The Emerald Coast Theatre Company is staging the Northwest Florida debut of ‘Art’, a comedy by French playwright Yasmina Reza, this weekend at The Market Shops in Sandestin.

The English translation of ‘Art’ won both the Tony Award and New York Drama Critics’ Circle for Best Play when it opened on Broadway in the late 90s. Newsweek lauded the play saying: “Reza is a fiendishly clever writer” and likening the comedy to “a marriage of Molière and Woody Allen.”

Set in modern day Paris, the story revolves around three friends — Serge, Marc and Yvan — who find their previously solid15-year friendship on shaky ground when Serge buys an expensive abstract painting. Marc is horrified, and their relationship suffers considerable strain as a result of their differing opinions about what constitutes “art.” Yvan is caught in the middle of the conflict and tries to please and mollify both of them.

‘Art’ will be staged this weekend March 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. in suite 15 at The Market Shops, located near the entrance to Sandestin and Hilton resorts in Miramar Beach. An art gallery preview featuring local Northwest Florida artists Andy Saczynski, Mary Hong, Velia Lala, Lori Drew and others will precede each show starting at 6:30 p.m.

Due to language, the play is recommended for adult audiences. Tickets are $20 per person. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit Emerald Coast Theatre Company or call 850-687-1637.

More about the play from director Nathanael Fisher: