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
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Okay, perhaps I overlooked something.

I have always had a great liking for Steve Martin. I am quite okay with the kind of oddball anachronistic humor. In fact, I have even written things in a similar vein myself.

But why on earth did I find this particular thing completely unfunny? A 60-year-old man's running joke being "I have to pee"?

I'm sorry, maybe it needs to be witnessed rather than just read. A couple of times, I did think to myself, I bet this part would play really well on stage.

I have to ask my sister about it. I know she has seen it at the Westwood Playhouse. But she was on a famously bad date. Let me just tell you about the finale.

She was with a gentleman she refers to as "Uncle Fester". I'm actually afraid to ask why she calls him that. Uncle Fester had a cold and insisted on bringing a full-size box of Kleenex into the theatre with him.

When the lights came up, all around them were piles and piles of used Kleenex that he had just carelessly tossed aside. Other patrons had to wade through the mess in a rather distasteful manner, while my sister tried to pretend she had never seen Uncle Fester before in her life.

So, actually, the actual play has never really figured in the story. UPDATE: I asked her and she said the play was weird, but she still enjoyed it. In spite of Uncle Fester.

July 14,2025
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There are two distinct schools of thought regarding Steve Martin, the multi-talented actor, writer, and comedian.

On one hand, some believe that Martin is truly brilliant. His unique combination of high and low comedy is seen as subversive and incisive. He effortlessly blends philosophy, art, science, theology, and vaudeville, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

On the other hand, there are those who view Martin as a smug and pretentious figure. They claim that he can never write anything without that iconic, cleverer-than-thou smirk lurking in the background.

The reality, I suspect, lies somewhere in between these two extremes. Martin's two most famous plays, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" and "Wasp," do indeed have exquisite dialogue and his trademark droll, slightly surreal humor. However, audiences often feel a bit insulted by them. The joke, which may not be immediately clear to everyone (does anyone really get it?), seems to be at their expense in a way.

In 2011, I had the opportunity to direct "Wasp." Both the cast and the audience had little clear idea of what to make of it. Despite this, I still remain fond of Martin as both a performer and a writer. Like Stephen Sondheim, though, I would be a bit nervous about meeting him and potentially feeling the sting of his sharp tongue.

Overall, Steve Martin is a complex and polarizing figure, but there's no denying his talent and influence in the world of entertainment.
July 14,2025
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I truly enjoyed this to an immense degree.

"Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is not only intelligent but also extremely funny and deeply philosophical. Astonishingly, there are astrophysics jokes! I had no idea such things existed!

Anyway, this is an outstanding play, and I have a genuine desire to witness it being performed one day. The major themes explored here are how we influence the passage of time and the very nature of genius.

Everyone has an impact on the century in some manner, be it Albert Einstein or Charles Dabernow Schmendiman. Additionally, everyone展现出天才的一面 at times, and one should always be vigilant in seeking out the manifestations of genius within oneself and others.

This play offers a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of these profound concepts, leaving the reader with much to contemplate and enjoy.
July 14,2025
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Funny, witty and thoroughly entertaining - that's what this observation of the philosophy of Einstein and Picasso's art is all about. Einstein's profound theories and Picasso's revolutionary artworks both challenged the status quo and opened up new ways of thinking. Their ideas were not only ground-breaking but also had a significant impact on the world of science and art. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between their philosophies and how they influenced each other. We will also look at some of their most famous works and see how they体现 their unique perspectives on life and the universe. So, get ready to be amused, enlightened and inspired as we take a closer look at the fascinating world of Einstein and Picasso.

July 14,2025
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Hilarious and beautiful - these two words perfectly describe the play that I have recently read. It is truly one of the best plays I've come across in a long time. The humor in the play is so cleverly written that it had me laughing out loud at several points. The witty dialogues and the comical situations that the characters find themselves in are simply hilarious.


But what makes this play even more special is its beauty. The story is not just about making people laugh; it also has a deeper meaning and a touching emotional core. The characters are well-developed and their relationships are portrayed with such authenticity that it is impossible not to be moved by their experiences. The language used in the play is also very beautiful, with vivid descriptions and powerful metaphors that add to the overall atmosphere of the play.


In conclusion, this play is a must-read for anyone who loves good theater. It combines humor and beauty in a way that is truly unique and unforgettable. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great read that will make them laugh, cry, and think.

July 14,2025
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If you are a die-hard fan of Steve Martin, then this is an absolute must-read for you.

