Citadel Theatre Company’s 20th season will close with PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE, Steve Martin’s comedy that imagines a meeting between a 23-year-old Pablo Picasso and a 25-year-old Albert Einstein at a real-life artists’ hangout in Paris at the dawn of the 20th Century. It’s 1904 and the two geniuses are about to complete their most significant accomplishments – Einstein’s theory of relativity and Picasso’s painting “The Young Ladies of Avignon.” They have a lengthy debate about the value of genius and talent, which is often interrupted by the colorful patrons of the bar. PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE will be directed by Founding Artistic Director Scott Phelps and will play from April 22 to May 22. Press opening is April 22, 2022, at 8 pm at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest.
Phelps’ cast, announced today, features Mark Yacullo as Einstein and Travis Ascione as Picasso. Yacullo was seen recently as Seymour in Metropolis Arts Center’s LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and Ascione has played roles including Orsino in TWELFTH NIGHT and Touchstone in AS YOU LIKE IT for Texas Shakespeare Festival. The bartender of the establishment where the two great geniuses of the 20th Century meet - will be played by Actors’ Equity Association member Philip C. Matthews.
Playing the other denizens and visitors of the Lapin Agile are Amy Stricker as the waitress Germaine, Dan Deuel as the barfly Gaston, Juliana Liscio as Picasso’s young admirer Suzanne, Jake Busse as Schmendimen, an intellectual who fancies himself as important as Einstein; Tim Walsh as Picasso’s art dealer, Sagot; and Ian Cummisford as “A Visitor.” Understudies are Ian Cummisford (Einstein), Jimmy Hogan (A Visitor/ Schmendimen), Ed Kuffert (Sagot/Gaston), Megan Pigott (Germaine), Ross Frawley (Freddie), Brandon Beach (Picasso), Kaitlin Feely (Picasso).
Upper row L-R: Travis Ascione, Jake Busse, Ian Cummisford
Middle row L-R: Dan Deuel, Juliana Liscio, Philip C. Matthews
Lower row L-R: Amy Stricker, Tim Walsh, Mark Yacullo
The design and production team includes Jonathan Berg-Einhorn (Set Design), Cindy Moon (Costume Design), Samuel Stephen (Lighting Design), Jonesy Jones (Sound Design), Laura DeCroocq (Props Design), Courtney Abbott (Intimacy Director), Emmy Weldon (Scenic Artist), Evan Sposato (Master Carpenter), Samantha Thielman (Run Crew), Ellen Phelps (Production Manager), and Matthew Silar, Stage Manager, member, Actors’ Equity Association).
PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE received its world premiere at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 1993 and later enjoyed an eight-month run off Broadway in New York. VARIETY said “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” has the virtues, seldom seen these days, of an old-fashioned matinee comedy: There are plenty of laughs, a little romance, a little nostalgia — and it makes the audience feel smart. Nice trick.”
PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE will play the Citadel Theatre at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, from Friday, April 22 through Sunday, May 22, following previews on Wednesday, April 20 and Thursday, April 21. Tickets and more information are available at www.citadeltheatre.org.
COVID PRECAUTIONS/PROCEDURES
All actors, crew, and additional production staff are fully vaccinated. Patrons must show proof of vaccination, or a negative test result taken no more than 72 hours before the performance.
In order for our actors, production team, and patrons to have the safest, and most entertaining experience possible, we have also set the followingCovid-19 safety procedures:
PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES
a. No visitors will be allowed backstage.
b. There must be at least six (6) feet between audience members and the stage.
c. There will be absolutely no interaction between the actors, or stage managers and patrons.
d. Autograph signings, Meet-and-Greets and backstage tours are strictly prohibited.
e. Talkbacks may only happen if the participants remain onstage and audience remains at least ten (10) feet away from the stage.
f. Masks must be worn regardless of vaccine status in the theatre lobby and restrooms, and in the theatre throughout the performance. This procedure is subject to change. Citadel Theatre will be updating the procedure regularly to reflect CDC, State, and Actor’s Equity Association recommendations.
LISTING INFORMATION
PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE
By Steve Martin
Directed by Scott Phelps
Friday April 22, 2022 - Sunday May 22, 2022
(Previews April 20-21 @ 7:30 pm)
Press Opening Friday, April 22 at 8 pm
Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3 pm and Wednesday, May 4 at 1 pm.
Preview ticket prices - $20.00. Regular run prices Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays $40.00; Saturdays and Sundays $45.00.
Discounts available for groups, seniors and student.
Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL
Tickets available online at www.citadeltheatre.org or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1
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.
Steve Martin (Playwright) is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and musician. Who first came to public notice in the 1960s as a writer for THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR, and later as a frequent host on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. In the 1970s, Martin performed his offbeat, absurdist comedy routines before sold-out theaters on national tours. Martin has starred in such films as THE JERK, PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, and many others. In 2021, he co-created and starred in Hulu comedy series ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, a performance which earned him his sixth Golden Globe nomination. Martin’s writing for the stage includes the book and lyrics to the musical BRIGHT STAR; and the plays METEOR SHOWER, WASP AND OTHER PLAYS, and THE UNDERPANTS; as well as PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE.
Scott Phelps (Artistic Director, Director) is in his 19th year as the Artistic Director at Citadel. He’s acted in and directed dozens of Citadel productions over the last decade and a half since founding this North Shore theatre in 2002 with his friend and lifelong companion, Ellen. He has acted/directed in NYC, and in his home state of California, trained as an actor at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, received his BFA from the University of Utah, and did an apprenticeship at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in KY. For 18 years Scott worked for a promotional company and raised his three daughters and his son in Lake Forest. Recently he has been taking on the next chapter of his life — the role of “Grandpa.” Although he is unsure if he is old enough to play that part, he’s been enjoying the challenge.
Citadel Theatre is one of Chicagoland’s premier live theatres, producing hundreds of performances annually and inspiring audiences for nearly 20 years. Founded by Scott and Ellen Phelps in 2002, Citadel Theatre is comprised of its Main Stage performances, its On Tour programs, and its theatre acting classes for children. A proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff ArtsLink, Citadel Theatre offers a unique intimate theatre experience that transports you to another setting and leaves you feeling exhilarated and wanting more. A recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Citadel can accept tax-deductible donations. For more information, ticketing, and to donate, please visit Citadel online at www.CitadelTheatre.org or call 847.735.8554.