Theatre

Parents Behaving Very Badly is the Chaos Behind Tony-Winning “God of Carnage”

Published

2 years ago

March 17, 2023

Press Release

When the son of one set of parents (Alan and Annette) hurts the son of another set of parents (Michael and Veronica) in a public park, the two couples meet in one of their high end Brooklyn homes to discuss the matter in a civilized manner. However as the evening goes on, the parents become increasingly childish themselves and the meeting quickly devolves into utter and hilarious chaos. Thus is the premise of the 2009 Tony Award-winner for Best Play, God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza.

Despite its tragic sounding title, God of Carnage was also the winner of the 2009 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy and audiences will quickly see why as the pleasantries of two couples meeting about their sons becomes a tennis match of ever changing alliances, shocking accusations, flying props and even a forlorn hamster in the mix.

‘This show is about four very familiar types of parents who definitely do not see eye to eye on much, starting with how to word what happened in the incident between their two sons,’ says director Kyle Barnette (The Full Monty, Doubt, Ruthless! The Musical). ‘Once they open the door to how they really feel all hell breaks loose and these four seemingly polite people begin to expose themselves in less than the most flattering light.’

The production features an ensemble of actors relatively new to the Queen Street Playhouse with both Tyler Inabinette (Michael) and Shannon Vogt (Annette) returning after debuting earlier this season in The Full Monty. Audiences may recognize Brandon Chinn (Alan) returning for the first time since his debut leading role in last season’s drag comedy The Legend of Georgia McBride while newcomer Kayla Gallion will be making her QSP debut in the role of the tightly-wound, art history expert and writer Veronica.

With a stunningly minimalistic set that has its own personality and a gross out moment certain to take audiences by surprise, God of Carnage is a sophisticated comedy of manners…minus the part about the manners.

This show is not suitable for children….but certainly suitable for parents looking for some art that imitates life!

GOD OF CARNAGE

By Yasmina Reza

at the Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen Street

Show dates: March 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 and April 1 at 7:30pm // March 19, 26 and April 2 at 3:00pm Tickets at footlightplayers.net or by calling the box office at 843.722.4487 *God of Carnage contains adult language and content.