By Audrey Werth/reporter
The NE Playhouse is starting off the year with an absurdist comedy written by Steve Martin, Picasso at the Lapin Agile.
Set in a Parisian café in 1904, the play focuses on Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein debating each other over the value of talent and genius. Einstein is on the verge of publishing his Special Theory of Relativity, and Picasso is about to introduce Cubism to the art world.
“It is great being able to take on a historical character,” said Jake Blakeman, who plays the lead character, Albert Einstein. “You appreciate their contributions to society a whole lot more.”
Riley Mendez, though he participated in stage productions his junior and senior years of high school, said playing Picasso will be his first experience acting at TCC.
“There’s definitely a bit of French humor, but some of it is outright ass-grabbing and sex jokes,” he said.
Natalie Petters said she is excited about her character in this production after having a short but sweet one-line role in the last show produced on NE Campus. Her character, Germaine, is a waitress with many ideas about how the century will play out.
Director Stephen Thomas said this play is a change of pace but one his students will enjoy.
“I thought it presented a good opportunity for my students to grow, to try something different,” Thomas said. “It’s a lighthearted play, which is unusual for us. We usually start off the semester with a tragedy.”
The “thrust” seating on stage creates an intimate atmosphere allowing the audience to be seated around three sides of the stage, said Hayden Evans, who plays Freddy the bartender.
The performances are free for all TCC students, faculty and staff, $3 for non-TCC students and seniors and $6 for the general public. The show runs Oct. 1-4 with performances at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. For reservations, call 817-515-687 or email neplayhouse@tccd.edu.
