HALLOWELL — Gaslight Theater will present “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin, ad directed by George Dunn, this month.

Martin’s first full-length play has Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meeting at the Lapin Agile (Agile Rabbit), a bar in Montmartre, Paris in 1904. Both are “on the verge” of amazing ideas: Einstein his theory of relativity and Picasso the pivotal painting Les Desmoiselles d’Avignon. Martin’s comedy places Einstein and Picasso in a Parisian cafe, just before the renowned 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’ agent, the bartender, and his mistress, Picasso’s date, an elderly philosopher, and Charles Dabernow Schmendimen as an idiot inventor, introduce additional flourishes of humor. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark-haired singer time warped in from another era.

A lengthy debate about the value of genius and talent ensures while a grumpy Frenchman, a sympathetic barman and his not so sympathetic girlfriend, a used car salesman, a heroine, a lovable buffoon and a visitor from somewhere keep all spinning. Then there’s the stage direction: “The walls of the Lapin Agile fall away and the night sky is revealed.”

Cast: Freddy Stephen Wallace, of Damariscotta; Gaston Walter Guild, of Farmingdale; Germaine Marcia Gallagher, of Hallowell ; Albert Einstein John Blanchette, of Lewiston; Suzanne Peg Acheson, of Gardiner; Sagot Mike Clements, of West Gardiner; Pablo Picasso Galen Hall, of Hallowell; Charles Dabernow Schmendiman Andy Tolman, of Mt. Vernon; The Countess and A Female Admirer Nina Tilander, of Hallowell; and The Visitor Bill Haley, of Hallowell

Production sates: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21, 22, 28 and 29; 2 p.m. Aug. 23 and 29, at Hallowell City Hall.

Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for young students and seniors older than 60. For reservations, call 626-3698 or visit www.gaslighttheater.com.

The box opens at City Hall one hour before curtain and doors open half an hour before curtain.


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