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Play continues through Oct. 12 at Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre
Review by Kathy Carpenter
October 7, 2019 (El Cajon) - Grossmont College presents Picasso at the Lapin Agile at the Stagehouse Theatre, the opening show for the 2019 - 2020 season. Picasso and the Lapin Agile takes place at a bar in Paris in 1904. The play is the exploration of the creative process, centered around a discussion between two geniuses when they meet at a bar--Pablo Picasso, man of art and Albert Einstein, man of science.
Einstein once said "I'm enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination encircles the world." Both men are on the edge of discovery and in the end realize they are not so different. This poses the question: where do ideas come from? Are they floating in the universe awaiting capture by anyone disciplined enough to go after them?
The show is written by Steve Martin and premiered in 1993. Yes, that Steve Martin, beloved actor and comedian. You may want to come to the show based on that curiosity alone. The show, directed by Beth Duggan, is interesting and the acting is also strong.
The story follows the conversation between the two geniuses and the characters who compliment them in tossing about their thoughts with witty, smart repartee. Each character is unique and wonderful. The actors each attain perfection in their roles.
The cast, in order of appearance, includes:
Freddy the bar owner, a simple man who says something profound every so often, is played by James Allen.
Gaston, my favorite character, is an old Frenchman who is direct, but only seems to have sex and drinking on his mind. Played by Aaron Duggan.
Freddy's girl, played by Piper Fullington, is a woman with many thoughts of what the 20th century will be like.
Einstein, played by Ryan Manikowski, is 25 and must explain his thought and theories to everyone.
Suzanne, played by Sofia Scafidi, is a recent conquest of Picasso and has come to seek him out.
Sagot, a man who seeks and sells art, is played by Remus Harrington.
Pablo Picasso, played by Fletcher Morrow, is the 23 year old Spanish painter, egotist and womanizer.
Schmendiman, played by Harrison Harper, represents the commercial aspect.
Elaina Covert is a countess and female admirer.
The unusual visitor is played by Ewan Sabri.
These fascinating characters bring us a unique experience.
This show is in one act with no intermission.
Come hang out with a couple of geniuses.
Although the campus is building a huge new venue for this season, this show remains at the Stagehouse. The new venue is projected to open with the Summer Conservatory production of Cinderella, A Pop Musical. Plan now for an inaugural look and enjoy a sensational show summer 2020.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile
Stagehouse Theatre at Grossmont College
Oct. 3-12, 2019
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