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Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Tech Theatre to present "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" Oct. 12-14 and 18-20 at McArdle Theatre

Poster for Tech Theatre's coming performance of Picasso at the Lapin Agile courtesy Michigan Tech University.

HOUGHTON -- Art or science, what has more power to change the future? Come and have drinks with Einstein and Picasso, at the Lapin Agile, a bar in 1904 Paris, as delightfully imagined by actor, comic, musician, and yes, playwright, Steve Martin. In his first full-length play, Martin puts Picasso and Einstein on a funny and poignant collision-course to drink, laugh, and debate the genius and imagination that inspires both. Members of the audience can even "drink" at the bar! There will be seats at the café tables for a few lucky audience members each night, with refreshments and snacks served as part of the performance.

Tech Theatre, directed by Christopher Plummer, Michigan Tech professor in Visual and Performing Arts, presents Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a thoughtfully comedic look at the power of imagination at the start of the 20th Century, from the perspective of two giants of their time. The show, at 7:30 p.m. each night, will run for two weeks: Thursday - Saturday, Oct. 12 - 14, and Wednesday - Friday, Oct. 18 -20, in the McArdle Theatre, located in Walker 207 on the Michigan Tech campus.

A long-running and popular Off-Broadway play, Picasso at the Lapin Agile began with a first reading of the play at Steve Martin's home. Tom Hanks read the role of Picasso, and Chris Sarandon read Einstein. Following further development, the play opened at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago on October 13, 1993. The show then enjoyed a successful run in Los Angeles and then made its way to New York City. The New York Times wrote, "It’s important to remember that the playwright of Picasso at the Lapin Agile is Steve Martin, stand-up comic, actor, writer, banjo player and something of a genius in his own right. So when big questions are being addressed, you can be sure that a layer of silliness is always in place (and, subversively, a layer of seriousness beneath that)."

According to Alexandra Walker, Tech Theatre’s stage manager for Lapin Agile, "The play explores the question 'what is the power of genius?' As Picasso and Einstein argue over who will be able to change the century more with their work, we come to the conclusion: Both art and science are important, summed up in the words of Freddie, the Lapin Agile bartender/owner Freddie, proposing a toast with his patrons: 'No movement will be as beautiful as the note across the staff, the line across the paper, or the idea across the mind.'"

Tickets are on sale now, $13 for adults, $5 for youth, and no charge for Michigan Tech students with the Experience Tech fee. Tickets are available by phone at (906) 487-2073, online at mtu.edu/rozsa, in person at the Central Ticketing Office in the Student Development Complex, or the night of the show at the McArdle door, which opens one hour prior to performances.

Sunday, October 08, 2017

Portage Library to host Running for Local Office workshop Oct. 11

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will host the Houghton County Democratic Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, for "A Primer on Running for Local Office: Getting You to 'Yes.'"

Valorie Troesch, former Democratic candidate for Houghton County commissioner, will lead this workshop.

Valorie Troesch is pictured here at a local parade during her 2016 campaign for Houghton County commissioner. (File photo courtesy Valorie Troesch)

People who have run for local office will share their experiences and will address the truths and myths about what it takes to run for local office. Participants will learn what the local elective and appointed positions are and what qualifications are required for each position, how to get on the ballot, how to prepare to run for local office, how to run a winning campaign, and what resources are available to support candidates.

"We Democrats work hard to advocate for values and policies that reflect who we are and that promise better lives for the people in our community," Troesch commented. "Too often, however, local elective offices go unchallenged by Democrats because the prospect of running for office is so daunting. If you have ever considered putting your hat in the ring, this workshop is for you!"

There is no cost to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Those who are interested in participating may contact Troesch at houghtondems@gmail.com.

All library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information please call the library at 482-4570.

At the invitation of the Baraga County Democratic Party, a similar Running for Local Office workshop will be held in Baraga County from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the new Hospital.