By Town Crier Staff Report

Palo Alto Players kick off their 72nd season with Yasmina Reza’s “Art,” opening Saturday and running through Sept. 29 at the Lucie Stern Theater.

A preview performance will be given Friday evening.

“Art,” directed by Dave Skula, is a comedy about friendship and abstract painting. It explores the depth of male bonding as the long-standing friendship of three men is threatened by the purchase of an expensive all-white canvas.

“Art” has been produced in 20 languages and has earned several honors, including the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play.

Palo Alto Players’ cast features Brian Benston as Serge, Christian Thomas as Yvan and Damian Vega as Marc.

Friday’s preview is set to start at 8 p.m., as is Saturday’s opening night performance. Future shows are slated for 8 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays; 2:30 p.m., Sunday, and Sept. 29.

Tickets are $17 for the preview; $27 opening night (with gala to follow); $21 Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and $25 Fridays and Saturdays.

The Lucie Stern Theater is located at 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.

For tickets and more information, call 329-0891 or logon to www.paplayers.org.