Baylor Theater to Present Comedian Steve Martin's Award-Winning Play

by Devany Severin, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Baylor Theatre will present Steve Martin's award-winning play, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, through Saturday, April 26, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, in the Mabee Theatre at the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center on the Baylor University campus.

"Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is a comedy about the imaginary meeting of Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein in a quaint Parisian bar called The Lapin Agile in 1904. Celebrating a theme of discovery, the play takes a close look at these two great minds of the 20th century before the world knew them, said Sherry Ward, audience development and coordinator for Baylor Theatre.

Beki Baker, a graduate student from Spring, Texas, is directing the production. She is pursuing a master's degree of fine arts in directing and believes the play is exciting and will entertain the audience.

"The Baylor community will find a connection with Picasso and Einstein as they are both in their early 20s in this play, just on the cusp of their great discoveries," she said. "The play incorporates the typical zany comedy of Steve Martin (think "Wild and Crazy Guy"), mixed with witty dialogue and deeper discourse."

Martin, originally from Waco, is a well-known actor, witty comedian and acclaimed writer, who is known for hilarious roles in such films as "The Jerk," "Three Amigos!" and "Cheaper By the Dozen." Martin wrote "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" after he finished filming "A Simple Twist of Fate" in 1994.

"Many people know Steve Martin as comedian but not necessarily as a writer. This play is a great opportunity to see inside his head," said Ward.

Through collaboration with the Baylor Art Department and the Albritton Art Institute, the production will conclude Picassofest, a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon."
Baylor celebrated the 100th anniversary with two events last fall, including a lecture on "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" by Dr. Jan McCullagh and a one-man play called "Picasso's War," written and performed by Dutch actor Klaas Hofstra.

For tickets to "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," or for more information, call (254) 710-1865 or visit www.baylor.edu/theatre.