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Show Ds The Salt Lake Tribune ARTS Sunday, D ib 5, 1999 Wit Travels at the Speed of Lightin ‘Picasso’ BY CELIA BAKER ‘THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE When two hopeful young geniuses, Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso,run upagainst each other ina Paris bar in 1904, theyfill the night with the speed andcolorof their radical notions about sci- ence and art. Wary competitors at first, they eventually embrace each other as brothers — kindred souls with a shared understanding of the “thunk” and “pop” of new ideas. The meeting never happened, but an imagined version of it can be seen at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre. Pioneer Theatre Company’s well-acted regional premiere of Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” is a loopy post-modern ride through the 20th century, as intellectually stimulatingas it is hilarious. Martin’s stampis ail over this play, which will have instant REVIEW appeal to those who grew up with his humor, and is likely to be rather inscrutable to the older generationthat did not. Moments of profound insight are sandwiched between goofy puns and sight gags. The denizens of the Lapin areile (a Paris bar) spend as much time in discussions about sex as they doin illuminatingthe nature of genius and creativity. Director John Goingstays true to Martin’s vision — the madcap humor and cannyinsights come fast and furious. Theatrical conventions are flouted for comic effect. Within thefirst few minutes, Fre ‘dy the bartender (Max Roi inson) traipses off the edge of th» stage and grabs a program fror a patron’s hand — a clue .o what the audience is in for. The characters step out ofchatacter, speak to the audience, use lingo never heard in 1904, and refer te eveuits that hadn't happened at that time (Marie Curie’s discovery of radium,for instance). Amid all the wackiness are somedivine moments of theater, When Einstein (played with sweet sincerity by Sean Arbuckle) is handed a drawing by Picas- so, he is wonderstruck, and stammers: “I never thought the 20th century Ine so casuall’. would be hauded to . scratched out in pencil on a piece of paper.” Einstein's reverence for another’s genius andall it pcrtends is tempered when he meets the arrogant ycung Spaniard. Played with over-the-top machismo by Jonataan Hammond(who bears a strong resemblance to the young Picasso), this Picasso loves every woman he sexs, loves himself even more, and is fotally & Stroke of Genius Pioneer Theatre Company presents “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin in the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre at 300 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City, until Dec. 18. Curtain times are 7:20 p.m. Monday through Thursday,8 p.m. Friday and sas and 2 pun. for the Saturday matinees. Tickets are $16 js available and discounts are available for to $85. Free groups of 20 or more, and for University of Utah students.Call terre boxoffice at (801) 581-6961. the “Mineis beautiful,” says Pic- asso, indicating his drawing. “Menhave swooned as on that,” says Einstein, referring to the formtla he has dashed off. “Mine will change the future,” says Picasso, “Oh, and mire won't?” says the triumphantEinstein. Astrong cast supports the two leads. Robert Peterson plays the art dealer Sagot as 4 discerning bon vivant. Tura Falk covers three roles and finds the comic nuances in each one. As Gaston, the aging barily with a weak bladder, John Fiedler is gently amusing. Joyce Cohen plays Freddy's not-so-true girlfriend, Germaine. She’s the one woman whe can talk sense to the lusty Picasso. The scenestealer of the evening is Frank Gerrish in -he role of Charles Dabernow Schmn , an inventor who believes himself to be genius, but who is dead wrong. With his ample form upholstered in an imPossibly loud plaid suit, he touts the virtues of his “inflexible and very brittle building material” madeof “equal parts of asbestos, kitten paws and radium.” He’s a scream. George Maxwell's barroom set is given its Parisian locale by being set beneath the giantlegs of the Eiffel Tower. This visually arresting device brackets the stage and creates a more intimate space for this cabaret-style show. Greatlighting effects (by Mary Louise Geiger) include a beautiful sky of twinkling stars for the ending of the play. Brenda Van der Wiel designed the delicious turn-of-the-century costumes. 4 A Swin NEW YEAR'S EVE Friday, December 31 Concert: 10 p.m. AbravaneiHall After the Concert: Midnightfireworks, post-concert dance party at the Salt Pal The dazzling Broadwaystar/Michaet Magutee joins thi orchestra for the most famous swing and show tunes of the 20th century.Thrill to a special tributeto thie greatest pop voiceofall time, Frank Sinatra! Concert concludes with the spectacular 1812 Overture featuring 16 on-stage cannons 29-piece orchestra wi for this event. At midnight, enjoy spectacular fireworks outside the Salt Palace, then Join us for a dance party atthe Salt Palace. PHONY «ein 0% One TOTAL LIQUIDATION! © Everything must besoid! Only comeSetaeat 35 eaatabl introdu:‘oryprices from ih115! Upto’ Bedrooms, 2-1/2 Baths tEva Ka itvg Optionsand Acessories “ Men's ties, sportswear & accessories Off-street, Private Courtyards including all fixtures Upto 912 Sqft. Private Patios and Fenned Y Wen ae Open Noon to Dusk 352iSouth 8495 West 252-0760 ELKYRUN ARBOR HOMES Tle Outlet Factory Stores of America 12101 Factory Outiet Dr. Suite & , UT 84020 1) 571-8095 ° Wemco Store Factory Stores @ S699N. Lendmark oes Suite C-107 Park UT 84098 (435)445-7610 ; F ° Mas { q Ce Peel |