Directed by ensemble member Rick Snyder, Art — the story of friendships marred by a fight over a piece of modern art, a "white on white" painting — will feature two casts over the long run of the production, Feb. 5-June 7, 2009, in Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted Street, in Chicago.

Expect ensemble members Ian Barford as Marc (April 7-June 7), K. Todd Freeman as Yvan (Feb. 5-March 20) and Francis Guinan as Marc (Feb. 5-April 5) and Serge (April 7-June 7) with Joe Dempsey as Yvan (March 21-June 7) and John Procaccino as Serge (Feb. 5-April 5). Opening is Feb. 15, 2009.

Barford and Guinan are veterans of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company's August: Osage County; they originated the roles of father and son, Charles and Little Charles, respectively.

According to Steppenwolf, "Art explores the intricacies of a long-term friendship between three men. When one of them drops a fortune on a piece of modern art, his friends' surprising reactions touch off a series of personal confrontations. This witty, intelligent and often funny play explores the power of art to engage the imagination and the enduring bonds of friendship."

French playwright Reza won the 1997 Olivier Award and the 1998 Tony Award for Art, which has been produced worldwide and translated into more than 30 languages. British playwright Hampton won an Academy Award for the screen adaptation of his play Dangerous Liaisons and was nominated for his adaptation of "Atonement." Snyder's directing credits at Steppenwolf include Betrayal, Last of the Boys, The Fall to Earth, Orange Flower Water (also at the Galway Arts Festival, Ireland), Things Being What They Are and Tavern Story. He's been a member of the Steppenwolf ensemble since 1983.

The design team for Art includes Antje Ellermann (sets), Ana Kuzmanic (costumes), Bob Christen (lights) and Kevin O'Donnell (sound). Michelle Medvin is the stage manager, and Jonathan Templeton is the assistant stage manager.

For more information visit www.steppenwolf.org.