Fantastic food and impressive card trickery set the stage for the magic of Steve Martin's comedy "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," which opened heartily to the laughs and thoughtful reflections of an eager audience last Saturday at the Firehouse Brewing Company.
The dinner
Audiences who decided to eat the meal chose from several of the Firehouse's best-selling entrees: peppered chicken, buffalo brisket or a Caesar salad.
As diners sat down to the intimate black tables, they were able to sample the Firehouse's signature beer bread, followed by a standard dinner salad.
The buffalo brisket came with a choice of potato and a side of broccoli florets dusted with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The tender brisket was doused in gravy that was thin, but surprisingly flavorful and left a hint of spicy heat behind. The peppered chicken came grilled and also was accompanied by the broccoli florets. It also came with a side of incredibly aromatic rice.
The flickering light of the votive candles on the table cast the generous portions of each entree in an appetizing light.
The magic
As meal service came to a close, illusionist Josh Balt warmed up the crowd by performing some close-up card tricks. He asked for willing participants from the crowd and even urged the unwilling and a few skeptics to the stage.
In order to showcase his talents, an assistant sent a live feed of the tricks to screens around the room. By the time Balt was done, even the skeptics in the audience seemed impressed.
The theater
Director John Lee made a wise decision when he chose Steve Martin's "Picasso at the Lapin Agile." The script takes a humorous look at what might happen if Einstein and Picasso had run into each other at a bar during the first decade of the 20th century.
The ensuing conversations between the young versions of these geniuses and the bar's workers and patrons offer insight into the human condition, scientific theory and history.
Working with such a brilliant script paved the way for the production to succeed, and to do so hilariously.
While the production was less than perfect, it did offer moments of perfection, hilarity and beauty that were undeniable.
Although the entire cast delivered Martin's words skillfully, Jace Brock and Paul A. Burns II shined especially brightly in their roles of Gaston and Picasso.
Brock brought a delightful glee to the slightly lecherous Gaston that lightened the mood of the play throughout. Offering well-timed facial expressions and gestures coupled with insights into aging and the female form, Brock also handled the physical aspect of playing an older man incredibly well. Furthermore, as Gaston, Brock created some of the funniest moments of the play.
Many of the most poignant moments of the evening were intensely created by Burns as Picasso. From the moment Burns rushed onto the stage, he commanded the space with his fierce energy and skillful movements.
Burns has a background in dance and used his mastery of movement purposefully and intelligently throughout the show.
Although he is a large man and it was a small stage, Burns appeared at all times to be the member of the cast who was most comfortable on the small stage. He brought a fervid passion to the entire production that energized both the cast and the audience.
It was unfortunate that the bubbly Carly Bukkila was cast in three roles in the play. She handled the smaller parts of the Countess and the Female Admirer masterfully, but as Picasso's admirer Suzanne, she lacked a sultry vigor the part called for.
Laura L. Savage's take on Germaine, the somewhat enlightened bar wench, was far too angry to be fully enjoyable. However, her interactions with the mysterious Visitor were adorable. Furthermore, Savage delivered an incredible - and hilarious - stage faint. Even if she has bruises from it, the effect on the audience was worth it.
In his debut role as Einstein, Mark Urban delivers an endearing performance. Although momentarily timid, overall - as his director John Lee put it - "he's absolutely a diamond in the rough."
The show's director, Lee also played bartender Freddy in the show, and as such managed to keep the momentum of the play moving forward at a good pace.
The supporting cast successfully balanced the intensity of the play's themes with some well-timed comedic levity.
As the Visitor, Tennessee native Jared Ball drawled his way into the hearts of the audience.
The sly and cynical, yet somehow idealistic, art dealer Sagot was delightfully portrayed by community theater veteran Wayne Gilbert.
The part of inventor Charles Dabernow Schmendiman was raucously brought to life by Mario Jose Santenella.
Although slightly imperfect in its incarnation, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" offered thoughtful, touching and hilarious moments throughout. When combined with the skillful trickery of Josh Balt and delicious food of the Firehouse, it was a magical night at the theater.
Contact Crystal Hohenthaner at 394-8329 or crystal.hohenthaner.rapidcityjournal.com.
