Mark Fickert (Michael), Lisa Fairchild (Veronica), Leah Layman (Annette), and Brad Stephens (Alan) in GOD OF CARNAGE
God of Carnage enters the fourth weekend of its very successful run at Circle Theatre in downtown Fort Worth this evening. Garnering standing ovations from sold-out crowds, the production runs two more weekends, closing February 23rd. Directed by Robin Armstrong, the critical praise for this show is almost as sweet as the cupcakes inspired by it.
A playground altercation between eleven-year-old boys brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses, and the rum flows, tensions emerge and the gloves come off, leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters.
Punch Shaw of DFW.com proclaims, “This production has absolutely everything going for it: fine script, great acting and outstanding direction.” While some critics are divided on their appreciation for the Tony and Laurence Olivier award-winning script by Yasmina Reza, all have found favor with the cast. “The play takes place in a singular, nonstop scene of constantly shifting action. And to that end, this cast acquits themselves impressively,” writes Kris Noteboom of Theater Jones. Jimmy Fowler of Fort Worth Weekly lauds the play as “exceedingly well cast”. And Kristy Blackmon of John Garcia’s The Column exclaims, “Armstrong and her cast do a respectable job with the material.” Blackmon also states:
“In particular, [Brad] Stephens as Alan gives a commendable performance. It isn’t easy to make an audience both like and detest a character at the same time, but Stephens pulls it off. Though he is easily the most obnoxious character in the play, he is also the most honest. And [Leah] Layman’s sense of comedic timing is to be admired. More physical comedy is required of Annette than any other character, and she holds nothing back. Her final tantrum was perfectly over the top and had the audience roaring.”
The play was a success in its original language, French, and its Christopher Hampton English-translated productions have been equally praised in in both London and New York. The London production was widely acclaimed, receiving the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Play of the year. The Broadway production closed on June 6, 2010 playing 24 previews and 452 regular performances. It is the third-longest running play of the 2000s and won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play.
Located in historic Sundance Square, Circle Theatre’s production has inspired a gourmet creation by neighboring business The Original Cupcakery. The bakery’s God of Carnage cupcakes feature vanilla pound cake topped with spiced apple & pear compote with a ring of ginger buttercream. The delicious concoction has been selling very well and will continue to be offered throughout the rest of the production’s run.
God of Carnage runs through February 23rd, 2013. Circle Theatre produces contemporary plays rarely seen in the DFW community and is committed to presenting professional, innovative theatre in an intimate setting. For reservations and tickets, call the box office at 817-877-3040 or visit the Circle Theatre website.
Related articles
- CARNAGE to Come Full Circle (bradstephens.wordpress.com)
- ‘God of Carnage’ Leaves a Lot of Emotional Wreckage on the Stage (DFW.com)
- Primal Scream (Theater Jones Review)
- Undercooked Carnage (Fort Worth Weekly)
- John Garcia’s The Column (Pegasus News)
- Critics Pick 10 Best Theater Productions of 2013 (DFW.com)
Brad Stephens 