Mary Damiano, Theater Critic

A young boy has hit another boy with a stick at a park, so their parents convene to discuss the incident in a civilized manner. What could possibly go wrong?

That's the premise of “God of Carnage,” an uproariously funny play running through Sunday, Nov. 22 by Zoetic Stage inside the Carnival Studio Theatre at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. “God of Carnage,” written by Yasmina Reza, won three Tony Awards, including Best Play, in its Broadway run in 2009.

Originally written in French, it has been translated into many languages because its themes are universal. The title refers to the idea that no matter how polite humans are, their aggressive, primal nature lurks just beneath the surface. 

Alan and Annette Raleigh come to the home of Michael and Veronica Novak to talk about what’s happened between their sons and what steps to take next. The Raliegh's son’s actions have caused the need for dental work on the Novack boy.

The two couples are both affluent, and initially, that’s where the similarity ends. Alan is a high-powered lawyer who takes business calls during the meeting, shouting into his cell phone and making everyone uncomfortable.

Annette is in finance and is embarrassed by her husband’s behavior.

Michael seems like a chill tech bro, while Veronica is an art professor with a stiff, formal air about her. 

The conversation between the couples is awkward at best, and tensions rise over Alan’s cell phone outbursts and disagreements about punishment and consequences between their sons.

When Annette’s frustration manifests itself in a very physical form, it paves the way for a breakdown in civility drawn along morality and gender lines, turning their discussion into a bloodsport, and resulting in behavior far worse than the playground scuffle that brought them together. 

Zoetic Stage’s production features a stellar cast and jaw-dropping design. Iain Batchelor plays Alan to the hilt. From the beginning, he makes it clear that Alan does not want to be there. His split-second switch from domineering attorney on the phone to quiet father is hilarious, and his total break from political correctness to modern caveman is truly a sight to behold.

Jordyn Moone, recently seen in Zoetic Stage’s production of “Eureka Day,” perfectly portrays Annette, Alan’s put-upon wife. The way Moone shifts in her seat, hugs a pillow close to her body, and paces around the room all signal that a dam is about to break. 

 

Justin Packard plays Michael, whose initial chill nature eventually descends into chaos in one joyous, shocking moment. Packard’s portrayal, which goes from henpecked husband to fractious frat boy is a delight.

Sarah Rome Guerra’s Veronica is the lynchpin of the quartet. Guerra embodies Veronica’s condescension – she’s nervous about the slightest thing out of place and quick to correct any mispronunciation – that it’s all the more satisfying to watch her finally break.

Michael McKeever’s scenic design is sumptuous – his living room set is a study in upscale, elevated minimalism and carefully curated comfort. His dramatic, round entryway gives the impression of a large mouth through which the characters enter or exit the belly of the beast. Becky Montero’s lighting design delineates space and mood.

 

Debbie Richardson’s costume design helps define each character and gives little hints to link the couples. Bailey Hacker’s sound design is crisp and thrilling.

Stuart Meltzer’s direction is dazzling, resulting in carefully choreographed chaos.  

“God of Carnage” asks important questions and is bound to spark some serious conversation. It’s a provocative play that provides a showcase for its cast and a fun night of theater for its audience. 

WHAT: “God of Carnage,” presented by Zoetic Stage
WHERE: Carnival Studio Theater at the Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
WHEN: Through Nov. 22. Thursdays and Fridays, Nov. 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Nov. 8, 15 and 22, at 2:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Tickets are $66.69–$72.54, including fees.
MORE INFO: zoeticstage.org