Willowbrook Theatre to present State-winning play, ‘God of Carnage’

Willowbrook Theatre invites you to enjoy its State-winning play, “God of Carnage.”

The play will be presented April 24 through 26 and tells the story of a playground altercation between 11-year-old boys that brings together two sets of Brooklyn parents for a meeting to resolve the matter. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the meeting progresses, tensions emerge and the gloves come off – leaving the couples with more than just their liberal principles in tatters. The couples are played by Willowbrook junior Alex Lapinski, junior Olivia Baumann, senior Colleen Shelton and junior Jack Corkery.

“That’s what humanity is – it’s brutal and highly unpleasant, but only beneath the surface,” Shelton said. “The play is very complex, and you have to go beneath the surface to understand the theme and message. It’s very subtle.”

Director Regina Wathier said she was inspired to present “God of Carnage” after seeing the movie “Carnage,” which is based on the play.

“I chose this play because this was the first year we participated in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) competition series, and we needed a play that would work well for traveling,” Wathier said. “I knew this play would be perfect in every aspect – from the plot, to the set to the costumes.”

And she was right. The “God of Carnage” cast and crew participated in the IHSA State Final Drama and Group Interpretation Competition on March 28 and 29, and they finished in 3rd place and won the technical category. Lapinski and Corkery also won All-State Cast awards. To see photos from the competition, go to http://photos.vipis.com/p992007652. 

“It was surprising to be named to the All-State Cast,” Lapinski said. “I’m focused on my acting and not what other people are thinking about my acting, so it was great to hear people were commenting on the quality of the performance.”

When audience members come to see the show, they can expect to see fun special effects and a very realistic set, Baumann said. The show will be performed in an intimate three-quarter-thrust setting, which means the audience will sit on risers onstage with the actors.

“God of Carnage”
When: 7 p.m. April 24 through 26

Where: Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park

Tickets: Tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for students, $3 with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. To buy tickets, or for more information, call 630-782-2860.

Cast: Alex Lapinski (junior), Olivia Baumann (junior), Colleen Shelton (senior) and Jack Corkery (junior)