Why Should I See Your Show? 'Human Combat Chess' vs. 'God of Carnage'

Welcome back to "Why Should I See Your Show?" If you're just joining us, this is the weekly feature where we ask representatives from two Minnesota productions to make the case for their show as the weekend's best bet. It's a battle of battles this week as Six Elements Theatre's resident fight director and creator of Human Combat Chess touts his show and Duluth Playhouse Education Director Kate Horvath speaks up for the Playhouse production of God of Carnage. MIKE LUBKE FOR HUMAN COMBAT CHESS Of all the shows going on this weekend, why should I see yours? Packed full of swordfights and fistfights, Human Combat Chess is, without a doubt, hands-down the most intense and exciting piece of action performance that theatregoers can see this year. With a cast and crew of nearly 40, there's a good chance you know someone who knows someone who's in it. Featuring the work of 7 fight choreographers, you'll be supporting local stage combat education and at only $10 a ticket it's more than worth the price. Because you think to yourself "If only I could see some blockbuster popcorn summer action live onstage instead of in a movie theater..." Also, we have ice cream. Will I laugh? With these color commentators, absolutely. Will I cry? If you cry a little bit every time the Yankees score a home run, then probably. Otherwise, you might be safe. How can I convince my theater-hating friend to come see this show? Don't tell them it's theatre. Tell them it's a real extreme sport and see what happens. That's what we do. From the stadium concessions to the live commentary to the cheering fans, even you might be convinced that none of this is staged. Sometimes we even convince ourselves. Who shouldn't see this show? If you're particularly uncomfortable with even sports-level violence, then this show probably isn't for you. That being said, Human Combat Chess is far from a bloodbath, and some of our most enthusiastic audience members come from our preteen crowd. KATE HORVATH FOR GOD OF CARNAGE Of all the shows going on this weekend, why should I see yours? It is biting, awesome, Tony award-winning comedy, satirizing today’s progressive and civil parents, who are anything but civilized. Plus, there is incredibly realistic vomit. The set is amazing, a great departure from the rest of our season. Will I laugh? Most certainly! Will I cry? Maybe, but it will be from laughing. How can I convince my theater-hating friend to come see this show? It is not what you would expect, many folks have said this is their favorite show of the season, that it is shocking, vicious and funny. Great for those friends who might have a cynical,theatre-can’t-show-me-anything- new attitude. Plus, there is realistic vomit. Who shouldn't see this show? Folks without a sense of humor.