‘Art’ at the Ten Fifteen Photos by Patrick Webb Bowpicker Fish & Chips 2021 LEFT: Is a canvas that appears to be blank white really art? That is the central question for ‘Art,’ a theatrical production that begins the year’s main season at the Ten Fifteen Theater in Astoria. ABOVE: A dispute over the nature of art threatens the friendship of three characters. Marcus Liotta, center, plays Yvan, a peacemaker between Serge, left, played by Jeremiah Williams, who loves his new modern art piece, and Marc, played by David Sweeney, who detests it. BY PATRICK WEBB ‘Art’ The Ten Fifteen Theater - Best In Town - 1015 Commercial St., Astoria Walk up window Beer Battered Fish Tickets for the show are $20 and can be purchased at thetenfi f- teentheater.com or at the door. Thank you for all of your support. We couldn’t of done it without you! Showtimes are on Fri- day and Saturday and March 24, 25, and 26 at 7:30 p.m. as well as a matinee on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. 1634 Duane St • Astoria • 503-791-2942 Across from the Maritime Museum 28 // COASTWEEKEND.COM Masks and proof of vaccination are re- quired for all attend- ees. Concessions will be available at this show. The play features If you believe your pal has wasted money on some avant-garde art piece , should you tell them? The question of what qualifies as fine art- work forms the core of the play “Art,” opening on Fri- day at Astoria’s Ten Fifteen Theater . “It’s a smart comedy,” play director Karen Bain said. “There’s not going to be a clown nose. It is a play where you go and listen and appreciate it, and find the laughter in that.” Although the Ten Fifteen has hosted one smaller scale production already, this show launches the year’s main season for the troupe. “Art,” a 1994 play by French writer Yasmina Reza, has already attracted global acclaim. Its London pro- duction was the final artis- tic collaboration between actors Tom Courtenay and the late Albert Finney. The show’s Broadway produc- tion, featuring Alan Alda and Alfred Molina, won the Tony A ward for best play in 1998. Bain admitted the show’s popularity inspired her choice for a local pro- duction . As opening night looms, she’s been school- ing her trio of actors for pre- cision. “It’s a challenge for them because it needs to be done line perfect,” Bain said, applauding Reza’s use of repetition for impact. “It happens several times with See Page 29