by Steve Martin
directed by Corinna Christman
CAST
CREW
Hair and Makeup- Cate Baker
Director’s Note
The 20th century is over. Our perspectives are forever changed. During this century, we ventured into space and took pictures of Earth. We also developed the electron microscope and took pictures of germs. In Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Steve Martin looks at the lives of two humans who were instrumental in changing the human perspective, through art and science. Tonight, we can imagine what it would be like to be Einstein or Picasso at the start of a fresh century.
Directing Picasso at the Lapin Agile for the Hyde Park Community Players takes me to a time when I played the role of the Countess in a college production and my husband played Einstein in a separate production. We find it even more interesting to talk about it now than we did then, and see Picasso whenever we get the chance. It has been a great privilege to work on this show as my second directorial experience ever. The members of the cast made me laugh out loud at every rehearsal. They learned their lines on time and put many hours into set building. They found jokes and relationship nuances that I had never noticed before. Mostly though, I enjoyed seeing each character get a spotlight, even if it was only for a moment.
The production of this play is a true community effort. Many people contributed time, energy, money and creativity to this performance. First I would like to thank my husband, who has been gathering wood from dumpsters, creating graphics, and playing with sound for months. I would especially like to thank my dad, George, and brother, Nat, for designing the pre-show music, a look back through the 20th century. I would also like to thank Stephanie, Howard and Oren, who very generously donated their yard and garage space for three weeks, while we painted, sawed and drilled the Lapin Agile together. Thanks also to Eric and Kathryn for donating their “entertainment.” Finally, a big thank you to Peter for generously donating your time, materials, talent and efficiency to our beautiful set.
I had a difficult time writing these notes, partly because I was sleep deprived, but mostly because I do not want the experience to end. I hope you enjoy our show, think a little, laugh a lot, and get a few goose bumps at the end.
To the 21st century.
Corinna Christman
