Worcester State University’s Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Department will present “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” a rollicking, absurdist comedy by Steve Martin. The opening night presentation at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18 marks Worcester State Theatre’s exciting return to in-person performance in Fuller Theater. VPA will continue presenting shows at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Nov. 20. The production concludes with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 21.
In the play, Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein meet in Paris’ famed bistro, the Lapin Agile in 1904 where facts, fame, genius – as well as time and space – are flung about with abandon. Martin, the renowned comic actor and veteran of Saturday Night Live, spins the Paris night with dizzying wit at the beginning of the 20th century. “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” is a winner of the 1996 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off Broadway Play.
“After experiencing the tremendous challenges of these times – challenges that are ongoing – we are inspired to deliver some comedy to our community as we can all use this laugh from one of our great living humorists,” says VPA Chair Sam O’Connell, Professor of Theatre and Interdisciplinary Arts. “We’re especially moved to reopen Fuller Theater’s doors with this first in-person theatre performance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to monitor the ever-changing nature of these times, we also remain committed to the safety and comfort of our audience members, students, faculty, and staff.”
To that end, Fuller Theater guests are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test (within 72 hours) with a photo ID upon entry. Per the City of Worcester, masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
“Picasso at the Lapin Agile” cast members and roles are as follows.
As pictured in Row 1 (L to R):
Geography and Theatre Major Autumn Thebodo ‘22 as Freddy
Communication Major Liam Carmody ‘22 as Gaston
VPA and Early Childhood Education Major Julia Duggan ‘22 as Germaine
VPA, Political Science, and Geography Major Vincent Pellegrino ‘22 as Albert Einstein
As pictured in Row 2 (L to R):
Liberal Studies, Communication, and Elementary Education Major Ryann Jerome ‘22 as Suzanne
VPA Major Jade Pennington ‘22 as Sagot
VPA Major Brent Leighton ‘22 as Pablo Picasso
Communication Major Ben Leibowitz ‘23 as Charles Dabernow Schmendiman
As pictured in Row 3 (L to R):
Undeclared Major Delaney DeNorscia ‘25 as The Countess
English Major Hayley Collamore ‘25 as a Female Admirer
Theatre and Education Studies Major Aiden Bourdeau ‘25 as a Visitor
The production comes on the heels of Worcester State’s offering of a new Bachelor of Arts in Theatre this semester. The degree program immerses students in a 39-credit program of study that includes an extensive variety of theater courses, performances, and other hands-on experiences with productions such as “PIcasso at the Lapin Agile.”
Tickets for the show are $7 for students, $10 for seniors, and $15 for general admission. To purchase tickets online, visit worcester.edu/VPABoxOffice. To purchase tickets in person, visit the Worcester State Student Center Information Desk or contact the VPA Box Office at 508-929-8843. Tickets will also be available at the door.
“Picasso at the Lapin Agile” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. of www.concordtheatricals.com [1].