“God of Carnage” ( Milwaukee) Reviewed by Amy Menzel

[rating=4]I like to walk into the theater with an open mind. That said, I was leaning towards loving “God of Carnage” as soon as we took our seats Friday night. Milwaukee Repertory Theater has an active and engaging social media presence, and following all but ensures anticipation and excitement. There was something particularly exciting about the tech week photos posted for this production. Scenic Designer Mariana Sanchez has created a set that pops and, as luck would have it, is even more striking in person.

I was warned (via another social media post) to “get ready to bust out laughing.” I like to think I’m always ready for a good laugh, but this is apt advice for more serious patrons. I dare you not to laugh. It’s a 90-minute production with no intermission. Good luck!

God of Carnage gives us a glimpse into what’s intended to be a civil discussion between two sets of parents to settle the fallout from a playground dispute between their 11-year-old sons. Good intentions very quickly morph into – well, just tensions and, since we’re (thankfully) not part of it all, hilarity ensues.

If you’re taking the no-laugh challenge, I can confidently say you’re going to lose. Maybe it’ll be because of Heidi Armbruster’s facial expressions or Makha Mthembu’s keen comedic timing. Adam Poss’s physical comedy may get you if Elan Zafir’s quick delivery doesn’t first. It’s a game of tension hot potato as the couples try and fail to present united fronts. I’m fairly certain the phrase, “Oh no you didn’t…” isn’t actually in the script, but the characters are definitely thinking it and I thought the same thing several times throughout the show.

It’s not surprising that God of Carnage won the Tony Award for Best Play. In many ways it reflects how we’re all trying to make sense of the world and do our best on behalf of ourselves and one another – and how we often fail, spectacularly.

You’ll laugh because it’s ridiculous, you’ll laugh because it’s shocking, and you’ll laugh because it’s really, really funny.

★★★★

God of Carnage runs now through May 18 at The Rep’s Quadracci Powerhouse. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com.

Saturdays – 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. (one show at 1:30 p.m. May 13)
Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays – 7:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. matinee on W, April 26, W, May 10)
Fridays – 8 p.m.

Special Performances Include:
Bus Matinee – Wednesday, April 26 – 1:30 p.m.
Early Bird – Tuesday, May 2 – 6:30 p.m.
Audio Described Performance – Tuesday, May 2 – 6:30 p.m.
ASL Performance – Thursday, May 11 – 7:30 p.m.

The theater is located at 108 E. Wells Street and parking can be pre-ordered/paid for $10.00