March 31, 2012 – If you’re an area local you’re probably familiar with the gaggle of celebrities ranging from Kevin Bacon to Jason Segel who boast that, “You’ll love the arts in Philadelphia.”
Their statement is made on behalf of the assortment of arts and entertainment venues available in our beloved city.
If you’re not a local, it may surprise you that Philadelphia is much more than just a stop on the way from New York to Washington D.C. From our Avenue of the Arts, which is home to some of the best theater around, to our world-class orchestra that has been performing for over 110 years, and our famous Museum of Art, which is currently hosting the only American stop on the “Van Gogh Up Close” tour, we can certainly give New York City a run for its money.
In our downtown area alone, on any given night, there are a plethora of live performances that can tickle the fancy of any taste, whether it is of the dramatic, comedic, musical or dance variety.
I was reminded of this on Thursday night when I received an unexpected invitation to attend a performance of “God of Carnage” at the Walnut Street Theater. French playwright Yasmina Reza’s comedy of ill manners about two couples who are trying to settle a playground fight between their sons with a civilized approach, was just what I needed after a long day at the office.
Not only was “God of Carnage” awarded the 2009 Best Play at the Tony Awards, but it also earned a Best Lead Actress win for Marcia Gay Harden. It was also made into a movie last year, although the title was shortened to “Carnage”. Roman Polanski directed the shoot in Paris due to his outstanding criminal conviction in the United States with stars Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet.
As much as I love movies, nothing beats live theater for a nice change of pace. Thanks, Mary, for asking me tag along.
“God of Carnage” is at the Walnut Street Theater through April 29.