EL MORRO - Live theatre is alive and well in Cibola County and being performed at the Old School Gallery. The play “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” combines an imaginary meeting between painter Pablo Picasso and physicist Albert Einstein at a Parisian bar called the Lapin Agile (nimble rabbit) and a cast of interesting and odd secondary characters.

Germaine, left, watches as bar owner Freddy, center, speaks with Albert Einstein during a production of “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” BEACON / DONALD JARAMILLO

Written by comedian Steve Martin, the play is set in 1904 when both Picasso and Einstein were on the brink of creative breakthroughs. Einstein published his special theory of relativity in 1905 and Picasso painted “Les Demoiselles d'Avignon” in 1907.

Much of the play's dialog is a debate between Einstein and Picasso on the value of genius and talent, with interjections from the rest of the cast.

The play opens with Freddy the bar owner, played by Maqui, conversing with his lover, Germaine, played by Genevieve Hurneray, and Einstein, played by Mike Francis. Einstein is waiting for a rendezvous with a countess, played by Barbara Duncan. RedWulf Dancing Bare in the role of Gaston, an older man who reminisces about his prowess with women and frequently has to use the men's room, provides comic relief.

Soon an attractive young woman, Suzanne, enters the bar and relates that she's waiting to meet Pablo Picasso, modern painter and man about town. She tells the patrons about her initial passionate meeting with the painter.

Shortly thereafter a buffoonish figure named Charles Dabernow Schmendiman comes into the bar to brag about his questionable accomplishments. Played by Josh Troelstrup, the character provides a foil for the genuine genius of Einstein and Picasso.

Picasso, played by Standing Feather, finally shows up and engages in debate with Einstein, while trying to sooth the hurt feelings of Suzanne. An art dealer, played by Reed Anderson, who had stopped in for a drink was showing a Matisse painting he had bought and this caused jealousy on the part of Picasso.

Following a debate between Picasso and Einstein, the countess who Picasso was awaiting showed up and they departed for other bars. Into this mix comes Elvis Presley, played by Kevin Eubank, who claims that he is a time traveler and that none of the characters' concerns about the new century make any difference to real developments in the twentieth century.

Eventually the entire cast is re-united to toast the new century.

Standing Feather as Picasso is far taller and handsomer than the real Picasso, but he brought the character to life with his repartee and comments on the Parisian art scene. Mike Francis' portrayal of Einstein was enhanced by the graying and scattered styling of his hair and the intense dedication to the power of science he portrayed.

The lighting and sound engineering was right on the mark and very professional for such a tiny theatre company.

Gallery Director Paula Tripodi and her crew transformed the floor of the gallery to a cabaret theatre, with small tables arranged around the display area. The Ancient Way Caf�©, which employs many of the players, provided snacks for the attendees.

Sophia Farris directed the play and other behind-the-scenes workers included Eden Gloria, Carol Casady, Candace Lee, Joel Tryheart, Harriet Lawrence and Paula Tripodi.

Cast members not previously cited include Sophia Farris as an admirer and Courtney Petteruti as Suzanne.

The play will be performed again March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. Call the Old School Gallery at 1-505-783-4710 for admission fee.