Wellesley Players announce auditions for Picasso at the Lapin Agile, May 17 and 19

Wellesley PlayersAuditions for Wellesley Players’ production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile
Written By Steve Martin
Directed by Laura Espy
Stage Manager: Jean MacFarland

About the Show:  So Einstein and Picasso walk into a bar……This long running Off-Broadway absurdist comedy by Steve Martin places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. In his first comedy for the stage, the popular actor and screenwriter plays fast and loose with fact, fame and fortune as these two geniuses muse on the century’s achievements and prospects as well as other fanciful topics with infectious dizziness. Bystanders, including Picasso’ agent, the bartender and his mistress, Picasso’s date, an elderly philosopher, Charles Dabernow Schmendimen and an idiot inventor introduce additional flourishes of humor. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark haired singer time warped in from a later era.

As Martin has said, ” … the play attempts to explain, in a light-hearted way, the similarity of the creative process involved in great leaps of imagination in art and science.”

Production Dates – November 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 8pm, November 8 and 15 at 2pm at the Black box Theatre at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown.

Rehearsal Days – Rehearsals will begin in September on a date TBD.  Rehearsals will be Sunday afternoons from 1-4pm, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7–10pm. Rehearsals will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Needham.

Audition Dates:

Auditions will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave. Needham MA by appointment on May 17 and 19. Please sign up for one time slot: 7-7:30pm, 7:30-8pm, 8-8:30pm, 8:30-9pm, 9-9:30pm or 9:30-10pm.

Callbacks will be held on May 21 – approximately 7-11pm.

To schedule an appointment, please send an email PicassoWellesley@gmail.com. Please include:

  • Your name
  • Your phone number
  • The roles you are interested in
  • The date you wish to audition
  • Your preferred time slot
  • An alternate time slot in case your first choice is not available

You will then receive a confirmation of your audition time. Please bring a headshot or any clear head and shoulders photo of yourself to your audition appointment. Audition forms will be provided when you sign up for a time slot or in person. 

Audition Requirements:

There are roles available for 2 females and 7 males, ages 18+. Auditions will consist of readings from the script which will be distributed when you make an audition appointment.

The script is available from Samuel French, Amazon, and most libraries. Please contact the production staff at the email above if you have difficulty obtaining a copy and would like to read it.

Character List (2F/7M):

A note on ages listed: Some of the ages for the roles are very specific and some have notes regarding these ages below. In general, we are looking for actors to portray these ages – not necessarily be that age. 

PABLO PICASSO:  The painter, currently in the midst of his portraiture and “Blue” phase.  He hungers for success as an artist, hasn’t quite broken through; at the point that the play takes place, he is approximately three years away from creating Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, arguably the painting that launched the Cubist movement.  He’s arrogant, pompous, and egotistical — but with a smattering of insecurities showing through. A lady’s man with very little regard for the women he uses (then casts aside). (Male, Age: 23)

ALBERT EINSTEIN:  The not-yet famous scientist, currently a patent clerk, approximately one year before publishing The Special Theory of Relativity.  Has the energy and excitement of someone about to prove himself.  Albert is an idealistic nerd, and passionate about his work. He is enthusiastic, but not boastful or arrogant. [Age may be open to someone who reads older; he is 25, but according to the script looks much older.] (Male, Age: 25)

FREDDY:  Owner/bartender of the Lapin Agile.  He is a dreamer and supporter of the arts.  Loves a good discussion/ debate.  Has been Germaine’s boyfriend for a number of years, yet has not asked her to marry him.  Longs to be “more” than he is.  (Male, Age: 30s-40s)

GASTON:  Connoisseur of woman, now past his prime but still trying.  Humorous, wise and utterly French.  A bit of a dirty old man with prostate problems (“I have to pee!”). (Male, Age: 60+)

GERMAINE:  Waitress, Freddy’s long term girlfriend.  Worldly wise, smart, strong; not a glamorous lady, yet undeniably sensual.  Voluptuous, earthy and witty.  Somewhat bored with life. (Female, Age: 30s-40s)

SUZANNE/THE COUNTESS/A FEMALE ADMIRER:  Seeking one actress to play all roles. (Female, Age: 20s)
SUZZANE: Young French beauty that has been a lover/inspiration of late to Picasso.  Thinks she is far worldlier than she really is, however, she is not entirely naive nor is she unintelligent.  A fast learner.
THE COUNTESS: Intellectual, noble; patron and love interest for Einstein.
A FEMALE ADMIRER: The ultimate fan girl, almost swooning with excitement.  Turns out she is actually a huge fan of Schmendiman.

SAGOT:  Picasso’s art dealer, warm, funny if a bit blunt.  He has an intuitive sense of what will sell and what won’t.  Negotiates art sales with killer precision, but is not without a heart.  (Male, Age: 25-60s)

CHARLES DABERNOW SCHMENDIMAN: An up and coming business man; he thinks very highly of himself and his potential, obnoxiously unscrupulous and a braggart. Charles is a crazy inventor — think “wild and crazy guy.” Schmendiman thinks all kinds of nutty stuff. Must have excellent comedic timing and be able to play way over the top.  (Male, Age: 30s-60s)

A VISITOR:  A polite and talented country boy time-traveler, who adds a third dimension and point of view to Einstein and Picasso’s debate. He wears blue suede shoes, has a very distinctive way of swinging his hips, a good southern gent that will be a famous crooner, has a tendency to wear rhinestones and should be readily recognizable to our audiences. The role does not sing. (If you still can’t figure it out, ask us at auditions!!!)  (Male, Age: 25-40)

Share:

Leave a Reply (full real name required)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *