Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso might not sound like a typical couple who would cross paths in a small Paris bar, but add the zany Steve Martin to the mix, and you’ve got the plot to an upcoming performance from ISU Theatre.

The Second Stage is bringing “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) to Iowa State for three performances this weekend. The story brings together a 25-year-old Einstein (played by Dan Fairall) and a 23-year-old Picasso (Josh Bryner) in the setting of turn-of-the-century Paris.

The two meet in a dingy bar that is hospitable to painters, writers and other eccentrics who are giving direction to the new century’s avant-garde.

The play is directed by ISU Theatre veteran Mark Sutch, who starred most recently as Polonius in “Hamlet.”

Sutch is no stranger to directing, either. Last season, he directed “Down the Road,” and has recently been accepted to the Trinity Repertory Theatre’s Conservatory in Providence, R.I., where he will pursue his Master of Fine Arts in directing.

This is a prestigious achievement, especially considering that the theater accepts only two directing students per year for its three-year program.

Sutch said he prefers directing over acting any day, even though he has done both in the past. “Directing is the opportunity to watch a creative idea go from conception to realization,” he said.

“It’s much more satisfying to direct because you have more control over what’s happening on stage. The creative expression seems to be more alive in directing.”

Sutch said that directing “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” has been a rewarding experience. He has never directed a cast that large (11 people), and he said “it has been a learning process, having to split my focus in so many directions. I’ve been working with people on an individual basis.

“All of the characters are so sharply drawn and so indelible, it was fun to get down and dirty with each cast member. It provides lots more opportunity for witty banter and screwball antics that are not possible with two or three people.”

It won’t be surprising, given that Martin wrote the play, that it is extremely funny, but not quite in the same zany way that Martin makes us laugh in his movies and comedy sketches.

“If people come expecting The Jerk, you’re going to be disappointed,” Sutch said. “Steve Martin can do slapsticky-type humor, but this play is much more about ideas and how art and science affect our lives. It’s much more intellectual.

“But I don’t want people to think this play is going to be hard work. It’s not mindless, but it’s still a lot of fun. Don’t come with your encyclopedia; you’re not going to need it.”

Doris Nash, ISU Theatre’s costume shop supervisor, is designing the costumes. The scenic design is the handiwork of Jared Bals, a junior in art and design. Another student, Ray Steveson, a junior in performing arts and computer science, is the lighting designer.

“Picasso at the Lapin Agile” opens Friday night at 7:30 at Fisher Theater and also plays Saturday evening at the same time and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $1.50 for students and are available at the Iowa State Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or at the door.