The 2009 Tony Award winner "God of Carnage" is the latest production for Scene One Theater.
Directed by Jack Renner, it is the story of two families whose children get into an argument at school and one has two teeth knocked out with a stick. The parents get together to discuss and handle the altercation. As the evening progresses, they become increasingly childish resulting in chaos and verbal carnage.
Renner said it is a one-act play without intermission; it equals the time the families get together to talk.
The name of the play reflects that the god of carnage has ruled since the beginning of time - good vs. evil; yes vs. no; for vs. against, etc. The more the parents talk the angrier they get. It presents the absurdity of human nature.
"It is a scary look at a minefield of verbal warfare. You see all the phases of human nature which include dark humor," Renner said.
The Novak family is portrayed by Keith Enloe and Gina Connor. The Raleigh family consists of Tom Baker and Megan Wadley. This veteran cast is a joy to work with, Renner said, noting the actors developed their own characters while he watched.
The audience is part of the experience in that they are only five feet away and hopefully get caught up in the drama which at times is very intense.
"The actors really get into each other's faces," Renner said.
For this reason, Renner recommends the play for adults.
Technically, it is a straight forward play - lights come up and go down. The only sound effect is the ringing of the telephone. The focus is squarely on the actors.
Renner has directed half a dozen plays for Scene One and appeared in several. A prominent figure on the Jefferson City theater scene, Renner began his thespian career in Jefferson City in 1971.
When asked which he prefers, directing or acting, Renner said "I enjoy what I am doing at the moment."
The play will be presented Feb. 28, March 1-2 and March 7-9. For more information, see www.sceneonetheatre.com or email [email protected].