ART

Pasadena Playhouse

Reviewed by Carol Kaufman Segal

A strong cast of three men, Roger Bart (Yvan), Michael O'Keefe (Serge), and Bradley Whitford (Marc), bring the characters of Yasmina Reza's play Art to life at the Pasadena Playhouse. Translated by Christopher Hampton, it is directed by David Lee.

The three men have been friends for fifteen years, but suddenly their friendship becomes fragile and erupts into a bitter argument that may mark the end of their camaraderie. And all of this hullabaloo over a painting that Serge, a dermatologist, has purchased for the mere price of $200,000!

When Serge brings out the painting to show off his masterpiece to his friend Marc, an aeronautical engineer, he is astonished to see a large white canvas with a few white painted streaks. In other words, he is looking at nothing but a white canvas. In telling his friend what he things of it in no uncertain terms, the argument ensues. Store-clerk Yvan doesn't help the situation when he is queried on the subject; he tends to agree with one and then the other. Before long, all three men are quarreling, hurling insults at each other and at an impasse, their friendship on the verge of being destroyed.

But Reza's play is not about three men arguing over a piece of art. It is more about relationships and what is important in life. Though these are three very diverse men who become passionate about their feelings, they realize that their friendship is too strong and vital and what is of greater magnitude in their lives.

As solemn as this sounds, Art is a comedy. The Pasadena Playhouse is a big theater, and from my vantage point, I felt that the actors could have projected better since I was unable, at times, to catch some of the comedic lines.

Art will play Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 4 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM, through February 19, at the Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Avenue, in Pasadena. Tickets are available online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org , at the Playhouse Box Office, or by calling (626) 356-7529.

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