Review: "Picasso At The Lapin Agile", Columbus Civic Theater

  Author Steve Martin takes a light-hearted look at the possibilities of art meeting science when Painter Pablo Picasso encounters Albert Einstein in a Paris bar – the Lapin Agile (Nimble Rabbit) in 1904, as both men are on the threshold of their greatest works. Columbus Civic Theater’s current offering of this adult classic features Galen Roth (Einstein). Roth is confident and comfortable in his characterization and line delivery. I like the look he achieves with just the right amount of gray in his hair.  Ben Turner (Picasso) is assured and cocky with excellent stage presence.  The contrast between the two that the author gives us – Einstein’s intellectualism vice Picasso’s emotional investment in art -- is well-played by both Turner and Roth.  The conversations and interactions with and between other bar patrons is stimulating and entertaining with Ryan Heitkamp (Barkeeper Freddy), Kenneth Barnett (Gaston), Britt Kline (Freddy’s girlfriend and assistant barkeeper Germaine), Stefan Langer (Sagot the art dealer), Stephen Hanna (Schmendiman the inventor), Jordan Davis (Suzanne) and Julia Cannel (countess/female admirer).

  Davis is sparkling and provocative as Picasso’s girl of the moment – or should we say his current model. 

   Everybody seems to find their moment – event Hanna who has less than five minutes on stage as well as Chance Landers who enters with panache at the end to enunciate and demonstrate his own distinction as a prominent 20^th century influence. Landers character is listed simply as “Visitor” but audiences will recognize him immediately.  I won’t give away his identity here because it’s supposed to be a surprise.  But he is thoroughly entertaining and audiences will recognize him immediately.

   Richard Albert’s set design with red décor, sparse furnishings and interesting paintings works well on the tiny Civic stage. 

   Dayton Willison’s costumes are pleasant and effective – especially the women’s attire as the intended sexual innuendo is successfully achieved.

   This is a fun, well-paced show at 90 minutes.  The lesson it teaches is that all of us humans -- whether famous, infamous or obscure—should never take ourselves too seriously.