You won't find a stronger ensemble cast, or a funnier, more robust comedy than you'll find in "God of Carnage," now playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on West 45th Street. James Gandolfini, who needed to find something worthy of his talents after "The Soprano's," has certainly found it here. The play is first-rate, his role fits him to a tee, and the other actors sharing the stage all hold their own: Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels, and Hope Davis.
The play is by Yasmina Rez (translation by Christopher Hampton), best known as the author of "Art." But whereas "Art" was dry, arch, and brittle--a sophisticated, prestige play that was admired more than enjoyed-- "God of Carnage" is warm and wet, and earthy, and all too human. In "Art," no one wanted to raise his voice. The Upper West Side residents in "God of Carnage" fight, yell, humiliate themselves, fall on the ground, and even throw up--in a startlingly vivid, and suprisingly entertaining scene. Director Matthew Warchus' staging is excellent. The veneer of civilization the characters have on them at the start of the play, gradually falls to pieces as they meet to discuss a fight their children have had. Between the writing, the direction, and the acting--there are plenty of kudos to go around here--the characters come to have great impact. This production is a strong entry in an unexpectedly strong season for plays on Broadway.
-- R. A.
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