The local barkeep, played by Ben Rooney, discusses art with Albert Einstein, played by Joshua Whalen, at a dress rehearsal for "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" inside the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College Monday. The Summerset Theatre production opens Tuesday. — Trey Mewes/trey.mewes@austindailyherald.com

Summerset opens comedy on 20th-century masters

Try catching a plane, train or automobile to Summerset Theatre’s latest production, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.”

The show opens Tuesday with a bang, as local thespians put on the Steve Martin-penned production starting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 10.

“It’s one of those rare plays that is incredibly funny but also very smart,” said Summerset Theatre Executive Director Lindsey Duoos Williams. The show, directed by Lucas Johnson, centers around a fictitious meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso before the two made their respective marks on science and the arts. Featuring Martin’s trademark wit, the show has proven popular in recent years.

“This is the second time I have directed this play,” said Johnson in a press release. “It is, without a doubt, my favorite show. I fell in love with it in college, where I saw two different productions that were entered in the KCACTF [Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival] region V in 1998. That year, and from 2000 to 2001, it was one of the top 10 most produced plays in America.”

The 11-member cast will set the stage through this week for a humorous homage to 20th century intellectual giants, with all shows starting at 7:30 p.m. The production closes on July 14, however, and tickets are selling fast, according to the play’s Facebook group.

The show is recommended for ages 14 and older. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $8 for students 16 and younger and can be bought at the Riverland Box Office.