Picasso at Lapin Agile Opening at SMC Next Weekend

In the early 1900's Montmartre, Paris was known for bringing in a crowd of futuristic thinkers and free-thinking artists. In Steve Martin's 1993 Picasso at Lapin Agile, two genius' of the Twentieth Century meet at the bar Lapin Agile in Montmartre.

 A young Picasso of age 23 is just three years away from finishing his famous piece, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, which was the start of his Black Period, a period of stylistic and sexual extremes.

 At the age of 25, young Einstein was already on the verge of sharing to the world his special theory of relativity. In the beginning young Einstein does not anticipate meeting Picasso; he goes into Lapin Agile for a date.

 When he arrives, there is a special, surprise visitor, a third genius who known in the world of rock-and-roll, who comes from the future through the bathroom at the Lapin Agile.  

 In the imagined meeting between Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein in 1904, when neither men are famous yet, but are on the verge of becoming so, lengthy intellectual dialogue of complex theories on art and science is replaced with comic, contemporary dialogue.

 Director, Danny Campbell, said that Santa Monica College's Picasso at Lapin Agile is "very funny and contemporary."  He goes on to explain that there is a little of art, science, sex, and relationships, which all contribute to making the play a "brainy comedy" in which every third line will make you laugh.

 Marlon Russ, who plays Sagot, Picasso's eccentric art dealer, warns the audience: "your funny bones are going to be shaking, rattling, and rolling."

 Greg Bruenell plays Gaston, a sarcastic old man, which Bruenell explains is "barely a stretch [for him]."

 Robert McBain, who plays Freddy the bar tender, said, "the show is great, we're having a lot of fun."

 All of the actors are students who currently attend SMC. Some of the actors have a background in theater arts while others have only taken acting classes. 

 "Its been challenging to get in tune with the tone," said Christopher Brisson, who portrays the young Einstein. Playing a comedic roll is new for Brisson who has experience in performing in romantic and dramatic plays. "But Danny is a great director."

 Rafael Siu from San Francisco who plays Picasso agrees with Brisson. "Under [Danny's] lead is a good wing to be under."

The show will only run five times starting this Friday and finishing this Sunday. It takes place in the SMC's Theatre Arts Studio Stage, which is an intimate space. The play is a one act running about one hour and fifteen minutes. Campbell warns that the tickets will sell out fast so buy tickets ahead of time in front of SMC's Theatre Arts Complex or online. For more information, go to www.smc.edu/eventsinfo.