A Friendly Look at ‘Art’

For Don Shirley to suggest that “Art’s” understated set detracts from the play or that casting three people of different age groups as best friends “isn’t believable” is purely ludicrous (“ ‘Art’ and the Tests of Friendship,” Jan. 20).

Isn’t it refreshing to see a set that places the focus where it should be: on the characters’ personalities and their dialogue? After all, this is a comedy, so suspend disbelief and simply accept that three people of different ages could be best friends. It’s not as if one of the characters offs themselves at the end as the result of argument.

Shirley’s review is a classic case of over-analysis, breaking down the play into trite technicalities rather than seeing the bigger picture: an exceptionally well-written and hilarious piece of work.

MARK KIELY

Lake Forest