Picasso at the Lapin Agile (and more)

Did you know Steve Martin wrote plays?! The SLO Little Theatre is doing Picasso at the Lapin Agile this October. It all takes place in a bar called the Lapin Agile (Nimble Rabbit) in Montmartre, Paris where Einstein and Picasso fictitiously meet, along with a couple other characters that fill out the evening. It's a fun exploration of the nature of art and science, pretty funny, too. I would have liked to play Einstein in this adventure, but alas, at the time, Al was a youngster by my standards. As fate would have it, though, I did try out for the play and got the role of Schmendiman. What a great experience; a few photos are here.

Here's the Wikipedia entry.

This book also contains three other Steve Martin scripts: Zig-Zag Woman, Patter for a Floating Lady, and Wasp. Don't buy the book just for any of these, but as "extras" they can be fun, and they're short.

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims & Rush Revere and the First Patriots

Fascinating romp through history with "Rush Revere" and a time-traveling horse. Kids are eating it up, I understand, and I enjoyed them, too. Limbaugh received the "Author of the Year" award at the Children's Choice Book Awards for these titles.

Proof

SLO Little Theatre is doing this play in the next few months, and I was intrigued by the father/mathematician character - so I bought the script to see what it was really like. Fascinating, quick read (couple hours max). This play explores many things: love, science/math, genius/insanity, family, and even has a mystery element to it. You will relate if you're trying to decide whether to fear or hope that you become like your parent(s).

Update: I auditioned for the father/mathematician role. I told you it was intriguing to me. My first theater audition ever. It's a little daunting to prepare and present "two contrasting monologues". I thought about backing out at the last minute, but realized this would be my only opportunity to show off what I'd put hours into. So I auditioned. Audience of one, the director. Felt surprisingly good. Afterward, I mentioned to a friend that I couldn't remember saying half the lines; he said that was a good sign. I didn't get the part; nobody goes one for one. Except Serafina.

U.S. Constitution, etc.

I happen to think that the best overall approach to getting this country back on track, straightening out the mess in Washington, convincing people of the best environment to create for the most success by the greatest number of people, etc. is to get back to living by the U.S. Constitution. If you'd like a very nice leather version, click on the link to the left. There are other versions available, including free printings for which you pay modest shipping & handling, such as at: http://www.thecapitol.net/Publications/PocketConstitution.html.
My New Year's resolution is to fully assimilate this material and focus any political discussions in which I might find myself on this content.