'God of Carnage' shines at Virginia Stage Company
When it comes to raising children, parents often see things differently.
That theme reverberates through “God of Carnage,” a hilarious look at child-rearing seen through the eyes of two young couples. Yasmina Reza’s wickedly funny play opened the Virginia Stage Company’s 2011-2012 season and continues through Oct. 2.
The play begins inncocently enough as two couple come together to discuss a playground fight involving their sons. Before long differences crop up over how the situation should be handled and accusations begin flying over whether or not one boy should apologize to the other. Tensions escalate, and the strengtths and weaknesses of the four people onstage soon behind to dominate the dialogue.
“God of Carnage” won the 2009 Tony Award for best play, and it’s easy to see why. Reza’s gift for zeroing in on the foibles of human relationships is dead on. Throughout the one-act play, the four characters connect with one another in different pairings. Some of the funniest moments occur when the two wives team up against their boorish husbands.
Director Chris Hanna never lets the pacing sag, and the four actors — Sue Cremin, Ward Duffy, Laurance Lau and Henny Russell — are nicely cast.
Want to go?
What: "God of Carnage" at Virginia Stage Company
Where: Wells Theatre, Tazewell Street and Monticello Avenue, Norfolk
Tickets: $33 to $50 available by calling 627-1234 or online at www.vastage.com.