Years ago the fictional TV journalist Murphy Brown (played by Candy Bergen) showed her contempt for pretentious modern art lovers by sneaking a picture drawn by her toddler onto the wall of a famous art gallery. Critics argued about its merits, prompting a collector to buy it sight unseen.

Yasmina Reza tackles the subject in the revival of her Tony-award winning play “Art.”

The wealthy dermatologist Serge (Neil Patrick Harris) has bought a 5 by 4 painting by the famous artist Antrius. Is it all white, white with white lines, grey, some yellow? Does it have some red? Is it like the Emperor's New Clothes?

When Marc, Serge’s friend of 25 years, (smugly portrayed by Bobby Cannavalle) sees the canvas for which Serge paid $300,000, Marc is incredulous. He scoffs at it, referring to it as “a piece of sh-t.” Moreover, he’s insulted that Serge didn't consult with him before purchasing it. Serge is expecting admiration and even jealousy but not mockery and scorn. Their disagreement escalates, going well beyond art and threatening to ruin their friendship.

Marc recruits their mutual friend,Yvan (a hilarious James Corden), sure that he will agree with him. However, Yvan is overwhelmed with his upcoming wedding plans and is annoyed at the interruption. Unlike the other two, he is unpolished and a bit rough.Yvan is like the child who tags after the popular kids even when they bully him and call him names. He tries to smooth things out between the two friends; he is stuck in the middle, as though mommy and daddy are fighting and heading for a divorce.

As Broadway has proven, TV and movie stars attract audiences. It’s especially gratifying when, as in this case, the stars have great comedic timing and create good theater.

When Yvan is late to meet his friends for dinner, he rushes in breathlessly and begins to describe some pre-wedding problems that delayed him. Corden delivers a show-stopping monologue about the argument between him, his fiancee and their mothers. Showing no sympathy, his friends advise him to break off the engagement. Pathetically, Corden speaks rapidly, never stopping to take a breath. By the end, he flops down exhausted and the audience stops laughing, only to give Corden a standing ovation

Canavalle, often a serious straight man, shows his comedic side, especially as he reacts to the painting. While Corden masters broad comedy, Harris and Canavalle are skilled at facial expressions and nuance. The three are fine performers but shine under the direction of Scott Ellis. The play moves quickly, with no extra gesture, pause or emphasis. Ellis’ deft guidance has his three talented stars mesh seamlessly together.

The comedy is about friendship. There’s snobbery and classism but beneath it all, it's about men needing one another and the anger and pain they feel at feeling abandoned.

The play at the Music Box is about more than about the painting; it’s about acting. We might not all agree about what makes good art, but we can all agree that in Art, there is fine acting.