By John Lyle Belden

When as parents we advocate for our children, ironically, it’s too easy to become childish ourselves.

That’s the serious premise of the Tony-winning comedy “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza. And it is serious – at first – before descending into seriously hilarious chaos, presented in the cozy confines of Mud Creek Players, directed by Kelly Keller.

Michael and Veronica Novak (Mason and Andrea Odle) have invited Alan and Annette Raleigh (Gregory Roberts and Amanda McCabe) to their home to calmly resolve the situation involving their 11-year-old sons. Earlier, the Raleighs’ Benjamin struck Henry Novak with a stick, breaking his teeth. The atmosphere is tense but calm as they initially come to an understanding that Veronica has written down. They try to relax with coffee and clafouti, but continued conversation ensures that their fragile peace will break in a major way.

Mix in attorney Alan constantly getting calls on his cell phone, a realistic (warning to the squeamish) episode of nausea, and a full bottle of fine rum, and this little gathering will go totally off the rails.

The Odles nimbly balance affection and resentments like the real-life couple they are. Andrea’s Veronica weaves the line between voice-of-reason and passive-aggressive. Mason’s Michael is a people-pleaser by nature, but can only take so much. Roberts affects the self-important demeanor of a lawyer – Alan represents a troubled pharmaceutical company, adding an interesting side-plot – coupled with smugly brutal honesty. McCabe is outstanding as she instantly communicates shock, as well as hilarious reactions and manic moments of madness.  

Kudos to the volunteers who helped put this show together, including set design and props by Chris Bundy. Kristin Hilger is assistant director and Jalynn Cheatham is stage manager.

Sadly, the tulips don’t fare well, but apparently no hamsters were harmed in the making of this play. (Still, if you happen to find Nibbles, please let Keller know.)

See the hilarious wrath of “God of Carnage” this Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (2:30 and 8 p.m.) at the Mud Creek Barn, 9740 E. 86^th St., Indianapolis. Get tickets at mudcreekplayers.org.