THEATER:’Art’ comedy comes to the Colony

The topic of discussion in the next production at the Laguna Playhouse is one most local theatergoers will find quite familiar. It’s “Art.”

And since Laguna Beach has historically been known as the Art Colony, Yasmina Reza’s comedy about three men and their varying degrees of art appreciation should strike a responsive chord.

“I thought this play was perfect for the Laguna Playhouse,” commented playhouse Artistic Director Andrew Barnicle, who’s staging the show that previews Sept. 11.

“The most obvious reason is that the play is about art and we’re in Laguna Beach,” he said. “But it’s also about three men and male bonding, and what the fabric of male friendship is. It’s also a very funny play, and it’s very streamlined. It doesn’t present a lot of production obstacles. You just need to get three really good actors and let them fly.”

Barnicle is betting he has those three actors in Steve Vinovich, who plays Serge; John Herzog, playing Marc; and Kyle Colerider-Krugh, cast as Yvan.

Serge has paid a small fortune for a large canvas painted totally white. Marc scorns the painting while Yvan appears to be neutral.

Translated from the original French by British playwright Christopher Hampton, “Art” went on to win the 1996-97 Laurence Olivier Award and the 1998 Tony Award in its Broadway production.

Local audiences may have seen the show back in 2000 at South Coast Repertory (I did and enjoyed it so much I caught a summer stock production while on vacation in Montana a few years ago).

Following previews Sept. 11 to 14, “Art” opens Sept. 15 and will play through Oct. 14. Ticket information is available at the playhouse box office (949) 494-2787.

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The Laguna Playhouse’s Youth Theater swings into action next week with auditions for its season opener, “Disney High School Musical.”

Based on the Disney Channel original movie of the same name, the show offers a variety of roles for youth and adult actors, singers and dancers in all age and vocal ranges.

Auditions are by appointment only and will be at the playhouse’s production center, 23402 South Point Drive, Laguna Hills.

Director Donna Inglima announced vocal and monologue auditions will be Sept. 4 to 6 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Dance auditions are scheduled Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The audition will consist of a memorized one- to two-minute contemporary monologue and 32 bars of an up-tempo pop and/or musical theater song.

Auditioners should bring a photo and resume as well as printed piano and vocal music in the correct key.

Performances for “Disney High School Musical” will be Oct. 24 through Nov. 4. Contact Wally Ziegler at (949) 472-0061 to schedule an audition.