Gandolfini stars in Broadway's 'Carnage'

NEW YORK, March 24 (UPI) -- James Gandolfini admits preparing to star in the new Broadway play "God of Carnage" was a bit nerve-racking, but says he's now having fun with it.

Gandolfini is best known for his portrayal of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano on the classic TV drama "The Sopranos."

"Once you get the hang of it, you're fine," the actor told the New York Daily News about making the transition from television to the stage. "The best part is, I'm making people laugh now. And that's a good thing."

"God of Carnage," which opened Sunday, co-stars Jeff Daniels, Marcia Gay Harden and Hope Davis.

Gandolfini told the Daily News his cast mates "were very cool and patient" while he was finding his way with the material.

"I still (expletive) up now and again, but that's life. I don't get nervous now. It's starting to become fun," Gandolfini said.

Representatives for the Broadway production of Yasmina Reza's new play described the work as "a comedy of manners without the manners."

"The play deals with the aftermath of a playground altercation between two boys and what happens when their parents meet to talk about it," show notes said.