Whitefish Theatre Co. offers a fiendishly funny kickoff to its 2012-13 season with Yasmina Reza’s "God of Carnage" playing Sept. 27-30 and Oct. 5-7 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Taking the Olivier and Tony best play awards in London and New York, “God of Carnage” begins as a comedy of manners but ends up as a full-blown farce.

The prequel to the play begins with two 11-year-old boys in a park, one whom says something (or doesn’t) to the other. The other boy takes a stick and bashes the first boy. Whack! Two teeth are toast.

As the play begins, the two sets of parents sit down to discuss the incident. These seemingly amicable couples, pushed into conflict by their kids, try their best to maintain their civilized perspectives, but distrust comes with a few off-hand comments. Defenses sharpen, and their genteel, razor-thin facades are toast.

Taking on the roles of host Michael and hostess Veronica, the “wronged” parents, are Whitefish veterans Tony Hernandez and Sarina Hart. Hernandez was last seen in Whitefish Theatre Co.’s production of “39 Steps” last fall. After several years in Missoula at the University of Montana and traveling with the Montana Repertory Theatre last spring, Hart adds the character of Veronica to such roles as an ugly stepsister in “Cinderella” and an upper-class English matron in Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit.”  

The other two cast members are new to Whitefish Theatre Co. but not to acting. Becky Sterling Rygg, who plays Annette, is returning home after 18 years. Playing Alan is Anthony Mead, a recent transplant from New York City.

Artistic Director Jesse DeVine is directing what she calls “an exceptional ensemble not to be missed. It is my honor to work with such a talented and dedicated group of actors.”

Preview Night begins at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Tickets are $10 and available only at the door.

On Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 5-6, the play begins at 7:30 p.m. Performances Sept. 30 and Oct. 7 begin at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $8 for students. All seats are reserved.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org, by calling 862-5371 or at the box office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or one hour before performances.