Sight gags, cynicism, philosophy collide in ‘Art’

UTC Theatre Co. continues its Outside the Box” programming with Art  by Yasmina Reza, a Tony-award winning play.

“This play is about intellectual and aesthetic arguments, but it is also an ingenious collection of laughs,” says director Steve Ray. “Some of the humor comes from intellectual arguments, some from cynicism, and some from someone accidentally getting punched in the face.”

He notes that “this play was originally written in French. Sight gags are even funnier when they are contrasted with the philosophical arguments these characters are having.”

In Art, a friendship between characters Marc and Serge comes into question when Marc disagrees with Serge’s purchase of an expensive painting. Their friend Yvan provides a sounding board and comic relief, if not the most sophisticated taste in art. Ideas and friendships are tested.

The Theatre Co.’s usual venue, the UTC Fine Arts Center, is being renovated, which gives the company the chance to try new things, Ray says.

“We are using this as an opportunity to explore alternate venues and alternate practices,” he says.

“One of the things we are experimenting with in Art is having a second cast. This provides more students opportunities to hone their acting skills. The alternate cast will serve as understudies to the primary cast, learning invaluable skills. They will also perform in the Saturday matinee.”

The main cast is Mark Elich, Falcian Page and Owen Vice. The alternate cast (performing Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m.) is Blaine Evans, Isaiah Owens and Alexander Walker

The creative team includes Steve Ray, director; set designer Adam Miecielica; costume designer Andrew Haueter; and lighting design and technical director Jeff Davis.