Theater Department to stage 'God of Carnage'

Two boys get into an altercation at a playground, and one of the boys ends up getting two of his teeth knocked out.

Their parents meet later that night to discuss the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses and the rum flows, their behavior becomes increasingly childish and ends in chaos.

That’s the premise of “God of Carnage,” to be presented by the Theater Department at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19-22, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Colman Theater, Benedicta Arts Center, CSB.

The production stars Robert Karlson (sophomore, political science and French majors, Maple Grove, Minnesota) and Olivia Solano (first-year, nursing major, Grayslake, Illinois) as Alan and Annette Raleigh, and Farrad Williams (junior, English and theater majors, Newark, New Jersey) and Katie Wagner (sophomore, English major, Milwaukee) as Michael and Veronica Novak.

The play is directed by Sean Dooley, assistant professor of theater at CSB and SJU.

“It has been a real delight getting to work on this challenging material with these dedicated students,” Dooley said. “We can't wait to share this roller coaster ride of a story with an audience.”

“God of Carnage” was written by French playwright Yasmina Reza. It made its premiere at the Gielgud Theatre in London in March 2008, and received the Sir Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy of the Year.

The production made its Broadway debut on March 22, 2009. The original all-star cast included Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden, with all four actors nominated for Tony Awards.

Harden won the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, one of three awards the play captured – including Best Play and Best Director (Matthew Warchus). The production closed its Broadway run on June 6, 2010, following 452 performances.

The running time of the CSB/SJU production of “God of Carnage” is 85 minutes, with no intermission. The performance is rated ‘R’ for language, and is recommended for people ages 17 or older.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for CSB/SJU students, $7 for CSB/SJU faculty and staff, seniors and students 17 years or older.

For tickets, call the Benedicta Arts Center Box Office at 320-363-5777 or order online.