“It shows you just how self-centered and cruel people can become,” said director Daulton Dickey. “You can only play nice for so long before the masks come off. There's no question that is happening here.”
“God of Carnage” by Yazmin Reza has seen rave reviews on stages across the country after the English translation of the play debuted on Broadway five years ago.
The play is a meeting between two sets of Brooklyn parents. Alan (Alex Bonner), a corporate lawyer, and Annette (Emily Chidalek), a “wealth manager,” visit the apartment of Michael (Aram Arden), a wholesaler, and Veronica (Alice Dickey), a writer. Alan and Annette’s son has hit Michael and Veronica’s son in the mouth with a stick, breaking two of his teeth.
“Veronica is a humanitarian, she's even been writing a book about the Darfur tragedy,” said Dickey of her character. “She thought it would be a good idea to invite the other couple over with the intention of the kids making up...let's just say it doesn't happen.”
Both couple's marriages are exposed as a hoax as the play progresses, Dickey said, and the characters eventually gang up on each other in entertaining ways.
“God of Carnage” is showing August 1-3 and 7-10. Tickets are $12, on Thursdays $10.
Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2:00 p.m. Sundays. Doors open 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Reservations will be held until 15 minutes prior to curtain unless secured by the presentation of a Footlight Season Gift Card or by prior payment in full. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 219-874-4035 or at www.footlightplayers.org.
A 2-for-1 coupon is available for opening night on the website. Michigan City artist Chris Whitaker will display his paintings in the Footlight lobby for the run of the show. Footlight Theatre is located at 1705 Franklin St.
Content warning: This show is for mature audiences only. This production explores adult themes and contains strong language.