Newnan Community Theater will launch its production of Steve Martin's “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” tonight. The theater company is known for producing some of the more irreverent and less traditional plays, which Picasso most certainly is.

Set in Paris in 1904, the play deals with a fictional meeting between Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein while they are in their early twenties.

The young men discuss everything under the sun, including what they hope to contribute to the world and the world of art versus the world of science.

The play is being directed by 17 year old Mike Funt, a senior at Newnan High School.

Along with choosing the cast, running the rehearsals, and building the sets, Funt also did intense character development with his actors and sought the support of the play's author - comedian Steve Martin.

To help the actors understand the setting of the piece and the mindframe of the characters, Funt brought in three local teachers to give mini-lectures on a variety of pertinent topics.

A science teacher discussed the contributions of Einstein, a French teacher discussed the French language and culture at the turn of the century, and an art teacher discussed Picasso and his influence on art.

Funt also invited Steve Martin to attend the production, and perhaps assist the fundraising efforts for Newnan Community theater as they prepare to enter their new building.

Martin called and thanked Funt for the invitation. He sent Funt a letter of regret that he could not make the show, along with an autographed poster from the premiere production of the play in Los Angeles.

Funt then called Martin's publicist to express his thanks and she gave him the email addresses of several top notch celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O'Donnell, and David Letterman who might like to show their support for the theater.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile will be performed Oct. 8-22 at the Manget-Brannon Center for the Arts on First Avenue in Newnan. Performances will be at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students. For more information, call 770-251-4848.

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