‘God of Carnage’ at Oak Ridge Playhouse this weekend
Stephanie Quist as Veronica Novak, from left, Rollin Price as Alan Raleigh, Martin Stone Hennessee as Michael Novak and Francesca Reggia as Annette Raleigh star together in Oak Ridge Playhouse’s production of ‘God of Carnage.’ (photo:Oak Rige Playhouse )
The play, without intermission, will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and there will be a 2 p.m. matinee showing Sunday (March 19).
“It all centers around two sets of parents raising 11-year-old boys within the cozy confines of Brooklyn, New York, where child rearing is worn like a badge of honor,” a news release from the Playhouse read.
“Following a playground scuffle between their sons, the Novaks and the Raleighs meet to resolve the matter amicably. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses and the rum flows, the couples’ true personalities are revealed, despite their best and worst efforts.
“Zingers are thrown, alliances are formed, and marriages are tested. The result is a wickedly funny tragedy that packs a walloping punch,” the release noted.
Reggie Law directed “God of Carnage” and also serves as the Playhouse’s executive artistic director.
“It’s just an exploration of the human condition,” he said in an interview. “It’s sort of a dark comedy that kind of examines human behavior in the face of conflicts.”
The play has a simple set of a couch, chairs and a coffee table.
Rather than elaborate scenery, it relies instead on the physicality of its four actors: Rollin Prince as Alan Raleigh, Francesca Reggio as Annette Raleigh, Martin Stone Hennessee as Michael Novak, and Stephanie Quist as Veronica Novak.
For Law, the focus on acting is part of the appeal. He said it offered a challenge for the actors involved.
“[It was[ something for them to really sink their teeth into,” he said.
He said the most challenging aspect was “really grounding the show in realism and genuine conflict.”
“It’s very easy to jump to playing extremes, but to make the show work, you can’t do that,” Law said. “You have to organically go there.”
The show proceeds from the characters acting calmly to conflict escalating between them in different ways.
Christopher Hampton translated Yasmina Reza’s originally French script for what became “God of Carnage” into English. In only one year, this translated version would become a smash hit. Receiving an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in London’s West End, the play would then get re-cast and take a trip across the pond.
Opening on Broadway in 2009, it was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning Best Play, Best Leading Actress and Best Director. The international popularity even led to a film adaptation.
Law said he’d seen a production of the show a year ago. However, he stressed this version of the show was his own.
“There’s not a concerted effort to be different, just an effort to not be influenced,” he said.
“Taking jabs at big pharma, cellphone culture and middle-class parenting techniques, ‘God of Carnage’ examines the core of human nature, then watches in malice as it degenerates into childish chaos,” the release said. “Drinks flow, tempers flare and the gloves come off in this outrageously shocking play that will have everyone talking!”
Tickets are $26.50 for adults and $23.50 with any student ID.
They are available for purchase online at orplayhouse.com, or by calling the box office at 865-482-4877 Tuesday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m.