GOD OF CARNAGE, now playing at The Stagecrafters in Chestnut Hill. L to R = Eric Crist, Claire Golden Drake, Laura Christman and Matt Rydaewski
By Ellen Wilson Dilks
Chestnut Hill’s Stagecrafters Theater continues their 2023—2024 season with a production of Yasmina Reza’s 2008 dramedy GOD OF CARNAGE. Under the direction of Jane Toczek, performances continue now through February 24th in the company’s Germantown Avenue venue.
‘Tis better to be vile than vile esteemed,
When not to be, receives reproach of being,
And the just pleasure lost, which is so deemed,
Not by our feeling, but by others’ seeing.
Reza’s play introduces viewers to two typical upper middle-class couples. They have come together at one couple’s house to discuss a playground brawl between their two adolescent sons. The civilized—albeit somewhat stilted—discussion soon goes off the rails, fueled by lots of “adult beverages.”
Originally written in French, Christopher Hampton’s English translation of the play was first presented in a UK Premiere at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End on 25 March 2008. It was given that year’s Olivier Award for Best New Play. With some dialogue adjustments to relate better to American audiences, the play opened on Broadway in March of 2009. All four members of the cast were nominated for Tony Awards, with Marsha Gay Harden winning for best actress.
In 2011, a film adaptation was done, under the direction of Roman Polanski.
Patricia Masarachia’s elegantly simple set offers the audience a suggestion of the living room of Michael and Veronica Novak’s upper middle class living room. Done in burgundy walls with off-white furnishings that mix contemporary and traditional, it kind of lulls the viewer into mellowness before the action jolts them with its descent into anger. The late afternoon lighting was designed by Browning Sterner and Gilbert Todd—with soft sunlight streaking through an angled skylight window. Cate Pappas’ sound design suitably sets the tone as well, with the costuming created by Claire Adams and Janet Gilmore tells a little about each character’s personality.
Director Jane Toczek has assembled a cast of four that works beautifully as an ensemble. She allows for silences that speak as much as the words in this charged situation. Other than a couple of moments where the ladies standing upstage were blocked by the men standing downstage, Toczek moves her actors around the space nicely. “Helicopter mom” Veronica is well played by Claire Golden Drake—she is the first to crack, showing her upset at her son’s dental injuries. Eric Crist perfectly inhabits the more laid-back Michael, who seems to use humor to hide behind. Alan Raleigh, the workaholic lawyer dad of the other boy, is portrayed deftly by Matt Rydzewski. He is constantly on his cell dealing with a big case, and feels the whole thing has been blown out of proportion. As his wife, Annette, Laura Christman captures the career mom who is trying to deal with her job, her kid and a detached husband. All are excellent performers. But I found that I didn’t really like any of these people; I don’t know why, but they just didn’t touch me. With these parents, it’s not surprising their sons resorted to a fist fight.
Reza’s point seems to be that the veneer of civility is extremely thin—because things start derailing pretty fast. It is relevant in today’s world—especially in the US. Over the past decade or so, discourse amongst adults, and subsequently their children, has devolved into such viciousness. Compromise has become a dirty word.
“Theatre of Bickering” is uncomfortable to watch, and I’m not sure it’s reaching the audience it needs to… However, we do all need reminders every so often to stop, take a breath, and really listen to each other.
When You Go: GOD OF CARNAGE continues thru this coming Saturday, February 24th. The performance running time is 90-minutes—with NO Intermission. The Stagecrafters Theatre is located at 8130 Germantown Ave., in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia [19118]—about a 40-minute drive from Delaware County. The venue is also available via public transportation: board the SEPTA R7 Chestnut Hill East to the Gravers Lane stop [go 3 blocks to your Left upon leaving the station to Germantown Ave.- and then 2 blocks to the left for the theatre] or R8 Chestnut Hill West train to the last stop (8600 Germantown Avenue) on R8 [exit the station on to Germantown Ave., and go right 4 blocks]. The train service is very regular and you can see a timetable at SEPTA.
The theatre is handicapped accessible, with the lobby and restrooms at ground level. Entry into the auditorium is made via two short ramps. Parking is not allowed on the property, but there is nearby street parking, as well as various lots along Germantown Avenue. Patrons with mobility issues can be dropped off at the door and then have their companion go park nearby. For further info about the theatre and the surrounding neighborhood, visit https://thestagecrafters.org/ OR—call 215-247-8881. Reservations can be made online, or over the phone. Walk-in, of course, are welcome. The Email address is info@thestagecrafters.org