Booked & Scene

ART by Yasmina Reza, directed by Courtney O’Connor at Lyric Stage, is a sharp, witty exploration of friendship, taste, and the thin line between honesty and cruelty. Premiering in French in 1994, ART has since been translated into over 30 languages, proving its universal appeal and relevance. The play centers on a seemingly simple premise: Serge buys an expensive, all-white painting, which sparks a heated debate among three longtime friends—Marc, Serge, and Yvan—about art, value, and the cracks in their friendship. Beneath the humor and rapid-fire dialogue lies a poignant examination of the complex dynamics that hold relationships together—and threaten to tear them apart. 

A Brush with Conflict John Kuntz as Marc: Honest, Harsh, & Unapologetic

Wow. John Kuntz as Marc is a force of nature. Outspoken, brash, and unfiltered, Marc is the character I resonated with most—he says what we are all thinking but rarely dare to voice. Kuntz captures this brutal honesty perfectly, grounding his performance in a relatable frustration that makes Marc both infuriating and compelling. As the main conflict stems from Marc’s searing critique of Serge’s new painting, Kuntz’s ability to balance the humor with underlying vulnerability is masterful. Watching Marc’s evolution throughout the play—from blunt cynicism to a deeper revelation of his own insecurities—was captivating. Just wonderful. Fun. Honest. Harsh, but not wrong. Kuntz plays Marc so well.

In the Eye of the Beholder Michael Kaye as Serge: Passionate & Poised 

Michael Kaye’s portrayal of Serge brings a quiet intensity to the stage. While the audience may not understand the appeal of a $200,000 white canvas, Kaye makes us believe in Serge’s passion for it. His performance is layered with a mix of pride, sensitivity, and raw defensiveness that feels authentic. As the tension between Marc and Serge escalates, Kaye’s controlled delivery of Serge’s scathing retorts hits like a gut punch. He never needs to be the loudest person in the room to command attention—his calm, collected demeanor only amplifies the impact of his words. The balance between humor, honesty, and heartbreak in Kaye’s performance was exceptional.

Between a Rock & an Art Place Remo Airaldi as Yvan: The Perfect Middleman 

Fantastic. Incredible. Remo Airaldi as Yvan is a standout, bringing impeccable comedic timing and a heartfelt vulnerability to the role. As the peacekeeper desperately trying to avoid conflict, Yvan’s anxiety is both hilarious and painfully relatable. Airaldi’s delivery of Yvan’s chaotic monologue about wedding drama and family pressure was a masterclass in pacing and comedic timing—it had the audience roaring with laughter. His ability to pivot from humor to heartfelt moments added a necessary depth to the character, making Yvan more than just the comic relief. Airaldi’s portrayal was flawless, capturing the essence of someone who just wants everyone to get along.

Crafting Tableaus, Casting Shadows: Courtney O’Connor’s Direction 

Props to director Courtney O’Connor for her smart, precise direction of this production. The pacing was impeccable, allowing tension to build naturally without ever feeling forced. O’Connor’s use of space and blocking created striking stage pictures, reinforcing the isolation and growing divides between the characters. The blend of humor, raw emotion, and biting honesty was handled beautifully.

However, the lighting was a notable misstep—there were several moments where one or more characters were partially in shadow, which was distracting and disappointing, especially in such an intimate production. The direction was strong, but the lighting left something to be desired.

Strokes of Truth & Tension: The Cost of Friendship 

At its core, ART poses a deceptively simple question: “Does the duration of your friendship impact the way you treat each other?” While the instinctual answer might be a resounding yes, the play reveals the complexity behind this idea. Throughout this tight 90-minute show, I found myself agreeing and disagreeing with each of the three characters at different moments. The brilliance of ART lies in its ability to provoke such a range of emotions and thoughts without ever losing its sharp humor. I left the theater still turning over its questions in my mind—a testament to both Reza’s script and this stellar production.