ART arrives at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway to brighten the autumn season. French writer Yasmina Reza’s hit comedy as translated to The King’s English by Christopher Hampton has been a hit in Lindon for six years, and it’s been a witty and stimulating crowd pleaser ever since. It is highly original and popular with those large crowds of theater goers who particularly support plays that poke into the whys and wherefores of the lighter side of life. This comedy which ultimately turns angry and twists itself into the depths of darkness makes good use of the complexity of language as it spins out the many meanings that a phrase might have when it describes shared moments from the past. Even good friends (and the three central characters are the best at the start) can have second thoughts.
James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris, Bobby Cannavale (Mathew Murphy)
With sparkling dialog, Marc (Bobby Cannavale) begins his conversation chatting about friend Serge’s (Neil Patrick Harris) expenditure of $300,000 on a painting that is an all white on white canvas with no figures on it painted by a famous trendy artist. In a following scene the entrance of third pal, Yvan (James Corden), brings new meaning into each word and a major change. When all three are together later, accusations and retaliations bring them all into full battle.
We follow them willingly and change sides as well and eagerly accept the new viewpoint, which is the one now offered. Again, we are converted and the three best friends are now bitter and hilariously at odds with one another. To discover how it all works it out, you should get thee to the Music Box Theatre and join the happy crowds that are enjoying this jolly gift from Britain.
It has all been directed with a light touch by Scott Ellis who is the interim artistic director of Roundabout Theatre Company. David Rockwell and Jen Schriever have designed and lit this fresh farce with spirit and sent us home laughing again.