Review by Val O’Bryan, Front Row Reviewers
An intelligent and unconventional spin on a what-if scenario, Picasso at the Lapin Agile engages audiences in art and philosophy. The Electric Theater in St. George, Utah, is a gorgeous historic venue to host The Stage Door productions. Director Kelly Thomas is the perfect director to take on this off-beat, bawdy, meeting of the minds.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile is a comedic play written by the one and only Steve Martin in 1993. The plot revolves around a fictional meeting between the legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso and the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein at the Lapin Agile (French for “Nimble Rabbit”), a Parisian bar, in 1904. The play explores themes of creativity, genius, and the intersection of art and science. This fun romp through history doesn’t take itself too seriously and knows when to break the fourth wall for a laugh.
This play is very dialog driven. Listen carefully and make sure to keep up. In the first act, the audience is introduced to Freddy (Chops Downward), the bartender and owner, and Gaston (Dean Jones), an older Frenchman with prostate problems and raging libido who struggles with the realization that he has become invisible to women. Germaine (Kelly Bellini), Freddy’s girlfriend and waitress at the Lapin Agile, adds to the conversation by pressing other characters for more explanation and giving her thoughtful perspective. Eric Liebhardt does an exceptional job as Einstein and can hold the accent beautifully. Einstein adds a different energy to the bar, hinting at his scientific discoveries and helping others understand that his work is just as beautiful as the artwork that surrounds them. Liebhardt balances the stereotypical Einstein (a wild-haired genius) with a multifaceted character (and still finds the time to sneak in references to famous photographs of Einstein). Einstein knows his discovery will change the world. The lovely Countess (Jalee Scott) is the only one that can keep up with Einstein’s train of thought.
It is important to note that although the meeting of Picasso and Einstein is fictional, the Lapin Agile is a real place. Located in the Montmartre district of Paris, the cabaret bar has long been a gathering place for artists and writers. On stage at the Electric Theater, scenic designer Joshua Scott has filled the walls with art, a fitting homage to the original Lapin Agile, home for creative minds of all kinds.
Suzanne (Maren Fuller), one of Picasso’s young admirers, and Sagot (R. Scott Zaborski), an art dealer, enter next, reinforcing the idea that the Lapin Agile is the place to find great artists. Sagot’s entrance picks up the pace and adds more comedy. Zaborski is dynamic on stage and has great timing. Coy Andrew Shinn, Jr., plays Pablo Picasso with as much swagger and passion as one might expect from a world-famous artist. At this point in time, Pablo has seen success (his “blue period” that the characters like to joke about) but hasn’t quite made his unique contribution to art and the world. Although he is perpetually distracted by young admirers (including unnamed admirer, Addicca Burgy), he can feel it coming, though, and his monologue reveals his readiness.
Picasso and Einstein have a competitive moment, a drawing challenge, a battle to reveal the true genius. However, it ends in mutual admiration as Picasso sees the beauty in science and Einstein finds formula in art. Charles Dabernow Schmendiman (CJ Adams) adds to the hilarity with his scheming business plans and inventions, certain that he will be the third person in the trifecta shaping the new century.
The Visitor (Tyler Burton) arrives in the final act with insight into the future and glimpses of what will be. Some fantastic light and sound moments by Joshua Scott and Chops Downward take the audience’s breath away.
Don’t miss your chance to see the meeting that never was and catch a glimpse of the expansive universe. The Stage Door Theater’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile at The Electric Theater is well worth attending.
Note: There is a sign at the Electric Theater that indicates the show is rated PG-13 “for adult language, innuendo, alcohol use, art, and science.” Always a fun sense of humor at The Stage Door. They aren’t joking about the adult language and innuendo, though, if audiences are sensitive to that.
The Stage Door Theater presents Picasso at the Lapin Agile, written by Steve Martin.
The Electric Theater, 68 E Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770
July 27-August 12, 2023 Thursday-Saturday 7:30 PM
Contact: 435-656-4407
Tickets: $17-21
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