Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Picasso at the Lapin Agile is an extremely inventive and highly humorous play that offers an all-around stellar reading experience. It is truly a remarkable piece of work. Steve Martin, a multi-talented individual, has expressed a rather interesting wish. He has said that when his time on this Earth comes to an end, he would most prefer to be remembered as a writer rather than an actor. Well, if he continues to produce outstanding work like the titular play of this collection, there is a very good chance that his wish just might come true. His writing in this play showcases his creativity and wit, captivating the readers and leaving a lasting impression. It is clear that Steve Martin has a great talent for writing, and with works like this, he is surely on the path to achieving his desired legacy as a writer.

July 14,2025
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Wonderful!

I had such an amazing experience that it felt as if I was actually there in the audience, witnessing everything unfold right before my eyes. The moment I stepped into that theater, I was immediately drawn into the magic of the performance.

I was completely engrossed in the action on stage. Every movement, every expression, and every word spoken by the actors seemed to come alive and transport me to another world. It was as if I was a fly on the wall, observing the story unfold without being noticed.

I truly enjoyed every single word of the play. The dialogue was so well-written and delivered with such passion that it had a profound impact on me. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me think.

Indeed, there was an overwhelming sense of joy in this entire experience. It was a night to remember, and I will cherish the memories of that wonderful performance for a long time to come.
July 14,2025
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Picasso at the Lapin Agile is truly a sublime piece of art. The comedy within it is pure Steve Martin - intellectual yet delightfully madcap and zany. It has a unique charm that sets it apart from other works.

While the other plays, in my humble opinion, may not reach the same lofty level as Picasso at the Lapin Agile, they all have their shining moments. Each one offers something distinct and valuable.

I consider myself extremely lucky to have witnessed a production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile staged in the early 2000s. The experience was truly unforgettable. Rereading this play now has brought back a flood of memories and vividly reminded me of what a high-quality piece of drama should look like. It serves as a testament to the power of great art to transport us and leave a lasting impression.

July 14,2025
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I have only read Steve Martin's play Picasso at the Lapin Agile. The book that solely contained this play was not on Goodreads. So, this review is strictly about Picasso.

This is an outstanding play. Steve Martin is truly brilliant and uproariously hilarious. The show delves into what would transpire if the three greatest minds in history converged in one place on one night...and there's Schmendiman...lol.

The play is filled with witty jokes throughout, and it pays homage to each character that is presented. There is a debate such as "Can you choose between Jesus and a Ham sandwich?"

Without a doubt, I highly recommend this play. It offers a unique and entertaining perspective on history and the minds that shaped it. The combination of Martin's clever writing and the engaging storyline makes it a must-read for anyone interested in theater or history.

July 14,2025
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"Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is truly a remarkable play that has left an indelible mark on my heart.

Every time I think about it, I am immediately transported back to that bohemian Parisian café, the Lapin Agile.

The play's unique blend of historical figures, such as Picasso and Einstein, in a fictional yet highly engaging scenario is simply brilliant.

The witty dialogue, the clever exchanges, and the thought-provoking discussions make it a joy to watch and experience.

It not only offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and intellectual milieu of the early 20th century but also explores profound themes of creativity, genius, and the nature of art.

Whether you are a lover of art, history, or simply great theater, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is a must-see. It will always hold a special place among my favorite plays, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining and intellectually stimulating experience.
July 14,2025
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I always knew Martin is funny, but I had no idea how erudite he is until I saw a production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

In this play, Picasso, Einstein, and briefly, Elvis Presley muse on the similarities and differences between art and science. It's a fascinating exploration that makes you think deeply about these two important aspects of human creativity.

WASP is a darkly comic, biting commentary on the cold detachment of a modern family. They are too proud or fearful to reveal their humanity to one another, even when that's what they want and need most desperately. The play shows the dysfunction and unhappiness that can result from this lack of connection.

Patter for a Floating Lady and The Zig-Zag Woman are much shorter and lighter in tone. However, Floating Lady has more emotional heft than the almost throwaway Zig-Zag Woman. These plays offer different perspectives and add to the overall richness of the collection.

