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MTG presents “God of Carnage”
GOC-cast-2
Left to Right: Jonah Levia, seated Aiya Islam, standing Abigail Ewert, Steven E Smith, Katie Landmark and Marcia Bredeson.

MONROE — Monroe Theatre Guild announced its next installment in their Colony Brands 2023 Season, “God of Carnage”. 

This new comedy was written for the stage in 2008 by Yasmina Reza, originally in French, and later translated into English by Christopher Hampton. The play has enjoyed acclaim in productions in both London and New York and won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play. In 2011 it was adapted into a movie, simply entitled “Carnage”. 

Monroe Theatre Guild is pleased to introduce Director Jonah Levia as he makes his directing debut at MTG, along with Assistant Director Marcia Bredeson. Both have spent hours as volunteers and actors in numerous productions over the years at MTG. Now the two are ready to tackle a play that turns the light on parenting styles, with this hilarious living room free-for-all, that at times gives the impression of a boxing match.

This small cast features two men and two women, played by Katie Landmark and Steven E. Smith as married couple Annette and Alan Raleigh. Abigail Ewert and Aiya Islam play married couple Veronica and Michael Novak. A playground altercation between their eleven-year-old sons brings these two sets of parents together in Brooklyn, NY for a meeting to mutually resolve the matter. 

At first, diplomatic niceties are observed. But as the meeting progresses, and the rum flows, tensions emerge, and the gloves come off. By the time the meeting has devolved into a lost cause, the couples are left with more than just their liberal principles in tatters. The content and the language in the play is recommended for adults. 

For one astonishing scene, audience members may need to rely on a strong stomach. With a little too much clafouti and rum offered by the hosts, one character appears to lose the contents of their stomach quite convincingly on stage.   

This smart comedy makes a great date night away from the kids, or a fun event for a ladies’ night out. Performances at Monroe Theatre Guild on the Colony Brands Stage span two weekends. The first is a Thursday through Sunday set, Sept. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. 

The second weekend, performances are Oct. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. with the final performance on Oct 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale Aug. 30 on the website, monroetheatre.com. The MTG ticket window, 910 16th Ave, Monroe, is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Sept. 5. Patrons can also call 608-325-1111 to purchase tickets.