West 45th Street. Box office hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00am – 8:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm – 6:00pm. Ticket prices range from $66.50 to $116.50.

The performance schedule for GOD OF CARNAGE is Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Please note that beginning the week of March 23, Tuesday performances are at 7:00pm.