RIALTO CHATTER: Bdwy's Reign of 'CARNAGE' to Continue?

The New York Times ArtsBeat section one of the biggest questions going around the Rialto regarding this spring's biggest hit, "God of Carnage," "how long will it end up running with its superstar cast of Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini, and Marcia Gay Harden?"

Jeff Daniels, in an interview this week, said that the producers "are talking to all of us about extending. No decision has been made at this point", reports the Times.

The producers have not announced the exact date when the four leads are now scheduled to leave the show, which is technically open-ended. Tickets are only on sale for performances through August 2, which is when the four actors' current contracts run through explains The New York Times. To read the full article, click here.

The Yasmina Reza comedy GOD OF CARNAGE opened on Sunday, March 22 to rave reviews. Starring Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden, translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Matthew Warchus GOD OF CARNAGE is playing at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45 Street). The play nabbed six Tony Award nominations, including acting nods for its starry ensemble cast.

Visit the show's official website for more information: www.GodOfCarnage.com

The play comes to Broadway after a sold-out run in London's West End in 2008 where it just won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy. The London critics raved about GOD OF CARNAGE: The Times called it "tense, edgy and funny" and praised Reza's "incisive observation, acerbic wit and shrewd humor." The Daily Telegraph called it "a crackling night" and The Daily Mail called the play "terrific stuff." The Daily Express said it was "a triumph" and The International Herald Tribune proclaimed "'God of Carnage' is an expert piece of stagecraft and savagely funny."

GOD OF CARNAGE reunites the creative team that staged the Tony Award-winning Best Play, Art. Designed by Mark Thompson (sets and costumes), with lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker & Chris Cronin, the play has music by Gary Yershon.

GOD OF CARNAGE is a comedy of manners without the manners. The play deals with the aftermath of a playground altercation between two boys and what happens when their parents meet to talk about it.

Tickets are available through Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200, or 800-432-7250, online at www.Telecharge.com or in person at the Jacobs Theatre box office, 242 West 45th Street. Box office hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00am - 8:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm - 6:00pm.

Ticket prices range from $66.50 to $116.50.

The performance schedule for GOD OF CARNAGE is Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Please note that beginning the week of March 23, the performance Tuesday performances are at 7:00pm.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.