UMass troupe impresses in nicely staged 'Picasso'

By Lorraine Lucciola, Standard-Times correspondent

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to talk to somebody really great? Some historical character maybe? Or someone with extraordinary ideas or philosophies, lurking, or sometimes screaming, beneath the surface of an ordinary existence?

If the thought of such a meeting has ever tickled your imagination, the UMass Dartmouth Theatre Company can provide the perfect outlet in a stunning and insightful production of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," by that "wild and crazy guy" turned playwright, Steve Martin.

Under the direction of Angus Bailey, a beautifully staged, impressive production opened the theater company's 32nd season.

Mr. Martin's own peculiar view of the world through humor -- sometimes surreal, sometimes routine and unremarkable -- is captured by this cast with intelligence and compassion.

Picture a meeting between Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein in a Paris cafe (the Lapin Agile, or "Frisky Rabbit") in 1904. They are in their twenties and fueled by youth. They are passionate and vocal about their dreams, goals, philosophies. They carefully deliver humorous or nonsensical dialogue with the same understanding and intensity devoted to lofty discussion or monologues.

One memorable scene unites words and action as Germaine, superbly played by Laura Mancini, confronts Picasso (Adam Szymkowicz), describing him as a conceited womanizer. "You want her so much, but once you've had her, you can't wait to leave her ... if she comes to you, you can't wait until she leaves ... You're too wise to abuse, so you'll always be desirable," she blatantly states.

Her words, or rather, Mr. Martin's words, which are often poetic, ring true with excruciating accuracy. The tone of Ms. Mancini's delivery is delicately balanced with anger, resignation and candor. It is one of the most moving and transfixing moments in the show.

This actress slides easily from scene to scene, moment to moment, through well-taken transitions. In a piece that literally elevates "time-warping" to an art form, Ms. Mancini gracefully waltzes through an intricate script.

Lead characters Picasso and Einstein (Brian Santos) are also purposefully all over the road, the millennium, the horizons of discovery in the sciences and arts.

Yet, the actors masterfully overlap time periods, costumes, events, while creating a collage of human experience. They are playful, convincing, serious and silly. The hallmark of their performances, however, is that they don't take for granted the magnitude of the personalities they play Picasso is presented as just another temperamental painter in his "blue" period and Einstein is just another genius -- both of them on the verge of greatness.

There is a beautiful give-and-take between Mr. Santos and Mr. Szymkowicz that is attentive, satisfying and believable.

Mature supporting performances are given by Brian Glinner as Freddy, the bartender; Jesse Green, who is wonderful as the older man, Gaston; Alan Meunier as Charles Dabernow Schmendiman; Gerald Landry, perfect as "a visitor" who is very reminiscent of a certain singing sensation from Memphis, in blue suede boots; Amanda O'Gara as Suzanne; Tony Ferreira as Sagot, Picasso's art dealer; Kathryn Hamelton as The Countess; and Sarah Holloway as a female admirer.

Angus Bailey has correctly translated Mr. Martin's messages in "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" to a capable and talented cast. The production glows with sensitivity, compassion and warmth.

This is an off-beat evening of theater -- uncommon, but thoroughly enjoyable. Then again, there is nothing common about Picasso and Einstein ... or good theater!

The UMass Dartmouth Theatre Company's production of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" will be presented again at 8 tonight and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Campus Center Auditorium, Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth. Tickets are $7 general admission; $6 for students and senior citizens. For reservations and information, call (508) 999-8167.