VSC to Present GOD OF CARNAGE, 9/13-10/2

You might say it's a !#$%@ hit! Virginia Stage Company will open its 33rd Season with the Virginia premiere of God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, September 13-October 2, 2011 at the historic Wells Theatre in Downtown Norfolk.

When a playground skirmish brings the well-to-do Raleighs and Novaks together to figure out "what to do about the boys," adult niceties quickly give way to name-calling, tantrums and tears. This dark comedy of grown-ups behaving badly scores big laughs while landing a powerful punch to hypocrisy in modern society. The Broadway production wonthe 2009 Tony Award for best play and was a smash hit, going on record as the third longest-running play of the 2000s. VSC's cast features television, film and Broadway regulars Sue Cremin, Ward Duffy, Laurence Lau and Henny Russell.

"The play is so wildly popular with audiences because nothing is funnier or scarier than human beings with their masks off," said Chris Hanna, director of God of Carnage and VSC's Artistic Director. "Reza has built a fun house mirror for us all to see ourselves in, with just the right balance of laughs and jabs. It's amazing entertainment."

AltDaily.com is partnering with VSC to present AltDaily Sneak Preview Night at God of Carnage Dress Rehearsal on Sunday, September 11, 7:00 pm with a minimum donation of $10. Admission must be purchased through the VSC Box Office at 757-627-1234 either in advance or at the door. After the show, Hell's Kitchen, 124 Granby Street, will offer specials including its Date Night Steak Plate for two at $16 with VSC ticket receipt.

Patrons who Ride the Tide before or after the show can get Buy One, Get One Free tickets to any regular performance of God of Carnage (Previews excluded). To purchase, bring your Tide fare card (commemorative or purchased) to the VSC Box Office and you'll get that show's best available seating.

Preview performances are at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 13, at 8:00 pm on Wednesday & Thursday, September 14 & 15 with all seats just $25. Opening Night will be Friday, September 16 at 8 pm. Regular performances run Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, Wed./Thur./Fri. at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm through October 2. Tickets range from $33 to $50. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800-982-2787 or at any Ticketmaster outlet, at the VSC box office, or online at www.vastage.com. Group discounts are available by calling 757-627-6988 ext. 358. Please note: God of Carnage contains adult language.

Available for a limited time, VSC Subscriptions offer the best discounts on our 5-show season -- as low as $18 per ticket per show. For more information on subscriptions, phone 757-627-1234 or visit www.vastage.com

Virginia Stage Company is Hampton Roads' only fully professional resident theater company, serving an annual audience close to 80,000. Since its founding, Virginia Stage Company has made significant contributions to the quality of life in Hampton Roads: presenting more than 190 plays through more than 3,900 performances; revitalizing and renovating the historic Wells Theatre; providing educational programs for students of all ages; and preserving the legacy of live theatre for future generations. Seasonal support for VSC's 33rd Season is provided by Norfolk Southern Corporation.