When Relativity and Creativity Collide - Picasso At the Lapin Agile at Masquerade Theatre

by April Johnson

On Friday, January 26th, I had the opportunity to view Masquerade Theatre’s presentation of “Picasso At the Lapin Agile” written by Steve Martin…yes, that wild and crazy guy. Masquerade Theater is definitely a hidden treasure that I experienced for the first time and I am looking forward to seeing more of their projects in real time.  Located in Riverside, NJ, Masquerade Theatre believes in Exploring the Humanity Beneath the Masque.  And indeed it did with this piece.  

The venue leads us to an open and intimate setting and we as an audience feels like we are about to be immersed as an interactive part of the cast.  Our presumption eventually was correct. Menus were placed on tables for concession. We are warmly greeted by bartender Freddy, portrayed by Shawn O’Brien, as we purchase snacks.  Last call was rendered and you felt a shift in the atmosphere when he declared there was “something in the air.” 

A little synopsis about “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” according to Concord Theatricals.  This long-running Off Broadway absurdist comedy places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. In his first comedy for the stage, the popular actor and screenwriter plays fast and loose with fact, fame, and fortune as 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 and his mistress, Picasso’s date, an elderly philosopher, Charles Dabernow Schmendiman, and 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 a later era.

A night of fateful events and many perspectives at a certain meeting place. One waiting for a date. One waiting for life to pass by. Another waiting for an upcoming artist. All waiting for some kind of inspiration while reflecting on moments that brought them to this point discussing the future of the 20th century containing fascinations and manifestos;  which provoked us to contemplation and laughter.  

Visitors bursting through with their whimsy antics, including one from the future who admonishes the patrons not to step on their shoes as well as encouraging them to look up and further into the possibilities of relativity and creativity.

Shawn O’Brien intelligently presented Freddy the bartender as the pace of the show; one who brought us back from the heavy topics at hand who happened to have a work of art that was the “sheep’s bum” of humor. Michael Hicks gave us continuous laughter as Gaston who delivers philosophy through his stories of life, love, and relationships.  His “groundhog day” line about his enlarged prostate was one we could never get enough of.  

Noelle McLeer dazzlingly performed as Germaine, Freddy’s love/mistress, who refuted men’s views and challenged them to take a mile in their shoes.  Her significant and profound monologue served as a keynote for all women. Tommy Balne luminously conveyed Einstein to think of life and human behavior from the logical view in an effortless and humorous approach.  

Olivia Neiderer was a delightful charm as Suzanne/Countess/Female Admirer. She delicately tackled each role from different perspectives and you can tell she treated them as such individuals. Phyllis Josephson glided as the fanciful Sagot, who was all about capturing great moments in life. Matthew Moorhead buoyantly gave us the effervescent Picasso, who was quite the Casanova trying to find his own motivation for his next masterpiece. Stephen Kreal portrayed the inadequate and boisterous theorist Schmendiman with superb comedic timing. Tommy Foy impeccably presented the smooth talking country boy Visitor, who serves as the voice of rhyme and reason to show that relativity and creativity are necessary to keep the world (and our minds) revolving. 

Director Megan Knowlton Balne’s goal for the audience was to be inclusive in the conversation and walk away from the production with enlightened thoughts and ideals about the world, its time, and our place as well as purpose in it. Tommy Balne, Managing Director and Lighting Designer, designed the lighting as if we were in a bar setting and the shifts in the lighting indicated that a new dynamic, namely the Visitor, was about to appear on the scene. Sean McGarry advised as the Intimacy Coordinator.  Jeanette Carden assisted as Stage Manager. Costume Design was meticulously strategized by Rebecca Sisley.  

If you are looking for a night out full of laughs, a date night, or just good food for thought, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin is playing at the Masquerade Studio from January 26th-Febuary 3rd.  Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/picasso-at-the-lapin-agile-tickets-141436