Overall, this book is definitely worth buying for Lapin Agile alone. It's a thought-provoking and entertaining play that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
July 14,2025
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It's a solid play.

To be honest, I had hoped to like it even more than I actually did.

There is a favorite quote from it that really stands out to me. It goes like this, "I could dream it forever and still not do it, but when the time comes for it to be done, God, I want to be ready for it."

This quote seems to capture the essence of the play. It speaks to the idea that we can have dreams and aspirations, but it's not enough to just dream. We have to be prepared to take action when the opportunity presents itself.

The play as a whole had its moments of brilliance, but there were also some aspects that didn't quite click with me.

Nevertheless, it was still an enjoyable experience, and I'm glad I had the chance to see it.

Perhaps on a second viewing, I'll be able to appreciate it even more fully.
July 14,2025
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I first had the opportunity to catch the play, and it was this experience that promptly led me to lay my hands on the book. There is actually a rather longer story behind how this particular book became the very first one I ordered on Flipkart.

It's like Picasso meets Einstein. Art meets Science. And along with it comes a whole lot of laughs thrown in for good measure.

These encounters have been the first steps towards bridging the art-science divide in my head. You know, at the end of it all, the way you feel is essentially the same for both art and science. They both have the power to move you, to make you think, and to inspire you in different yet profound ways. It's truly fascinating to see how these two seemingly disparate worlds can come together and create something so unique and wonderful.
July 14,2025
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I worked as an Assistant Stage Manager on a production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal many years ago.

It was a truly enjoyable experience. We had an amazing cast that brought the show to life. The play was a bit silly, but it was also hilarious, and the audience loved it.

Recently, on May 13/14, 2016, I re-read the script, and it brought back so many memories of that wonderful production.

After that, I decided to read the other short plays in the book.

The Zig-Zag Woman was cute, but it wasn't great. Patter for the Floating Lady was okay, but it was a bit weird.

However, WASP was the funniest of the three, although it was also quite strange. I remember that Carol Kane played the mom in the original production, and I'm sure she was very funny in that role.

Overall, reading these plays again was a great trip down memory lane, and it made me appreciate the art of theater even more.
July 14,2025
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Too cutesy for me. This phrase sums up my feelings towards something that is overly sweet or charming in a way that I find a bit excessive. It might be a piece of art, a fashion style, or even a person's behavior. When something is too cutesy, it often lacks depth or authenticity. It can seem forced or artificial, as if trying too hard to be endearing. I prefer things that have a more genuine and natural appeal. Something that can make me smile without being overly saccharine. Maybe it's a simple design with clean lines, or a person who is kind and friendly without being overly effusive. In the end, what matters to me is that something feels real and true, not just cute for the sake of being cute.

July 14,2025
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Martin's plays present a mixed bag.

He is, overall, a rather terrible writer, with an amateurish touch. However, his cleverness and sense of humor manage to salvage a few lines in each play, which almost redeem the chaos that is the rest of it.

The main flaw in all of his plays is his lack of subtlety. He hammers an obvious theme into the ground. For example, in "WASP", it's a clichéd condemnation of WASP families, and the play's contrived surreality, like the random appearance of aliens in a scene, seems out of place.

"The Zig-Zag Woman" is clever but lacks depth. "Patter for the Floating Lady" is my favorite among the four. It's very short but the best-written.

"Picasso at the Lapin Agile" has its moments, but Martin's attempts to force humor at the expense of the play's integrity, such as a character anachronistically singing "When a Man Loves a Woman" in a play set in 1904, are jarring. His inability to handle subtlety also makes the ending of "Picasso" completely overdone.

Despite these flaws, Martin's plays still manage to hold some interest, if only for the occasional glimmer of his wit and charm.
July 14,2025
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There are a total of four plays.

I gave it four stars because the last three plays were just average.

Otherwise, I would have given it five stars because "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" was truly amazing.

There are so many incidents in the play that are full of surprises and work together seamlessly.

It is extremely captivating and funny, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.

The unique plot and the brilliant performances make this play a must-see.

Although the other three plays were not as outstanding, they still had their own charm and contributed to the overall experience.

Overall, it was a great collection of plays, with "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" being the standout piece.
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