Review: Mad Cow's Biting Comedy, ART, Makes You Question Nature of Friendship

Do you have a prized piece of art hanging above the mantle in your home? Above the sofa? In your bedroom? What does the choice to invest in a particular work of art say about you? What does your best friend's choice in art say about him or her? Does your friend's choice say something about you?

These seemingly frivolous questions lead to a series of dramatic confrontations in Yasmina Reza's biting comedy ART, playing now at Church Street's Mad Cow Theatre through February 21st. Originally written in French, and translated by Christopher Hampton, the play, which won the 1998 Tony for Best Play, is a break-neck exploration of the nature of friendship, and how seemingly unimportant decisions can destroy decades of love and trust.

Directed by Mark Edward Smith, the story centers on Serge (Thom Mesrobian)'s purchase of an expensive painting. A divorced doctor, Serge has been lusting after the work for months before finally making the investment. While he can afford the painting, his friend Marc (Jay T. Becker) is enraged when he sees that the painting is an all-white canvas with barely perceptible off-white stripes. This sets off a battle of egos that eventually ensnares the pair's normally malleable friend Yvan (Tommy Keesling).

While the disagreement leads to high emotions, and more than a fair share of laughs, you are left asking yourself two questions, "Why did these three become friends in the first place?" and, "Who would want to be friends with any of these men?"

None of them are particularly likeable, and not one of them is even the least bit sympathetic. Serge and Marc specifically are stuck in their opposing views, and neither seems to have claimed the high-ground. While these over-sized personalities do lead to some wonderfully comedic moments; Yvan recounting a particularly harrowing phone call, and the trio silently sharing a bowl of olives; when it comes down to it, there is a big difference between a play that centers on an argument where you aren't sure whom is right, and a play that centers on an argument where everyone is wrong, and you don't care who wins.

The characters are petulant, and their disagreements are petty. Fortunately, the show's three stars deliver solid performances that balance out much of the show's off-putting content. Mesrobian and Becker create characters that are believable, but incomprehensible, while Keesling's Yvan is often an over-the-top caricature that is entertaining, but doesn't seem to fit.

Aubrey Hess' costumes pop in front of William Elliot's stark, linear, grey set, but the primary color choices don't seem appropriate for either the piece or the characters.

Like Reza's other living room-based intellectual-argument play, GOD OF CARNAGE, this show is meticulously crafted, and Smith and his cast do exemplary work. However, unlike Serge, Marc, and Yvan, 85 minutes of back-stabbing, belittling, and illogical argument isn't my definition of friendship or entertainment.

To purchase tickets to Mad Cow's production of ART, visit the theatre's website or call 407-297-8788.

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Did you come away with a different opinion of ART? Let me know in the comments below, or on Twitter @BWWMatt. If you want to follow along with my "366 in 366" articles, you can check out #BWW366in366 on Twitter.

Banner Image: Jay T. Becker, Tommy Keesling, and Thom Mesrobian. Photo Credit: Mad Cow Theatre

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