Loeb Experimental Theater

April 9-15

STORY: So Einstein and Picasso walk into a bar...and into the 20th century. The time is 1904, right before their careers take off (Einstein with his publication of his theory of relativity and Picasso's with his painting "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon"), and the place is a more-than-slightly offbeat Parisian tavern called the Lapin Agile. The two spend their time arguing about who is going to be a greater genuis and whether science or art is superior, as well as interacting with a host of comical characters, including two women having affairs with Picasso, a flamboyant art dealer and a lecherous old man with bladder problems.

BUZZ: Come on, it's written by Steve Martin! That in itself is worth the price of admission. (Of course, Ex shows are always free...). As an added bonus, it is directed by none other than the illustrious president of the Harvard-Radcliffe Drama Club herself, Jess Shapiro. Her vision for the show includes transforming the Ex into the Lapin Agile bar, placing the audience on the set and within the action of the play. Plus, the show revolves around the issues involved with moving into the 20th century; making it particularly relevant and amusing as we move into the 21st. The show promises to be one of the highlights of the spring season. Fortenberry says, "It's a hilarious show, we have a great cast, and working with Jess and Heather (Stone) has already been fabulous. Plus, I always need another excuse to hang out in erudite French bars." Well, it certainly beats another night at the Grille.

MONA IN THE PROMISED LAND

Adapted for stage by Terry E-E Chang '01

Directed by Terry E-E Chang '01

Leveritt House Old Library

April 13-22

STORY: This show promises to be an experiment. The play combines the exclusivity of suburbia with the funky oddness of the 70s and layers a coming-of-age story with issues of race relations and religion. Mona in the Promised Land is a struggle of the trials and travails of Mona, an Asian-American female who must cope with the pressure of growing up in an all-white, extraordinarily wealthy and predominately Jewish suburb. Mona decides to explore Judaism and conversion, creating a dialogue between Asian and Jewish culture. Mona's parents own a pancake house and employ mostly African Americans, further complicating the plot's racial and ethnic exploration. The play combines temple rap sessions, James Brown, Nietzche and hash brownies with quirky, poignant humor, cultivating an examination of the struggles of growing up any American teenager confronts, regardless of the era or their race.

BUZZ: Mona in the Promised Land guarantees a diverse cast. However, the on-stage diversity is only one aspect of the play's allure. Chang adapted the novel to stage herself, believing that its message and its humor had to be shared. The adaptation is an "experiment and work in progress," according to Hsu. The show, what Chang describes as "'The Wonder Years' meets 'That 70's Show'," merits a viewing, even if one is simply curious to see how a Harvard student adapted a novel to stage.