Witty performance by 2nd Story Theatre is literally a work of ‘Art’
WARREN — The play is titled “Art,” but it could have a subtitle: “and friendship.”
Yasmina Reza’s much honored play has been performed around the world since its 1994 debut in her native France, and now it’s in sizzling production at 2nd Story Theatre.
The story of what a disagreement about a modern, minimalist – and expensive – piece of art does to a longstanding friendship among three upper-middleclass friends is alternately funny and biting, as politeness gives way to unfiltered honesty.
In just 70 minutes, 2nd Story’s actors make these educated, intelligent but different characters their own and lead us on an insightful trip into the dynamics of friendship.
The story begins when Serge buys a piece of “modern” art: an all-white canvas differentiated only by a few diagonal white lines. It’s by a prominent artist, which, to Serge, justifies the expense. When Marc sees it, however, he insultingly calls it a “piece of s---.” Yvan, ever the peacemaker, tries to defuse the feud but inevitably is coerced into taking sides.
In ensuing scenes, the men disagree with each other in various combinations of two against one. Quickly, the talk turns from art to each other, and along the way the playwright makes astute observations about how friendships form, change and possibly fall apart. Even in the midst of the personal attacks, however, laughs keep popping up in Reza’s writing and the actors’ delivery.
Luis Astudillo is marvelously metrosexual as Serge, the art aficionado. In 2nd Story’s intimate Downstage Theatre, it’s easy to watch his face, and his expression is unfailingly authentic, as if he’s reacting in the moment.
Ed Shea is convincingly acerbic but also self-aware as Marc, who can be judgmental and critical but then – plausibly – feel bad about it. Shea also directs, and his characteristically fastpaced style perfectly suits this conversation-driven play.
Kevin Broccoli is both hilarious and emotional as Yvan. He’s the character who says he can’t really think of an occasion when he’s been happy, and his impending marriage seems only to cause stress. He doesn’t need to add an argument between his best friends to the load. As this angst-ridden character, Broccoli has a pair of monologues, one about nit-picking wedding plans and another about advice from his therapist, which he delivers with perfect timing and feeling. In the former he voices three people; in the latter he has to make sense out of run-on words. Both should go into an acting hall of fame.
Like the art at the center of the story, Max Ponticelli’s set is minimal and monochromatic but suggestive of Serge’s upscale life. On occasion, the actors address the audience, and spotlights effectively isolate them, which works seamlessly.
“Art” was honored with an Olivier Award in London as a comedy, while the Tony Award was more broadly in the category of Best Play. There are serious laughs in 2nd Story’s production, but there also is a serious side, and that interpretation – along with amazing acting – makes this production a winner.
Performances of “Art” continue Thursdays through Sundays, evenings and matinees, through May 21 at 2nd Story Theatre, 28 Market St. A discussion of theatrical aspects and humanities themes of the production follows the April 30 matinee. Tickets are $35, or $25 for persons under 25. To buy tickets and select seats, visit www.2ndstorytheatre.com or call the box office at (401) 247-4200.