Curatin Call: Escalation game

‘Best of Friends’ serves up cold revenge

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Imagine a world where people assumed the worst intentions of others and acted on their basest instincts. Welcome to “Best of Friends,” a dark comedy from the twisted mind of Jeff Daniels (yes, that Jeff Daniels). Inspired by Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage,” “Best of Friends” centers on a dispute between two adult couples. In “Carnage,” the couples argue about the civility of their respective children. In “Best of Friends,” the couples are the children, treating every perceived offense as grounds for vengeance.

Small-town couple John and Beth Martin (Chris Goeckel and Amy Rickett) invite new neighbors Ken and Hannah Porter (Jeff Manuson and Cassie Little) to dinner. Ken explains to the audience that he felt insulted by John on the golf course when they first met. Rather than talk out their differences like adults, Ken steals John’s keys as retaliation for the perceived slight. The rest of the play is pure escalation. Ken and Hannah justify the stealing with frighteningly absurd logic, while John and Beth suspect mischief and respond with just as much pettiness.

Goeckel, Rickett, Manuson and Little all excel at the pleasant yet insincere smile. Each seems amiable and kind. Yet, when the couples return to their respective homes, each plots the elaborate duping of the other with the maniacal intensity of a Bond villain.

Daniels’ dialogue has a steady, natural rhythm which director Bob Robinson keeps moving. Even with some slow moments, the show still clocks in less than 90 minutes.

Aiding to the streamlined feel of the show are Jeff Boerger’s set and Ted Daniel’s lighting design. Given that there is only space for one living room, a single portrait of the respective couple on the wall rotates as needed to transport the actors between the two homes.

The play resolves on a rather preachy note: Friends change and friendships are hard. But the action in between is fun to watch — even if it’s based on a simple, petty misunderstanding.

“Best of Friends”

Riverwalk Theatre

June 4-7 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Thursday $10/$8 seniors, students and military Friday – Sunday $15/$12 seniors, students and military Riverwalk Theatre 228 Museum Drive, Lansing (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre.com

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