The NEW Comedy, "God of Carnage"

The Suburban Premiere of the New Comedy, “God of Carnage” Re-Opens April 13 at Theatre-on-the-Hill

Bolingbrook’s acclaimed Theatre-on-the-Hill is once again bringing exciting entertainment to Bolingbrook with their dynamic production of 2009’s Pulitzer Prize winner for best new play, “God of Carnage.”

  Director/producer Craig J. Engel says the premise for the play is a simple one: two eleven year-old boys get into a playground brawl, and their parents meet to iron out the problem afterward.

  Set on an elegant set suggesting suburban privilege, these “responsible” adults at first seem in total control of themselves while trying to do the “right” thing. As the scene progresses, the situation rapidly degenerates, as each adult actually becomes more childish and ridiculous than the kids who brought them together.

   “It’s kind of a ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf’ meets reality trash TV,” says Mr. Engel. “There really isn’t a script out there that exposes so many raw nerves and the true complexity of adult agendas. What starts as a simple meeting erupts into total chaos. Taken on a deeper level, it might even be an allegory for partisan politics. The story is just such a blast!”

   Bill Smith (who by day is a Bolingbrook police officer) adds, “It’s hilarious and enlightening. And a little scary too, because as adults, we all know that what we’re seeing up there on the stage could easily be us – if we found ourselves in the same situation.”

   Staged as a continuous scene, masterful actors LeAnn Hoffrogge, Erika Grotto, Zach Johnson-Dunlop, and Bill Smith add wonderful notes of eccentricity to their one-of-a-kind roles.

   Theatre-on-the-Hill has become a one of the suburbs' great theater destinations, and was lauded in Money magazine when they named Bolingbrook as one of the country's "Best Places to Live."

   God of Carnage runs April 13 – 29 at Bolingbrook's Town Center stage, 375 W. Briarcliff. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 pm; Sunday shows begin at 3 pm. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Group rates available. Visit tothbolingbrook.com for more info, or call the ticket hotline at 630-908-2538.