DANVILLE - The Red Mask Players will present a special benefit performance this weekend of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" at the Kathryn Randolph Theater, Proceeds will go to renovate and preserve the historic building that is celebrating its 100th year.n

Friday's performance includes a historical presentation about the building's 100th anniversary and a reception in the basement of the theater. Cost is $25 per person.n

Saturday's performance is a black tie gala, with the black tie being optional, and will include a reception before and after the performance at the Heron Restaurant, 34 N. Vermilion St. Patrons will be treated to complimentary hors d'oeuvres reception and entertainment prior to the show and will be transported to the theater for a historic presentation about the building and the formation of Red Mask Players.n

After the show, the audience will be transported back to the Heron for a desert reception with the cast. Cost is $75 per person and includes season memberships for the 2002-03 season.n

Donna Sant, Red Mask president, said that this play was chosen because it's different than other plays.n

"It was out of the ordinary and is a great play written by Steve Martin of Saturday Night Live fame. Many people don't realize he's written some of his own plays," said Sant. "He even won several awards for his work. It's not like our regular season plays, is something special for a special occasion."n

The play centers around what it would be like if Pablo Picasso met up with Albert Einstein and other characters, said Jennifer Dixson, producer.n

"It's an intellectual comedy, and it centers in Paris at a real bar around the turn of the century," Dixson said. "It's about what would of happened or what they may have discussed about art and life if they would have met around that time as young men. It has a lot of humor and they discuss what they think true art is."n

The cast includes Peter Blackmon as Freddy, Bob McIntire as Gaston, Jamie DeVore as Germaine, Joe Sermersheim as Albert Einstein. Nanci Heaton as Suzanne, Jesse Pierce as Sagot, Jason Asaad as Pablo Picasso, John Lashbrook as Schmendiman, Kathleen Spain-Swiersz as Courtess and Bob Scott as Visitor.n

The director is Ed Sant, producers are Dixson and Ed DeVore and stage manager is Donna Sant.n

The building was constructed in 1902 and originally was known as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Cost for the church was $15,000.n

Around 1906, the church was renamed Immanuel Presbyterian Church after the two churches united. The corner stone was changed on Aug. 26, 1907. In 1956, a new manse was purchased and the old one behind the church was converted into a Christian education building.n

In 1961 the congregation dissolved and organized a new church in Holiday Hills. That congregation is now a part of Covenant United Presbyterian Church in the Holiday Square Shopping Center.n

The building was purchased by Kathryn Randolph in 1962, who was the founder of the Red Mask Players that had started in the mid 1930s, where she was director from 1936 to 1968.n

"The theater group had performed in various different places including the YWCA, the Palace Theater and different churches over the years," Sant said. Randolph's daughter Jean Lewis, also became involved by starting the children's theater group. Randolph had directed more than 100 plays.n

Dick Van Dyke, was involved in helping Randolph purchase the building since he was a former member of the church and involved in the theater acting groups.n

"When he was in Danville he gave Kathryn Randolph a check, then when he got back home, he mailed her another check for a larger amount," said Dixson.n

Over the years, the stained glass windows and church pews were taken out of the building and sold, a new roof was put on in 2000, the structure has been repainted and the box office and lobby has be redesigned.n

Funds raised through this weekend's event will go toward more work on the century old building.n

Sant said she believes the audience will enjoy the performances as well as the special activities included with the event.n

"I think that this play is very appropriate because it deals with art and how the characters may have changed history if they would have gotten together." n