Sopris Theatre Company ends season with comedy

In-person and livestreaming performances available

By Kristin Carlson

Sopris Theatre Company is presenting its final production of the season, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," opening April 8 at the Spring Valley campus of Colorado Mountain College. This off-Broadway hit by comedian Steve Martin places Einstein and Picasso in a French café in 1904.

Both are on the precipice of major discoveries: Einstein's theory of relativity and Picasso's cubism. Over drinks, the two geniuses cover topics ranging from the most important achievements of the past century to the subversive silliness at the core of human creativity.

The play explores both the source of their inspiration and the parallels between science and art without dreary intellectualism. Instead, the writing maintains a zany flow with a sly undercurrent of cultural examination.

CMC theatre graduate Joshua Adamson portrays Einstein, while current student Wyatt Tulk tackles the role of Picasso. Both noted they learned something about physics while memorizing their lines.

"It really blew my mind to think about time as movement and change," said Adamson.

Although "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is often described as a smart play, it's not didactic.

"When I tell my friends what this play is about, I say, think 'Cheers' but with absurd writing and characters," Tulk said.

"It's Einstein and Picasso walk into a bar," added Hattie Rensberry, who plays the roles of Suzanne, Countess and Female Admirer.

The other bar flies in the ensemble cast include community members Mike Banks and Willie Moseley, CMC students Courtney Lindgren and Sebastian Dunn, and CMC theatre graduates Scott Elmore and Travis Wilson.

"You have all these people from different walks of life," Wilson said. "A scientist, a painter, a singer − and Steve Martin finds a way of indirectly saying we're all connected. It fascinates me how he shows that a mathematical formula can be music, or how it can be a painting, how science can be beautiful, and art can be analytical."

The show is directed by Brad Moore, CMC Spring Valley theatre operations manager. Scenic designer is R. Thomas Ward, assisted by CMC student apprentice Kallan Brumfield. Sterling Brintnall is stage manager, lighting apprentice is Alexis Rehorst, and Abby Owens serves as costume designer. Jauneen Moore, Bobbie Schmedeke and Dalton Smith round out the crew.

Performances of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" are April 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. and April 10, 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Livestream access is available April 10 at 2 p.m. and April 16 and 22 at 7 p.m. A post-show conversation will follow live performances on April 9, 17 and 22.

Season presenting sponsor for "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is US Bank. Tom Buesch is the show's producer with associate producers Kelly and Jim Cleaver, and Dori and Robert Libson. Tickets are $20 ($15 for seniors, CMC students and employees).

Purchase tickets online at onthestage.tickets.

Making up the difference

Colorado Mountain Promise will cover CMC tuition for students who qualify

An estimated 200 Colorado Mountain College degree-seeking students will not have to pay tuition starting this fall, thanks to a new financial program called the Colorado Mountain Promise. These students, who had previously been unable to bridge the gap between aid offered and their tuition costs, will now be able to receive the support they need to pursue their education.

The Colorado Mountain Promise is based on the premise that every Colorado resident deserves the opportunity to attend college. All students in the program must initially complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or a Colorado Application for State Financial Aid. The program uses a combination of federal, state and institutional funds to pay students’ tuition.  Once programs such as the Pell Grant, Colorado Student Grant or College Opportunity Scholarship Initiative, are utilized, CMC will pay any remaining tuition costs.

Shane Larson, CMC vice president of student affairs said that while many students receive Pell Grants that can cover their cost of tuition, there are students who just miss qualifying and do not receive any grant aid. These students are often still low income and in need of support but the government’s calculation for Pell eligibility excludes them. The Colorado Mountain Promise is designed to help students who may have some aid, but not enough to cover full tuition costs.

“We believe that students who just miss and don’t qualify for a Pell Grant are still high-need students in our communities,” said Larson.

To qualify for the Colorado Mountain Promise, all applicants must be Colorado residents and must complete either the FAFSA or CASFA. Dependent students, who are generally age 23 or younger, must have a total family income of less than $70,000. Independent students, generally 24 or older, must have a total family income of less than $50,000. All students in the program must be enrolled in at least six credits.

“CMC is purposeful in looking for ways to increase student accessibility and break down the financial barriers to our in-district and in-state students,” said Janelle Cook, CMC director of financial aid. “Colorado Mountain Promise makes the overall cost of earning a degree attainable by assuring tuition is covered in full for students who qualify.

For more information, contact CMC’s office of financial aid at 970-947-8322, finaid@coloradomtn.edu or visit Colorado Mountain Promise to begin the application process.