|
Join Picasso and the rest of
the geniuses for some free hysterics
By Camille Blake
February 15, 2006 | What do Einstein, Picasso and
Elvis Presley have in common? No, this is not the beginning
of some bad joke. Steve Martin seems to think that these
are the three greatest minds of the 20th century. One
could see his point, Einstein changed physics, Picasso
changed art, and Presley well he just looks good.
Martin's play Picasso at the Lapin Agile,
is in performance at the Cain Lyric Theatre this week
and is free. What free? Students, I cannot recommend
a greater way to spend nothing than to sit through an
hour of hysterics, bantering and playful adult jokes.
I had no idea what this play was about before going
to see it. It starts with a bar that is slanted. The
stage is what gives this play edge, so to speak. I can't
tell you the exact plot, but it goes something like
this, Einstein and Picasso walk into a bar. Really.
This is set to take place before both were well know
for their craft. We get a glimpse into what these geniuses
would have been like in real person. Einstein will always
look 86 no matter what age he is and Picasso will be
an overly sensitive painter who draws weird women.
What stole the show was Schwendamin, the inventor
of asbestos. Everyone loves an outgoing, self-centered,
lisp-rasping loud mouth. Just imagine Martin Short in
Father of the Bride, but without the accent.
While watching the play, I couldn't help but think
about what a great century it really was. We saw the
car, television, internet and many things we take for
granted come into existence. There were jokes about
what each character saw for the future and the afore
mentioned were some of them.
It also made me think about what I am going to contribute
to this century. I don't paint, think about the universe
or sing. The most I can think of leaving behind is a
couple of kids and a legacy of sarcasm. But mostly what
the play made me realize is that I can have dreams,
goals, aspirations of doing something I think is great
like write for the New York Times or even better,
come up with my own magazine some day. Each of us has
something to contribute.
There is not a cheesy moment in the play. I had my
doubts, but was proved wrong.
MS
MS |
