Audition Notice for
Picasso at the Lapin Agile
Written by Steve Martin
Directed by Brenden & Wynter Elwood
Open call
Sat, Feb 18th 12-3pm
Sun, Feb 19th 10-12noon
Callbacks TBD
Sat, Feb 4th 12-3pm
Sun Feb 5th 10-12noon
SYNOPSIS:
The play attempts to explain, in a light-hearted way, the similarity of the creative process involved in great leaps of imagination in art and science.
Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso, meet at a bar called the Lapin Agile (French: "Nimble Rabbit") in Montmartre, Paris. Both men are on the verge of disclosing amazing ideas: Einstein will publish his special theory of relativity and Picasso will paint Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. At the Lapin Agile, they have a lengthy debate about the value of genius and talent, while interacting with a host of other characters.
Each character in Lapin Agile has a specific role. Schmendiman, an inventor, believes he is a genius but really knows very little. Gaston, an amicable old Frenchman with prostate problems, is hesitant to listen to or believe anything that does not revolve around sex or drinking. There is much discussion of the major cultural influences of the twentieth century. Picasso represents art, Einstein represents science, and Schmendiman represents commercialism.
Picasso and Einstein eventually realize that their abilities are equally valuable. Once the main characters have reached their moment of insight, "The Visitor", a man from the future, crashes the party. Although the Visitor is never named, his identity can be surmised as Elvis Presley. The Visitor adds a third dimension to Picasso's and Einstein's debate, representing the idea that genius is not always the product of academic or philosophical understanding.
CHARACTERS: Dialects required as appropriate per character.
Freddy [male character] The owner and bartender of the Lapin Agile. He is the boyfriend of Germaine and seems to be a simple-minded man but occasionally says something truly stunning, and occasionally breaks the fourth wall.
Gaston [male character] An abrupt and direct old Frenchman with prostate problems, who talks plainly and only seems to care about sex and drinking.
Germaine [female character] A waitress at the Lapin Agile. She is Freddy's girlfriend and a very thoughtful and beautiful woman. She has many ideas of what the 20th century will be like and has slept with Picasso.
Albert Einstein [male character] A scientist with big aspirations. He is a genius, with a book on the way called The Special Theory of Relativity. He often finds himself having to explain his theories and thoughts in a simpler fashion to the rest of the group, as he is wise beyond his years.
Suzanne [female character] A beautiful girl who is infatuated with Picasso. Suzanne and Picasso have already slept together, and she is left hurt and angry when he doesn't remember her.
Sagot [open character gender] Picasso's art dealer, who is obsessed with finding and selling great pieces of art for profit
Pablo Picasso [male character] A talented and charismatic painter. Extremely egotistical and self-confident, he is a serial womanizer and master of manipulation.
Charles Dabernow Schmendiman [open character gender] A young inventor with huge dreams and little knowledge. Although hardworking, he/she/they is overshadowed by the genius and talent of Einstein and Picasso.
The Countess [female character] An extremely intelligent and attractive woman, with whom Einstein is infatuated. She thinks like he does, being the one person to really understand him in the play.
An Admirer [open character gender] A young admirer Picasso assumes is a fan of his, but who turns out to be an admirer of Schmendiman
The Visitor [male character] A polite and talented country-boy time-traveler, who adds another dimension and point of view to Einstein's and Picasso's debate. He is a blue-suede-shoed musician.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Rehearsals start with character development, move into scene work, then full act work.
Schedule:
· Kick off Sat., Feb 25th at 11am- 2pm: Intros, scripts and read through
· General times = M, W, Th nights 7-9pm and Sat/Sun 11-2pm
· Q2Q slated for 4/1 or 4/2
· Mandatory: Full Tech week is 4/8-4/13 -however TBD rehearsal on Easter Sunday 4/9.
PERFORMANCES:
There are 11 performances with shows running from April 14th- 30th.
Evening shows are Th, F, and Sat. Sundays are Matinees.
Opening weekend: Friday 4/14 (opening show), Sat 4/15, and Sun 4/16 Matinee
Second weekend: Thurs 4/20, Fri 4/21, Sat 4/22 and Sun 4/23 Matinee
Third weekend: Thurs 4/27, Fri 4/28, Sat 4/29 and Sun 4/30 Matinee (closing show)