The MSSU Theatre Department will be kicking off its 2013-2014 play season this September with the 2009 Tony Award winning play God of Carnage by playwright Yasmina Reza. Directed by Tim Klein, associate professor of theatre, the play will be showing in the Bud Walton Theatre at 7:30 p.m. from Sept. 10-14.

The play, which was adapted into the 2011 film Carnage by Roman Polanski, takes place in Brooklyn and follows two sets of parents as they meet together in an attempt to resolve a playground altercation between their two 11 year-old sons.

However, as the play progresses, tensions between the two couples arise, and their intention to deal with the matter in an amicable manner is quickly abandoned.

“It’s a funny drama,” said Klein. “It’s not exactly a comedy, but it pokes fun at adults that never really learned how to grow up.”

The play stars Devri Brook, senior theatre major, as Veronica Novak, a judgmental author; and Ryan Odenbrett, senior theatre major, as Michael Novak, her uncouth husband; as well as James Zerkel, MSSU alumni, as Alan Raleigh, a stereotypical lawyer; and Abby Railsback, senior theatre major, as Annette Raleigh, his hysterical wife.

“They’re all very experienced [actors],” said Klein in regards to his cast. “They’re all seniors this year, and they’re the most skillfull cast. I couldn’t do it without them.”

General admission ticket prices are $3 for adults, $1 for senior citizens and high school students, and free for MSSU faculty, staff and students with their college ID.

God of Carnage is rated (M) for mature audiences only due to explicit language and adult situations. Children under the age of five years old will not be admitted. For additional information, contact Terri Spencer at (417) 625-9393.