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Fans expect the unexpected from Bricolage Production Company, and its latest production, "Hunter Gatherers," more than lives up to that reputation.

The company's production of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's dark, yet comedic drama is unpredictable, outrageously funny and relentlessly challenging.

On a scale of one to 10, the play begins at a 7.5, quickly zooms right off the charts, then stays there for most of the evening.

It's also not a play suited for young audiences, the easily offended or those inclined to queasiness at the sight of blood, knives or violence.

The organizing principle is deceptively traditional -- an upwardly mobile Gen X couple are hosting a dinner party for another couple with whom they have been friends since high school.

But, from the moment Richard begins preparing the lamb for the main course, it's abundantly clear this evening is going to be anything but conventional.

Director Jeffrey Carpenter has chosen his cast well.

Jonathan Visser's Richard is an alpha dog in overdrive -- passionate, focused and driven by his enthusiasms, yet acutely aware that he lacks a defining purpose into which he can channel his energy. He propels the play forward with a manic energy that would be cartoonish in lesser hands.

His wife, Pam, played by Tressa Glover, is as simple and accepting as a puppy dog.

The arrival of their friends only intensifies the tensions.

Amy Landis' Wendy is a smoldering volcano of barely suppressed resentments and anger and a loudly ticking biological clock. Michael Fuller plays her more pacific and emotionally ambivalent husband, Tom.

Currents of sexual desire, professional resentment, suspicion, denial and competitiveness mingle with the aroma of roast lamb that fills the room. As the evening progresses, primal instincts overwhelm conventional behavior.

Think of it as Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" updated for the Gen Xers. Don't let the play's fireworks, dynamic acting and abundant laughs distract you. Nachtrieb has a point to make, although it's only later that you have time to realize it.

Jesse Connor has created a functional, realistic set that's up to the rigors and violence the cast inflicts on it, and fight director Randy Kovitz has schooled the cast in generating mayhem that erupts with surprise and realistic physicality. Special effects creator Steve Tolin, sound designer David Bjornson, lighting designer Andrew David Ostrowski and costume designer Richard Parsakian provide subtle tweeks and shadings that add nuance and understanding.

If the production has a flaw, it's the decision to halt the action for a 15-minute intermission.

Although it's possible the cast might need to catch their breath, allowing the audience to do the same reminds them that this is make believe. It also requires the cast to rebuild the tension and momentum necessary to arrive at the ultimate conclusion, which feels somewhat contrived.

Nevertheless, for those with strong constitutions and a fondness for dramatic adventure, this can be a breathless but enjoyable ride on a roller coaster with no brakes.