Local theatergoers looking to see an uplifting tale about the heights of human civility or the power of compassion and understanding will likely walk away…disappointed from Beckwith’s newest production.

Those who enjoy seeing the utter chaos that erupts when two couples finally drop any pretenses of politeness will more than get their money’s worth.

The downtown theater company debuts its first play of the season on Friday with Yasmina Reza’s critically acclaimed “God of Carnage.” The play tells the story of a pair of couples who, following a fight between their sons, sit down to resolve the situation in an amicable matter. What begins as a civil discussion slowly begins to dissolve into irrational fighting between all four people in the room.

“As the play goes on, we get to see glimpses into the true personalities of each of the characters,” said director Rebecca Maxey.

Reza’s play was originally a French production, debuting in 2006. The English adaption first premiered in London in 2008, followed by a Broadway production the following year, which received three Tony Awards that year.

A dark comedy rife with adult language and situations, “God of Carnage” isn’t a lighthearted affair like some of the farces and comedies that have taken place on the Beckwith stage in years past, Maxey said.

“We like to present more thought provoking shows like this from time to time,” she said.”

Maxey, who is making her directorial debut, and her assistant director, Tim Aranyos, have been working with the four-person cast over the last eight weeks to prepare for opening night. The small cast and confined setting has made this an ideal show for the first-time director, Maxey said.

Not having to worry about a managing a larger scale production onstage has allowed the director to really work with the cast to develop their characters down to a tee, she said.

“[The cast] has made it easy for me,” Maxey said. “They’re downright good actors, which is all you can really ask for.”

Even with two months worth of rehearsals under their belts, the material and the cast’s ever-evolving performances continue to leave Maxey in stiches every time they run through the play, she said.

“Audiences will walk away from this play laughing,” she said. “I think they’ll find it a bit horrifying as well. When you’re too preoccupied with being ‘PC’ all the time, horrible things can come hurling up all at once.”

“God of Carnage” will run on Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, and from Thursday through Sunday, April 9-11. The show will begin at 7:30 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday showings, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $10.

For reservations or information, visit the Beckwith Facebook page or call the Beckwith Theatre at 269-782-7653.

CAST

Alan Raleigh – Jeff Starkey

Annette Raleigh – Sam Blevins

Veronica Novak – Paige Smillie

Michael Novak – James Huffman