On Friday, Nov. 28, I attended “Art” at the Music Box Theatre, which has previously housed productions such as Dear Evan Hansen and Suffs. I purchased rush tickets—meaning I arrived early in the morning to wait for the box office to open and buy same-day seats. The tickets were affordable at $49 and placed us in the orchestra section.

Background

The play Art, written by Yasmina Reza, is set in Paris and centers on three friends: Marc, Serge and Yvan. Serge, played by Neil Patrick Harris, purchases a painting for $300,000. The painting appears to be entirely white, featuring only fine white lines on a white background. Marc, played by Bobby Cannavale, is outraged by the price Serge paid and vents about it to their mutual friend Yvan, played by James Corden, who is already stressed as his wedding approaches. When the friends meet up, what begins as a discussion about the painting escalates into a heated debate.

Deeper Meaning

The disagreements quickly evolve into arguments that test the foundation of their friendship. Beneath the surface, the conflict is less about overspending on art and more about status, identity and the way the men perceive both themselves and one another. The painting becomes a symbol of validation—something Serge seeks but that Marc and Yvan refuse to give. Ultimately, the play explores how deeply these characters rely on one another, even when they cannot express it.

Thoughts

This production is both hilarious and strikingly heartfelt. Cannavale, Corden and Harris form an unexpected yet exceptional trio. Their onstage chemistry is unmatched. Corden, despite frequent criticism throughout his career, delivers an outstanding performance. He is consistently funny and precise in his delivery. A standout moment is his five-minute monologue recounting the chaotic chain of events that made him late—an argument involving his fiancée and stepmother over whose names should appear on the wedding invitation.

Cannavale and Harris are also remarkable, each bringing depth and nuance to their roles. I found myself relating to the dynamics among the three characters. The production offers meaningful lessons about friendship, pride and vulnerability, and those themes resonated with me long after the curtain fell.

Stage Door Experience

After the performance, I waited at the stage door to have my Playbill signed by the cast. Corden was the first to greet fans, followed by Harris and Cannavale. When Corden reached me, I jokingly asked whether we could expect Art to appear in a future Crosswalk Musical, referencing his well-known sketch series. He laughed and replied, “I don’t think that’s going to happen, mate.”

Harris was surrounded by a large crowd, so my interaction with him was brief, though he did sign my Playbill. Cannavale—the performer I was most excited to meet—was friendly and generous with his time. My friend and I were able to take a photo with him, and I told him how much I admire The Station Agent, the film he stars in alongside Peter Dinklage. Coincidentally, it deals with themes of friendship similar to those in Art.

Final Thoughts

Go see Art. Go see any show. Support the arts however you can. Theatre is an experience unlike any other—and one that everyone should have.