Hedgerow Theatre’s ART to Run 5/10-6/17

Hedgerow Theatre's production of the Tony Award-winning comedy Art, which runs from May 10 through June 17, features three popular local actors, Leonard C. Haas, Tom Teti and Zoran Kovcic. All are members of Actors Equity who have previously appeared at Hedgerow, but this marks the first time that all three of them will be on stage together.

Yasmina Reza's comedy, translated from the original French by Christopher Hampton, premiered in 1994 in Paris to great acclaim, winning Molière Awards for Best Play, Best Author and Best Production. The English version won the 1996 Oliver Award for Best Comedy in London, and the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play in New York. Among Reza's other critically acclaimed works is God of Carnage, which recently was produced in the area.

The plot follows three Parisian men whose longtime friendship is threatened when Serge (Haas), a successful, forward-thinking dermatologist, purchases an expensive avant garde painting. Marc (Teti), a conservative engineer, thinks Serge has lost his mind, while the sentimental Yvan (Kovcic) tries to mediate, leading to a witty examination of friendship and art.

The show is directed by Producing Artistic Director Penelope Reed, who described it as "very French, with passionate men arguing over something that matters deeply to them. They're at real odds in a conflict between old and new, and how to see things differently." She added that "Art is about moving on when friendships get stuck. Each of these men have a different take on what constitutes art that challenges their relationship in often hysterical ways."

Hedgerow is working in conjunction with the Media Arts Council to display the work of a different MAC featured artist in the theatre's Shulman Gallery each week during the run of Art. Each Thursday night there will be a meet-the-artist reception with complimentary dessert.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, at 2 p.m. on Sundays and on Wednesday, May 23. The shows on May 10, 11, 12, 13 and 17 are previews. The official opening with a post-show greet-the-cast party is on Friday, May 18. There will be complimentary pre-show teas at the 2 p.m. matinees on Mother's Day, May 13, Sunday, May 20, and Wednesday, May 23. On Father's Day, June 17, there will be a pre-show beer tasting, courtesy of Quotations Restaurant in Media.

Adult ticket prices for Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows are $32, Thursday shows are $29, and Wednesday matinees are $25. There is a $3 discount for seniors; tickets for students with valid ID and children under 18 are $10. Previews are $20, and no other discounts apply. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors. Prices include all fees and are subject to change. Also available is a special Flex-Six package of six mix-and-match tickets to any show for $144 for adults or $124 for seniors. For reservations, call 610-565-4211, or visit www.hedgerowtheatre.org. Hedgerow Theatre, America's First Repertory Theatre, is located at 64 Rose Valley Road, in Rose Valley (near Media).

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