On A First Name Basis
Norm Foster's hilarious comedy
Algonquin Theatre
Sponsored by Jeremy Aldred-Hughes
Saturday, October 27
7:30pm start
Click on CURRENT TOUR for on-line tickets.
SCRIPTEASE
Actor's Salon
A Page-To-Stage Play Reading Series
Professional actors take the stage and perform a play, ON-SCRIPT. Lifting the characters off the page. This enhances the audience experience: the true craft of the actor and the playwright's words. No sets, costumes, lighting or sound effects. THE ESSENCE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS. An introduction to each play is provided by our company dramaturg - background of the play and playwright, along with poignant facts and tidbits are shared prior to the performance.
"ART" by Yasmina Reza and Christopher Hampton
How much would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be art? One of Marc's best friends, Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting. It's about five feet by four, all white with white diagonal lines. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists Marc doesn't have the proper standard to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, though burdened by his own problems, allows himself to be pulled into this disagreement. Eager to please, Ivan tells Serge he likes the painting. Lines are drawn and these old friends 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 friendships. At the breaking point, Serge hands Marc a felt tip pen and dares him: "Go on." This is where the friendship is finally tested, and the aftermath of action, and its reaction, affirms the power of those bonds.
Winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play. Winner of the 1996 Olivier Award for Best Comedy. "…wildly funny, naughtily provocative…" —NY Post. "…a nonstop cross-fire of crackling language, serious issues of life and art expressed in outbursts that sound like Don Rickles with a degree from the Sorbonne…Reza is a fiendishly clever writer…'ART' sounds like a marriage of Molière and Woody Allen…" —Newsweek. "Anyone looking for a play that is funny, sophisticated, stylish, stimulating and moving should go to 'ART'." —Independent (London). "That such a simple plot can throw up such profound and meaty ideas about the rules that dictate art and friendship is a real treat. Reza and Hampton have an acute ear for the idiocies, trivia and petty assaults that pepper the conversation between friends…The real pleasures come from Reza's creation of three beautifully defined, original characters…" —The Mail (London). "In October I called it a minor classic. Let's change that to classic comedy, period." —London Times.
Tour Dates
Saturday, August 18 @ 4pm
Sunday, August 19 @ 4pm
2371 LIMBERLOST ROAD, LAKE OF BAYS
This is an outdoor setting. Bring your own chair, beverage & appetizers.
Park on the road. Access to the property is 3:30pm
WEATHER PERMITTING.
Admission is PAY WHAT YOU THOUGHT (let us know what you thought of our presentation with a donation after experiencing it!)
RESERVATIONS STRONGLY ADVISED. Email us here.
Saturday, September 22 @ 4pm
MUSKOKA PLACE GALLERY
1182 FOREMAN ROAD, PORT CARLING
There is a wine/cheese reception prior to our presentation.
Admission is PAY WHAT YOU THOUGHT (let us know what you thought of our presentation with a donation after experiencing it! Also, for charity donations over $30 to Muskoka Chautauqua a tax receipt will be given.)
SEATING IS LIMITED TO 60 FOR THIS PERFORMANCE - RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Email us here.
Sunday, September 23 @ 4pm
WOODCHESTER VILLA MUSEUM
15 KING STREET, BRACEBRIDGE
There is a wine/cheese reception prior to our presentation.
Parking is available at the Chapel Gallery.
Admission is PAY WHAT YOU THOUGHT (let us know what you thought of our presentation with a donation after experiencing it!)
SEATING IS LIMITED TO 25 FOR THIS PERFORMANCE - RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Email us here.
Saturday, September 29 TBD