Crane River Theater is excited to launch our fall Destination Series at the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) with the production of ART. Audience members will be seated in the East Gallery just a few feet away from the actors. This beautiful venue provides the perfect setting with artwork all around for audience members to connect to this insightful and compelling story.

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, Yvan, though burdened by his own problems, allows himself to be pulled into this disagreement. Eager to please, Yvan 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, ART is one the most popularly produced plays in recent history. It is an engaging story that will leave audiences debating on the way home. Not only does it focus on the meaning of art, but more importantly the meaning of friendship. Funny, sophisticated and stylish, this is one play you do not want to miss!