Comedy

This was such fun! A great cast, and such a well-written play. Highly recommended.

rating: 5 stars  ·  posted on 11/17/2009 at 11:53 AM

Hitting the leg of the person next to you while laughing out loud repeatedly during a performance is a good sign. My stinging palm is proof that _God of Carnage_, at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre, is an absolute delight. This French expose of modern marriage is written by Yasmina Reza translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Matthew Warchus Boeing Boeing, Follies, and numerous West End productions. Set in Cobble Hill Brooklyn in 90 minutes of real time, there is never a dull moment. It seems dismissive to describe Ms. Rezas work as a 21st century _Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf_, but somewhat apt. Perhaps any theatrical construct of two married couples exposing the underbelly of their selves and their marital dynamics is going to conjure Edward Albee. In the case of _God of Carnage_ it was the fierce humor, and quite frankly, the drinking, that whispered "Virginia Woolf" repeatedly. But that reference is merely a jumping off point for this play. Without resorting to Lifetime movie tactics, _God of Carnage_ manages to tackle; bullying, gangs, violence and social class while never losing its humor of dramatic interest. The fact that the evening stays above the sentimental fray must be greatly credited to the incredible cast. Hope Davis and Jeff Daniels as one couple and Marcia Gay Harden and James Gandolfini as the other couple. Not enough can be said about the sheer delight in watching these four very talented people. Ms. Harden has a luscious role and plays it like a virtuoso; she is hysterical and heartbreaking and infuriating. As difficult as it is to take ones eyes off of Ms. Harden, this truly is an ensemble piece and it is clear that this quartet is having the time of their lives. It speaks volumes to me that during repeated silences, the acting was equally as riveting as it was during the explosions. Ms. Davis and Mr. Daniels a wealth management professional and attorney are visiting Ms. Harden and Mr. Gandolfini an art historian and home fixture retailer to discuss their sons recent physical altercation. The stage is set in a dramatic fashion. The entire stage is used as the living room; a rather unbelievable conceit for a Brooklyn home. However, in an entertainment world in which Greenwich Village rent controlled apartments are 2,000 square feet with terraces, and newspaper columnists can support $650 a pair shoe shopping habits, all NYC scale bets are off. There is a bold textured wall separating the living room from the rest of the apartment. The wall is set at an angle and we can see the walls behind it, painted red. As the play/story unfolds, the walls become progressively darker; a nice touch. Despite the expanse of the apartment, it is surprisingly how much of the production so accurately represents time and place; keeping in mind that this play is French. The only nod to its original Parisian setting is the omnipresence of the clafouti a French pastry. The costumes, mannerisms and parental concerns simply scream "NYC 2009!" I strongly recommend seeing this production, and seeing it with someone who does not bruise easily.

rating: no rating  ·  posted on 5/11/2009 at 11:44 AM

We just saw the show this past Sunday afternoon. DO NOT WALK... but RUN to get tickets to this limited run, absolutely fabulous play! The 4 actors are given incredible words to speak which makes each of them deliver an outstanding performance. The show is a comedy, but nothing at all what you expect! There are moments of complete silence, that go on and on... and you wonder, how are they going to bring it all back around... but they do, and usually in a very funny way! This story about adults trying to be civil and proper takes turns you never see coming. Get to the theater, sit down and enjoy the 90 minute ride of chaos!!

rating: no rating  ·  posted on 4/7/2009 at 3:39 PM

Great story about the "real feelings" of married couples pretending to be civil. Gandilfini showed his meek side but exploded into Tony Soprano as the play developed. Marcia Gay Harden should deserves a standing ovation. I would see this play again in a heartbeat.

rating: 5 stars  ·  posted on 3/30/2009 at 6:59 AM

The Marvelous Wonderettes Cat-Eye Glasses $9.95	Stanislavski, Constantin The Stanislavski System $14.00
Little Women Vocal Selections $14.95	Wilson, August Seven Guitars $12.00

 

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