BWW Reviews: GOD OF CARNAGE Brings Real Drama to Raleigh

Two sets of parents talking about an incident on the playground. On the surface, it doesn't seem like a particularly enticing plot for a play. However, the particular parents in Hot Summer Nights | Theatre Raleigh's God of Carnage turn this conversation into real drama. The plot starts out simple enough: on the playground, Henry won't let Benjamin join his gang, so Benjamin hits Henry with a stick, knocking out two of his teeth (incisors, as his mother would be quick to point out). When Benjamin's parents, Alan and Annette Raleigh (played by Derrick Ivey and Julie Fishell), arrive at the home of Henry's parents, Veronica and Michael Novak (played by Dana Marks and Michael Tourek), things get complicated. The conversation includes topics of culpability, reparation, and parenting philosophy. To further complicate the matter, Alan is constantly answering his cell phone to discuss business matters, Annette and Veronica both battle extreme nausea, Michael's mother keeps calling, the Novaks are dealing with the recent demise of their daughter's pet hamster, and ultimately, everyone turns to liquor to ameliorate their woes.

Perhaps the most inspired quality of the writing, by playwright Yasmina Reza, is that the "good guys" and "bad guys" are constantly changing. You may be rooting for a character one minute, and the next rooting against him. Never is it clearly defined who is right or wrong, which makes the play all the more compelling. In fact, the characters keep changing which side they're on, and with whom they're agreeing. Truly great drama blurs the line between good and bad - this play demolishes that line.

Under the skillful direction of Richard Roland, the cast is able to bring these characters to life, expose their many layers, and evoke a vast array of emotions. Though the characters live in a bubble of privilege (even the guy who sells pots and pans is pretty well-off), the actors' portrayal is relatable and personal. Amid a talented foursome of actors, Michael Tourek's portrayal of a character also named Michael is notably resonant. Tourek's Michael stands out as a character the audience can really pull for, even when they may not always agree with the things he's saying, and it's compelling to watch. The foursome have great onstage chemistry, both when their characters get along and when they don't. It's clear that they, and director Roland, have great respect for the piece, and have certainly done justice to Reza's writing. This really shows in the seemingly minor decisions, such as how different characters pronounce the word "Neanderthal;" those are the elements which make this production stand out.

God of Carnage runs through June 30. For tickets and more information, visit www.theatreraleigh.com.

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