What might happen if two of the greatest minds of the 20th century met before either became famous?
That question drives Steve Martin’s comedy “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” a play that blends history, philosophy and humor as a young Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein debate art, science and the nature of genius in a Paris café.
The Sunflower Troupe will present the play May 14-17 at the Mancos Opera House, 136 Grand Ave. in Mancos, marking a departure from its traditional home at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez.
The troupe describes the show as a fictional meeting between Picasso, played by Aaron Lesse, and Einstein, played by Elizabeth Dickey, who are both 26 years old. Set before either man created the work that made him famous, the play imagines the two exchanging ideas about the art of physics, the physics of art and their eventual influence on the 20th century.
A surprise visitor from the future also appears, delivering dialogue that includes lyrics from his well-known songs.
Executive producer Kim Welty said the troupe chose the Mancos Opera House for its larger space to accommodate the sizable cast and its vintage atmosphere, which fits the play’s setting.
“We appreciate all the support the Mancos community has given us over the years and we are excited to bring this performance to their neighborhood,” Welty said.
If you go
What: “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” a comedy by Steve Martin
Who: Sunflower Troupe
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14; Friday, May 15; and Saturday, May 16; 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17
Where: Mancos Opera House, 136 Grand Ave., Mancos
Tickets: Online at https://bit.ly/PicassoAtTheLapinAgile. Cash-only sales available at the door
Details: The play imagines a fictional meeting between a young Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein in a Paris café before either became famous
Hattie Miller is directing the show.
“As expected, the play is full of wit and humor that tickles my intellectual side, but I ultimately chose to produce it because of the profound sense of hope in humanity I was left with by the end of the play,” Miller said. She added that the play is “a reminder that while we sometimes endure terrible things, what we create and discover along the way can have more impact than any terrible thing endured.”
The cast features veteran troupe members Joseph Butterfield, Dickey, Silvia Fleitz, Lesse and Gene Reininger. Making their debut performances with the troupe are Devin Jessup, Lesya Krasnikova, Royce Rozea and Andy Rude.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14; Friday, May 15; and Saturday, May 16, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17..
Tickets are available at bit.ly/PicassoAtTheLapinAgile. Cash sales only will be available at the time of performance.