It is a great piece that offers a quick and engaging experience.

The author has been extremely thoughtful in presenting the content, ensuring that it not only entertains but also provides valuable insights into the life and work of Steve Martin.

From his early days in showbiz to his current status as a multi-talented icon, every aspect is covered in a detailed yet concise manner.

The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether you are looking for a light-hearted read or something more in-depth, this article has it all.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about one of the most beloved figures in the entertainment industry.

Pick up this article today and get ready to be amazed.
July 14,2025
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I am acquainted with quite a number of individuals who are well-versed in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. This is indeed a remarkable play. However, the true gem of this book lies in the one-act plays that accompany it. WASP, in particular, is uproariously funny. When I was an actor, I would read from it during auditions. The Zig Zag woman demands the performance of several live magic tricks onstage in addition to the play itself, introducing a wonderful extra element that one wouldn't typically anticipate seeing onstage.

These plays are much more in the vein of Steve Martin the comedian, as opposed to his far more serious novellas. This can be both a drawback and an advantage. They are extremely challenging to fully immerse oneself in (especially when reading the plays rather than witnessing them onstage) because one can't help but envision the words emerging from Steve Martin's mouth. Nevertheless, Steve Martin's mouth utters a plethora of hilarious things.

Overall, these plays offer a unique and entertaining experience that combines Martin's comedic talent with the art of the stage. Whether you're a fan of his comedy or simply enjoy engaging with new and innovative theatrical works, these one-act plays are definitely worth checking out.
July 14,2025
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I'm only really giving the first play a rating of 5. It truly stood out and impressed me. However, the two plays that dealt with magic should each be rated a 4. They had their interesting aspects but didn't quite reach the level of the first one. As for the last play, I had to abandon it before I could finish it. I have a hunch that WASP might have been quite funny during its production. Maybe it had a lot of comical elements and a great performance that would have made it enjoyable to watch. But unfortunately, since I didn't get to see it through to the end, I was unable to "see" its full potential and give it a proper rating.

July 14,2025
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This was actually so much fun to read.

It truly engaged my interest from the very beginning. The story was filled with excitement and adventure, taking me on a thrilling journey.

The characters were well-developed and their personalities shone through, making them easy to relate to.

The plot had several twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing what would happen next.

I found myself completely immersed in the world that the author had created, and I didn't want it to end.

Overall, it was an excellent read that I would highly recommend to others.

I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us.

July 14,2025
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The first play in the collection is undoubtedly the best. However, when considering the collection as a whole, Martin effectively showcases his driving concerns - the contrast between the enchanting world of magic and creativity and the rather mundane aspects of life. This makes perfect sense for a person like him, who has always been an organic blend of the vulgarity often associated with showbiz and the poetic essence of art and philosophy.

Therefore, the true delight in this collection lies in reading the shorter plays that explore the search for love through the medium of stage magic. Even the longest of these short pieces, "W.A.S.P.," possesses a charming magical realism that permeates everything he has written here. It delves into a family's arduous struggle for love within the confines of what they have been led to believe is normal.

Overall, it is simply a great collection that offers a unique and captivating exploration of various themes through the lens of Martin's creative vision.
July 14,2025
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I'm an enormous fan of Steve Martin.

Lately, I've been engrossed in reading plays. The title one-act play is uproariously hilarious. It's so entertaining that I truly wish I could witness it being performed at some venue.

The last play in this collection, WASP, I must admit, was a bit beyond my comprehension. However, I still regard these plays as a valuable study in both comedy and playwriting.

Steve Martin seems to excel at everything he undertakes. His talent is truly remarkable, and these plays are a testament to his creative genius. Whether it's the humor in the one-act play or the more complex themes in WASP, there's so much to appreciate and learn from his works.

I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us in the future.
July 14,2025
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Brainy yet not unapproachable, and humorous to boot.

It is truly a delight. I sincerely hope that nobody attempts to turn this into a movie, as it functions so admirably as a play.

I have a great affection for the fact that Steve Martin isn't afraid to incorporate silly jokes into what might otherwise seem like a "scholarly" work.

Loving physics doesn't necessarily mean one has to be a humorless snob.

This play is filled with surprises and is much lighter than the setting might lead one to believe.

After all, it was penned by a stand-up comedian, which perhaps explains its unique charm and ability to blend the intellectual with the comical in such a seamless manner.

It keeps the audience engaged and entertained throughout, proving that even in the world of academia and serious topics, there is always room for a good laugh.

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