On Jan. 26-28 and Feb. 2-4, Red Mask Players and Vermilion River Beer Company will present “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin.
Martin is a well-known actor, comedian, musician, and author. Most recently, he has starred in Only Murders in the Building on HULU.
Martin places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. These two geniuses muse on the century’s achievements and prospects, as well as other fanciful topics, with infectious dizziness.
Bystanders, including Picasso’s agent, the bartender, Picasso’s romantic entanglements, an elderly philosopher, and an idiot inventor, introduce additional flourishes of humor. The role of female admirer will be filled by guest stars from the Danville community. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark-haired singer time-warped in from a later era.
The cast: Freddy – Jim Rogers; Gaston – Roger Mertens; Germaine – Susan Reid; Albert Einstein – Brendan Moore; Suzanne – Valerie Barnett; Sagot – Jacob Ault; Pablo Picasso – Dylan Heck; Charles Dabernow Schmendiman – Jay Kaboff; The Countess – Ally Mackiewicz; Female Admirer; A Visitor – Adam Musk.
Lisa Lovelace is directing this production for Red Mask Players. According to Lovelace, “this play has the typical quirky humor that you would expect from Steve Martin. It has laugh-out-loud moments and it has moments that you will laugh about later. The comedy is smartly written and has all kinds of humor. There is something for everybody.”
Audiences will see some new faces on the Red Mask stage. Five cast members are making their Red Mask debut and two cast members have appeared in only one other show. Lovelace said that it feels good to bring new members into the Red Mask family. “We encourage everyone to audition for our plays. No experience is required, and all are welcome.”
Lovelace, who also serves as President of the Red Mask Board of Directors, noted that Picasso is the first time that a theater angel has sponsored an entire Red Mask production. Vermilion River Beer Company is the angel sponsor of Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Peter Blackmon, one of the owners of Vermilion River Beer Company, played the role of Freddy (the bartender) for a Red Mask fundraiser several years ago. “Perhaps there was a bit of foreshadowing going on there.”
Tickets are $20/adult, $18/senior, student. Season memberships are available.
Evening performances at the Kathryn Randolph Theater on North Vermilion Street in Danville begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon performances begin at 2 p.m.
Order tickets at redmaskplayers.com or call the Red Mask Box Office at 217-442-5858. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended.
Email redmaskplayersboard@gmail.com if you would like more information.