The Tony and Olivier Award-winning New York smash hit by French playwright Yasmina Reza opens at Waterworks Players on September 21. Farmville will join cities worldwide enjoying God of Carnage, in which two sets of parents meet for the first time to settle their sons' nasty schoolyard tangle. But all attempts at civilized discourse quickly devolve into childlike behavior in this fast, furious, and at times very funny comedy of bad manners.

The play is set in the home of the Novaks, located in an upscale gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood. Veronica Novak, played by Anita Lynn, is the mother of Henry, who had his teeth knocked out in a fight. As an activist author, Veronica passionately defends her child and wants to settle affairs between the feuding boys. She is married to mild-mannered Michael, portrayed by Brandon Nuckols, who owns a successful household warehouse business.

Don Bleheta is Alan Raleigh, the uptight and combative father of Benjamin, the lad who hit Henry because he refused to let him join his gang. As a preoccupied corporate defense attorney, Alan has difficulty putting his cell phone down long enough to sort issues with the Novaks. He is married to Annette, played by Leigh Lunsford, who is also a busy professional wealth manger with an empathetic personality.

“This play is like a runaway train,” says Creative Director Dudley Sauve, “It begins with everyone bending over backwards to be polite. But as the evening progresses and the rum flows, the gloves come off. At the end, we have a calamitous parental battle with all four characters landing verbal smacks at each other.”

Theatre goers should be aware that God of Carnage is played without an intermission. In addition, the production contains adult language and addresses controversial issues. Parental guidance is suggested. It is not recommended for children under 13.

Make reservations now to attend Waterworks Players' production of God of Carnage. Performances are at 8 p.m. on September 21, 22, 28 and 29. Tickets are $10. You can obtain tickets by calling the box office at 434-392-3452 or visiting the web site: http://waterworksplayers.org.