Calling All Artists!

An art sale to help benefit the Theatre Company of Saugus during upcoming play, ‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’

By Joanie Allbee

Here’s an invitation for all local artists. The Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) is looking for your art for their “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” play by Steve Martin. Art will be accepted April 21-24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 4 Taylor St. When a painting sells, the Theatre’s commission is 25 percent, leaving 75 percent to the Artist.

The suggested prices are $25 to $200. TCS is seeking paintings no smaller than 4×4 and no larger than 36×24. Framed or no frame is okay. All pieces must have wire hanging in the back. Anything other than wire will not be accepted. All art needs to be picked up May 4 after the final performance, which is estimated to end around 4:30 p.m.

Imagine stepping back in time and viewing your painting hanging on the walls of the Lapin Agile in Montmartre, Paris. Hanging with your painting is one of Pablo Picasso’s, and at any moment Mr. Picasso (played by Valerie Whiteneck ) could waltz through the door of his favorite cabaret. Possibly Clovis Sagot, the Art Critic & Art Dealer (played by Sara Dion), who bought many of Picasso’s works, would be negotiating deals over your art pieces. Perhaps a young Einstein (played by Shawyoun Shaidani) would pause from surmising the E=mc2 to absorb your painting in wonder. Come join the imaginations and interactive fun of the “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” play and contribute by selling or donating one of your paintings.

All art can be viewed before, after and during intermission for discussion of sales.

The play performs April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.  and Sunday Matinees at 2 p.m.

The story scene for the play is at a bar in Paris in 1904. Patrons talk and drink. Among them are a young Pablo Picasso and a young Albert Einstein, both of whom are on the verge of releasing their important creations. It’s a look ahead at the 20th century. Near the end, a visitor from the future arrives.

The show will be immersive for those attending. Patrons will be seated at large or small tables in a bar in Paris in 1904. Snack plates and candy will be for sale. The bar will be open for business, serving alcoholic and soft drinks at 20^th-century prices. Artworks by local visual artists will be on display and for sale. Tickets will be sold for general seating. A host will seat you upon arrival.

Tickets can be purchased on the Theatre of Saugus website: tcsaugus.org

The venue is the TCS home at the American Legion Post 210 / 44 Taylor St., Saugus.