'ART' Opens Banyan Theater's 14th Season Tonight

The Banyan Theater Company opens its 14th season tonight with ‘ART’ by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hampton. The show runs through July 12.

One white painting, three colorful opinions about what makes art, well, art. Serge (Don Walker), indulging his penchant for modern art, has purchased a large, expensive, completely white painting. His longtime friend Marc (Gary Marachek) is horrified, which causes considerable strain in their relationship. Yvan (Larry Alexander), caught in the middle, tries to please and mollify both of them. Lines are drawn and they square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures. As their arguments become less theoretical and more personal, they border on destroying their friendship … and possibly that piece of “art.” Winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1996 Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

The Banyan Theater Company performs in the Jane B. Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Performances of ‘ART,’ which was directed by Julian Olf, are:

2:00 pm June 27, 28 (sold out); July 5, 7, 11, 12

8:00 pm June 25, 26, 27; July 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

The three-show season continues with “The Amish Project,” by Jessica Dickey, from July 16 to August 2. “My Old Lady” by Israel Horovitz takes the stage from August 6 to 23.

A three-show subscription costs $70, a two-show package is $52 and single tickets are $28.50. To purchase tickets, visit www.banyantheatercompany.com or call (941) 351-2808.