A MASTERPIECE
Take two terrific acting talents and give them a compelling picture to paint. Coat the background with history, incorporate a little intrigue, brush in a touch of tension, add a subtle dab of sex and-Voila! You’ve got “A Picasso.” The first rate production starring our very own Roma Downey and veteran actor Peter Michael Goetz had its West Coast premiere at the Geffen Playhouse on Feb. 11.
The evening began with a pre-performance reception at the new outdoor Glorya Kaufman patio, where fans of Roma, Peter and Producing Director Gil Cates enjoyed a bit of Brie and sip of Chablis prior to show time.
The kids had hugs and kisses for godmother Della Reese, Roma’s heavenly co-star and good friend from the “Touched by an Angel” days. As for the play, “The dialogue’s a bit racy for the children,” confessed fiancé Mark Burnett, “But how can you not bring them?”
Marilyn and Jeffery Katzenberg were on hand and had no problem passing on some of the Grammy festivities taking place around town. “Of course we’d be here,” Marilyn said. “I’d miss anything for Roma.” Development director Regina Miller, who had seen the two-person play in rehearsal, told Geffen-goers to expect a treat. “Roma and Peter really take you on a journey,” she said. “It’s so well-acted and directed. This is really what theater is all about.”
“A Picasso” is one of the first performances to be showcased in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, which was part of the Geffen’s $19 million renovation. The intimate 117-seat venue was transformed into a dark and cavernous art vault turned Nazi interrogation room. The cozy theater puts you so close to the action you almost feel like you are part of the cast. Surrounded by canvases, chain link fencing and cold walls of concrete, Picasso comes face to face with his German interrogator, sexy Miss Fisher. She has been given an unenviable task of forcing the artist to authenticate one of his works, which will be burned as an example of degenerate art. Torn, but determined, Fräulein Fisher must bring back “A Picasso.”
Both actors describe the play as multilayered and extremely challenging. Peter worried about taking on the tough role of Picasso, saying he wanted his character to come across as convincing, but not unlikable. Roma was concerned about the mountain of dialogue and lots of tricky staging. Neither one had reason to worry. The actors turned out rich, compelling performances peering into the inner workings of two passionate multi-faceted people at a turning point in history. If they had any doubt about that, the standing ovation surely put their minds at ease. “I loved it,” Marilyn Katzenberg raved. “Especially the twist at the end.”
This play is well-worth the trip to Westwood. With a running time of 1 hour 15 minutes, there’s plenty of time to grab a bite and make an easy and enjoyable evening of it. “A Picasso” is a delight. So even if you are the laziest, most traffic-averse blob in Malibu, get off your deck chair and get to the Geffen. You’ll get the picture and be glad you did.
“A Picasso” runs through March 25.