Morristown Man 'Carnage' Spree Continues in Maplewood

Morristown resident Travis Garcia continues his run in God of Carnage at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts in Maplewood this weekend.

Jeff Taylor of Montclair, Dena Daniel of Manhattan, Tara Cioletti of Wayne and Travis Garcia of Morristown, round out the cast of The Strollers of Maplewood production, directed by Cynthia Ross of Newark.  

Before the comedy begins, two 11-year-old children, Benjamin and Henry,get involved in argument because Benjamin refuses to let Henry join his 'gang'. Benjamin knocks out two of Henry's teeth with a stick. That night, the parents of both children meet to discuss the matter.
Benjamin's father, played by Travis Garcia, is a lawyer who is never off his cell phone. Benjamin's mother, Annette, played by Tara Cioletti, is in "wealth management" and has a some what sensitive stomach when it comes to these matters.

Henry's father, Michael, played by Jeff Taylor,is a self-made wholesaler with an unwell mother. Michel's wife, Veronica, played by Dena Daniel, is writing a book about Darfur and is an Art Historian. As the evening goes on, the meeting degenerates into the four getting into irrational arguments, and their discussion falls into the loaded topics of misogyny, racial prejudice and homophobia.  

The original cast included Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden. All four actors were nominated for Tony Awards for their performances. Harden won the Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Play.

Roman Polanski directed the 2011 film adaption of God of Carnage, whose title was shortened to Carnage. Jodie Foster and John C. Reilly play Penelope and Michael, while Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet play Alan and Nancy.  

Strollers production opened Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, Maplewood. It continues Nov. 15 and 16 at 8 p.m.  

The Strollers is also partnering with The Anti Bullying Collation for this production and monetary donations will be accepted at any of the performances.  For reservations and further information please call our box office at 973-761-8453 or visit the website at www.thesrtollers.org.