Albuquerque, July 25, 2011 –Sticks and stones break bones while names jangle the nerves and upset the very core of humanity in Yasmina Reza’s multiple Tony Award- winning God of Carnage. Opening at The Cell Theatre on Thursday, August 18th, the production marks the New Mexico premiere of Reza’s play and the concluding production for FUSION’s 2010-2011 Right Off Broadway season. Reservations are highly recommended for opening night that includes a fully catered reception beginning at 7:00 p.m. with curtain at 8:00 p.m.

Two couples come together to iron out differences between their sons. As they analyze, dissect, defend, upend, and criticize the actions of their children, they open themselves up to expose their own prejudices, disappointments, fears, and struggles. The tense, edgy and funny spectacle of the parents' declining ability to resolve their own differences civilly resonates far beyond their little suburb, posing profound questions about our all-too-human inability to "just get along." American critics, in particular, have recognized the brilliance of this play, both as commentary about our natures and times and as an exciting vehicle to elicit outstanding performances.

God of Carnage won Tonys in 2009 for "Best Play,” "Best Direction" and "Best Actress in a Play." In the same year it also won the Laurence Olivier Award for "Best New Comedy." The play ran on Broadway from March 22nd, 2009 through June 6th, 2010. At nearly 500 performances, it was the 3rd longest running play in the 2000s, just missing the marks established by August: Osage County and The 39 Steps. Under the expert hand of director Gil Lazier, FUSION Company members Paul Blott, Bruce Holmes, Jacqueline Reid, and Laurie Thomas take on this spirited play.

God of Carnage runs at its home base, The Cell, August 18-September 4* with Thursday through Friday performances at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Our extremely popular downtown employees night is slated for Friday, August 19th at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for students and seniors. Thursday performances (excluding opening night) feature a $10.00 student rush (with valid I.D.) and $20 actor rush (with professional resume.) The first Saturday matinee August 20th is a pay-what-you-wish performance. Group discounts are also available. Free parking is plentiful. The Cell is located at 700 1st St. N.W. (just west of Broadway and south of Lomas.)

*During the final weekend, we're pleased to announce in association with Santa Fe Performing Arts that we will present God of Carnage at Santa Fe's Armory for the Arts on Friday evening, September 2 at 8PM and on Saturday, September 3 at 2PM and 8PM.