Art on Broadway – A Comedy that Explores Friendship

Sep 17, 2025 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Two Sues on the Aisle, Susie Rosenbluth and Sue Weston

Broadway fans have a unique opportunity to attend a performance by three icons, Bobby Cannavale, James Corden, and Neil Patrick Harris, who perform in the Broadway revival of   Art by Yasmina Reza. It was magical being in the audience, watching three seasoned actors bring the script to life, appealing to their diverse fan base, and providing their interpretation of a play that delves into the importance of long-term friendships.

In the performance we attended, Corden began coughing; whether this moment was impromptu or planned, it worked. Remaining in character, Cannavale patted him on the back. This added intimacy and an additional comedic moment that was almost indescribable. Cannavale, Corden, and Harris’s connection on stage was palpable. Their chemistry added to the authenticity of the friendship and the show’s impact.

Art on Broadway

Art is a revival that first opened at the Music Box Theatre in 1998, starring Alan Alda, Alfred Molina, and Victor Garber, and won the Tony Award for Best Play.

Art returns to the Music Box for a limited 17-week run, with an acclaimed cast: Bobby Cannavale (Marc, an aeronautical engineer), James Corden (Yvan, a struggling salesman), and Neil Patrick Harris (Serge, a successful dermatologist). Three friends whose 25-year friendship implodes after Serge buys an expensive, avant-garde modern white painting. Marc is outraged; he claims it is because Serge spent a ridiculous sum of money on a white painting and now sees himself as an art collector. Serge claims he loved this work of art, but Marc takes it as a personal affront, fearing that Serge may be outgrowing their friendship. Yvan is the neediest of the three, a people pleaser, focused on his pending marriage and failed career, selling pens and folders for his future in-laws.

Their conflict escalates into a series of bitter arguments, ostensibly about their reaction to the painting. It turns into questioning their values, and why they were friends in the first place, as well as the nature of art itself, which, like friendship, is subjective and personal.

An Amazing Performance

All three actors were spectacular. Each plays a stereotypical role, addressing the audience in monologues that provide the subtext explaining what they are ‘really’ thinking. The scenery is sparse, three identical monochromatic apartments that differ by the artwork on the walls and the lighting. Enabling Art to focus on the characters’ interactions.

Everything plays out on stage, with the only external influence being Yvan arriving 45 minutes late, which causes them to miss a movie. This leads to the most memorable scene, as Yvan recounts the events that consumed him involving the names on the wedding invitation. He devolves into a tirade about needy mothers, evil stepmothers, and an angry bride-to-be that leaves him breathless. The others are unmoved, fixating on their ruined plans for the evening.

This one-act, 90-minute production runs the gamut of emotions as these three friends come to terms with their relationship. Marc and Serge have a physical altercation while Yvan is moved to tears. After an unexpected ending, they reconcile, recognizing the importance of their friendship, and fall into their established routine, going out to eat.

Timeless Message about Friendship

The exploration of the dynamics of relationships is timeless, and that makes Art as effective today as it was when it was written over 25 years ago. These friendships may appear superficial on the surface, but are essential for each of the men involved, who depend on each other for support and balance. Art gives the actors the flexibility to bring themselves into the roles, Corden adds a layer of over-the-top emotion, which balances Cannavale’s indignation and outrage, as Harris’ charachter longs for his friends to approve of his extravagant purchase.

Art Is .. 

Art combines humor and a wonderful cast, with a strong positive message about the importance of friendship. The audience, poised for a great evening, was not disappointed. There was almost non-stop laughter, from the lines, the pauses, and the intentional absurdity of situations, Corden crawling on the floor searching aimlessly for a pen top, the friends each looking thoughtfully at a 5×4 white canvas, and slowly, purposely eating olives, then dropping the pits into a bowl. These performers brought the house down.

Art is theater as it was meant to be, a social satire, where talented actors connect on stage, taking the audience along for a memorable performance. Looking back on the evening, some will remember seeing three icons together on the stage, while others will reflect on how fragile the bonds of friendship can be and marvel at how these three friends found their way back together.

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Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) to see the play, show, film, book, or exhibit being reviewed.

Art on Broadway received 4 Challahs.

Run Time – 100 minutes (without intermission)