PACA Presents Award-Winning Comedy God of Carnage

Contributed

Catch God of Carnage, the Tony Award-winning comedy playing this month at PACA. What begins as a playground dispute between parents turns into an all-out war, lifting the veil off of societal norms in this hilarious, deeply human production.

BEGINNING FRIDAY, JAN. 17

Yasmina Reza's God of Carnage, the 2009 Tony Award-winning comedy, will captivate Erie audiences at PACA from Jan. 17 to Feb. 2. Directed by Mark Tanenbaum, this sharp and thoughtful production explores what happens when our raw and vulnerable human instincts are left exposed.

The story unfolds as two Brooklyn couples meet to discuss a playground altercation between their sons. What begins as a polite attempt at conflict resolution descends into chaos, with shifting alliances, biting dialogue, and hilarity that reveals the thin veneer of social decorum. Tanenbaum describes God of Carnage as "a 'thinking person's' play" that delves into "the costs of parenting, the toll our children take on us, and the notion that societal civility is just a collection of artificial customs."

The talented cast includes veteran performers Kate Neubert-Lechner, Josiah Prettie, Daniel Stripp, and Norah Schillinger. Assistant director Teresa Testrake collaborates to bring the production to life, which includes the use of authentic local artwork.

"I enjoy plays that strip away the characters' best intentions and allow their natural human qualities to pour through," Tanenbaum shares. "If it happens to be funny, all the better."

Don't miss your chance to witness a production Tanenbaum assures will resonate deeply with Erie's audience. Beyond this month's God of Carnage, PACA continues its 13th season, which Tannenbaum calls their "most ambitious yet"

"It contains musicals, dramas, comedies, classics, and modern works. It really has something for everyone," Tannenbaum says. "PACA is truly grateful for all the support that the Erie audience has heaped upon us over the years."

Weekends beginning Friday, Jan. 17 // Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows at 7:30, Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. // PACA, 1505 State St. // $20 // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com