God of Carnage
mature Broadway hit makes its Eau Claire debut
Kristin Frosch, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
rehearse their rendition of the Tony-winning play God of Carnage.
What do you get when you combine a violent playground altercation with bourgeoisie politics? A civilized “battle-royale,” complete with raucous and lewd humor, mayhem, and a dark look at relationships between spouses, children, and peers.
The Tony-winning play God of Carnage is set to debut thanks to BareBones Ensemble Theatre, a locally based independent acting troupe committed to bringing risqué, yet highly esteemed productions to the local stage.
In the play, two couples meet to discuss punishments for their children’s adverse behavior. Veronica, an author writing about (played by Rose Dolan-Neill), and pharmaceutical lawyer Alan (Tim Hartzel) dispute while Annette (Rhiannon Schaub) becomes physically ill and Michael (Nicole Sielaff) perpetuates everyone’s frustration. Arguments become heated, alcohol-induced anger builds, and this “comedy about manners … without the manners” becomes the theatrical embodiment of “carnage.”
Director Kaysee Schmidt is excited to bring this dynamic show to Eau Claire. “BareBones read this script quite some time ago and was just waiting for the right time to bring it to the Eau Claire stage,” said Schmidt. “Besides being an outrageously funny and sarcastic show, there’s a new buzz around the show because of the movie version Carnage coming out and the success it had at the Guthrie.”
As a result of its success on Broadway and in the Cities, Schmidt envisions God of Carnage to be appropriately accepted locally, despite its mature themes.
“It’s the perfect over-the-top show that would be a little risky for CVTG or ECCT, and a little too mature for the university, but one that should be experienced by the community. It’s an easily accessible and relatable show, that allows dueling parents to take center stage.”
However, Schmidt warns that the show is, “not for those with weak stomachs.” But, don’t let apprehension stop you; this show will be too good to miss.
