Silver Line Theatre Exchange presents 'Art' with options for dinner and a show

STAUNTON — Starting July 12, Silver Line Theatre Exchange presents "Art."

The play, by Yasmina Reza, centers on three friends — Serge (played by Ethan Goodmansen), Marc (played by Richard Waddingham), and Yvan (played by Johnny Williams III). When Serge buys an expensive, all-white painting, it ignites a debate about its value, revealing deep-seated tensions. Marc is incredulous, Yvan tries to mediate, and their differing views on art test their friendship.

This sharp, humorous play, directed by Constance Swain, examines the subjective nature of art and the fragility of human relationships.

“This play explores the depths of friendships — our expectations, the roles we seemingly play, and what happens when all of that is suddenly challenged," Swain said. "It gets messy. There are low blows and hard truths. We’re left to ask ourselves, why should we stay?”

Swain is an activist, stage, and voice actor, with recent credits with Ford’s Theatre, Arena Stage, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the American Shakespeare Center. Swain has recently moved to the area and is making her professional directorial debut with "Art."

“We’ve really assembled the dream team," Swain said. "This cast is a riot, so ridiculously talented, and to boot, they know how to pull at our heartstrings, they know how to make us pause. They take us on an emotional roller coaster.”

"Art" runs three weekends in July, on Fridays and Saturdays: July 12-13; 19-20; and 26-27.

On select nights, patrons can enjoy a dinner and a show featuring a farm-to-table dinner collaboration with Swoope-based Gardner’s Harvest. Dinner includes a three-course menu featuring locally grown and farm-raised foods. Dinner and a show dates are July 13 and 20, and begin at 6 p.m. All other shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Warehouse located at 211 N. Lewis St., Staunton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Dinner theater is a new addition at Silver Line.

“We’re always looking for ways to make the theater-going experience even more memorable,” says SLTE Artistic Director Jeremy West. “Chef Aaron Gardner’s food mimics exactly what we’re trying to do with theater: feature local talent at a world-class standard.”

For those not joining for the dinner experience, patrons can still enjoy a curated menu of craft cocktails, wine, beer, cider, and zero-proof drinks to enjoy during the show.

For tickets and more information, visit silverlinetheatre.org/art .

Silver Line Theatre Exchange is an education-led theater company offering classes and performance opportunities for students in grades PK-12 and adults, and a professional producing body that connects regional professional actors and aspiring artists to performance and teaching work.

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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Instagram @hitepatrick . Subscribe to us at newsleader.com

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Silver Line Theatre Exchange presents 'Art' with options for dinner and a show