PABLO
A MUSICAL PORTRAIT

Cast of Characters

PABLO PICASSO (Lyric Tenor - from ages 18-24) Though not yet the most prolific and important painter of his time, our protagonist is already the conflicted microcosm of who he will become: ambitious, yet respectful of his beginnings; loving, yet quick to anger. His emotional "palette" is as volatile and varied as anything he uses to paint. His dreams are as uncompromising and limitless as the new century he is destined to artistically conquer.

MAX JACOB (High Baritone - mid-to-Late 20's) Max is the quintessential dandy (when the word was more known as a noun.) Sophisticated, homosexual, and relentlessly grand, Max conjures up memories of Oscar Wilde, but with neither the pen nor wardrobe. Max is his own creation. He is the guiding hand behind Pablo's early progress as a painter in Paris and, to that end, functions successfully as a mentor and tutor. His love for Pablo is deep, abiding and pure.

FERNANDE OLIVIER (Lyric Soprano - early 20's) Fernande is the embodiment of both inner and outer loveliness and is Pablo's first mistress. When she meets Pablo, she is in the middle of a physically abusive relationship but, through that, as through all things, she refuses to accept or believe in anything except that which is beautiful. She knows there is a better life waiting for her and, in Pablo, she believes she has found it. Her spirit is indomitable and her love for Pablo is virtually unconditional.

LUC DU LAC (Tenor - mid-40's) Handsome, commercially successful and morally bankrupt, Du Lac is Pablo's chief artistic rival in Paris and our story's antagonist. Through various deceptions, he attempts to derail all of Pablo's efforts to professionally advance.

JOSE RUIZ BLASCO (Baritone - late-40's) Pablo's father. He is both proud and jealous of his son's gift.

GUILLAUME APPOLONAIRE (Tenor/Baritone - 20's) A burgeoning poet. Close friend of Max's.

ANDRE SALMON (Tenor/Baritone - 20's) A budding philosopher supporting himself as a newspaper editor, who, as well, is a part of the Max Jacob inner-circle.

SEBASTIEN (Baritone - late 20's) He is Fernande's awful, abusive lover. He should look physically capable of causing harm.

PHILLIPE (Late-30's) Pablo's Landlord. Spectacled. Easily intimidated.

JACQUES GRAVILLIER (Baritone - late 40's) The concierge/manager of the Bateau Lavoir. Warm, jolly, and accommodating.

GERTRUDE STEIN (Contralto - late20's) The soon-to-be-renowned writer. An early champion and friend of Pablo's. Full-figured.

AMBROISE VOLLARD (50's) The namesake of the renowned Galerie Vollard.

ANDREW GREEN (20's) A charming and handsome American from the Deep South. He makes the acquaintance of Fernande at Gertrude Stein's salon.

NOTE: SEVERAL OF THE ABOVE CHARACTERS, AS WELL AS THE SMALLER, AND "ENSEMBLE" ROLES NOT LISTED HERE, CAN BE DOUBLED OR "TRIPLED," DECREASING THE SIZE OF THE OVERALL CAST. A PRODUCTION OF PABLO CAN RUN WITH A CAST OF 18-23. A STAGED READING CAN WORK WITH 16.