Wellsboro’s Warehouse Theater is set to come alive with laughter and wit as Steve Martin’s celebrated comedy, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, takes center stage for two weekends this February. The production, presented by Hamilton-Gibson Productions, invites audiences to step back in time to 1904 Paris, where a fictional encounter between two of history’s most brilliant minds unfolds in a cozy neighborhood bar. With performances scheduled from February 20 to 22 and again from February 27 to March 1, the play promises to deliver both humor and intellectual intrigue to theatergoers of all ages.
Located at 3 Central Ave, the Warehouse Theater will host the play with evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. According to WETM, tickets are reasonably priced at $16 for adults and $8 for children aged 18 and under, with the added convenience of online or at-the-door purchases—though online buyers should note a small additional fee. The accessible pricing is part of Hamilton-Gibson Productions’ ongoing mission to make the performing arts a vibrant, welcoming part of the Wellsboro community.
At the heart of Picasso at the Lapin Agile lies a playful what-if scenario: What might happen if Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso, each on the cusp of their respective revolutions—relativity and cubism—met for drinks and debate in a Parisian bar? The result, as crafted by Steve Martin, is a sharp, fast-paced dialogue that’s as thought-provoking as it is funny. Cody Losinger steps into the shoes of Albert Einstein, while Dominic Doganiero brings the character of Charles Schmendimen to life, rounding out a cast designed to capture the eccentric energy of Martin’s script.
Steve Martin’s journey to playwright is as storied as his comedic legacy. As reported by Yahoo and IMDb, Martin began his career as a writer on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, a gig that set the stage for his eventual rise as a household name in American comedy. His early stand-up routines, often delivered on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, showcased his offbeat humor and quick wit. Martin’s comedy albums, which sold over a million copies, earned him Grammy awards for Best Comedy Recording, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the genre. He later made the leap to acting, starring in films and, more recently, in the acclaimed television series Only Murders in the Building.
For Wellsboro, the arrival of Picasso at the Lapin Agile is more than just another night at the theater—it’s a celebration of the enduring appeal of live performance and the power of comedy to bridge generations. The Warehouse Theater, known for its intimate setting, offers the perfect backdrop for Martin’s clever script, allowing audiences to feel as though they’re eavesdropping on the musings of two geniuses. The production’s run over two weekends provides flexibility for families, students, and working professionals to find the perfect showtime.
The play itself is a testament to Martin’s ability to blend highbrow and lowbrow humor. Set in the Lapin Agile, a real bar in Paris famed for its bohemian clientele, the story imagines Einstein and Picasso crossing paths just before each would change the world in his own way. Their banter, filled with jokes about art, science, and the nature of genius, is punctuated by the arrival of quirky characters like Charles Schmendimen, played by Doganiero, who injects a dose of absurdity into the proceedings. The result is a comedy that invites audiences to laugh, think, and maybe even question what makes someone a great mind.
Hamilton-Gibson Productions, the company behind the staging, has long been committed to bringing top-tier theater to Wellsboro. Their choice of Picasso at the Lapin Agile reflects a desire to challenge and entertain, offering a play that’s both accessible and intellectually stimulating. As the company’s artistic director has often emphasized, the goal is to create experiences that resonate with a broad audience—whether you’re a fan of slapstick, satire, or simply a good story well told.
The cast, led by Losinger and Doganiero, has been hard at work preparing for opening night. Rehearsals have focused on capturing the rhythm and timing that Martin’s script demands. The actors’ chemistry is key, as much of the play’s humor comes from the rapid-fire exchanges and subtle physical comedy. For Losinger, playing Einstein is an opportunity to explore the lighter side of a figure often shrouded in myth. "It’s fun to imagine Einstein not just as a genius, but as someone with a sense of humor and a bit of mischief," he shared during a recent interview with local press.
For those who may be new to Steve Martin’s work, the play offers a glimpse into the mind of a performer who has spent decades redefining what comedy can be. From his Grammy-winning albums to his film and television roles, Martin’s influence on American culture is hard to overstate. His ability to move seamlessly between absurdity and insight is on full display in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, making it a must-see for anyone who appreciates smart, character-driven comedy.
As Wellsboro gears up for the production’s opening, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The theater’s staff encourages attendees to purchase tickets in advance, especially for the popular weekend evening shows. With its blend of historical imagination, sharp dialogue, and just the right amount of silliness, Picasso at the Lapin Agile is poised to be a highlight of the local arts calendar.
Ultimately, the play’s appeal lies in its ability to make big ideas approachable—and to remind us that even the greatest minds were, at their core, human beings with quirks, doubts, and a penchant for a good joke. For Wellsboro audiences, this February promises an evening of laughter, reflection, and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the art of conversation.