RAPID CITY - When the Firehouse Brewing Company's new dinner theater opened to a sold-out audience on Saturday, Nov. 10, it was the culmination of the ideas and innovation of two men.

The brainchild of Bob Fuchs and John Lee, the dinner theater concept grew from idea to actuality in under three months.

"John and I were sitting in the beer garden in August," said Firehouse co-owner Fuchs. "And I was little more life to downtown."

At that time, Lee suggested staging a play on the Firehouse's existing patio stage.

"Then I didn't see (Bob) for a few days," Lee said. "When I saw him next, he was all excited. He came running toward me and said, 'We've got to talk.' He suggested we use this (the third-floor) space for a dinner theater, and here we are."

With a master's in fine arts degree in theater that emphasized directing and playwriting, Lee was an untapped resource that the brewing company chose to tap for this undertaking. Lee immediately took the reins as artistic director of the infant dinner theater.

Lee's choice of Steve Martin's "Picasso at the Lapine Agile" for the first production at the new theater seemed natural to him, partly because the play takes place in a bar.

"Plus," Lee said, "the play deals with the potential and possibilities of humanity and, in turn, echoes my feelings about the possibilities of this place."

"We've gone from sitting in the beer garden 10 weeks ago to this," Fuchs said.

This - the third floor of the Firehouse Brewing Company, which was formerly Big Kahuna's - is a fully remodeled space with new seating, a stage, theatrical lighting, live-feed film capabilities, full bar service and room for about 100 people to dine and enjoy a show.

The advent of the new theater has created opportunities for artists and fledgling actors in the area.

First-time actor and Firehouse promoter Mark Urban made his debut as Einstein in "Picasso."

Although nervous about his first time acting, Urban is excited about the new theater and the newly remodeled space.

"I'm the only one actually without any experience," Urban said. "I saw this as an opportunity to try something new - learn something new - and I'm really excited about it."

Urban said he wants people to know how funny and intelligent the script is.

"There is a lot of subtle humor," he said.

As a Firehouse employee, Urban also is excited about the other uses for the newly remodeled space.

"The shows will be on Saturdays, and we plan to host banquets, private parties and the like throughout the rest of the week," Urban said.

Paul A. Burns II, who plays Picasso in the show and plans to direct the dinner theater's next production, "Criminals in Love," said he appreciated playing such a well-written character.

"Steve Martin has provided such wonderful words in his script for all of the characters - but especially for Picasso, and I feel very privileged to be able to say these words," Burns said.

He said he loves the fact that the Firehouse has decided to create a dinner theater in Rapid City.

"Any time a theater is created where actors can act, directors can create, tech people can design and audiences can come to have an emotional experience, it's a great thing," Burns said. "That is what Bob has done. He has created a great thing."

Even with a significant theater background as a graduate of New York City College's Department of Theater, Burns' experience as Picasso has been one of his most "raw and satisfying theatrical experiences" due to his interaction with the audience.

"We're not protected by the traditional barriers between the audience and actors," Burns said. "We literally walk through the audience - out of their space - to get to the stage."

Auditions for the next show, "Criminals in Love" by George F. Walker, will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Firehouse. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

"Look for a challenge and a wonderfully written play - raw, intense, gritty, honest, ugly and wondrous," Burns said. "I am extremely excited to participate once more on the journey into Walker."

For those who wish to audition, scripts will be available for "in-house perusal" at the Firehouse.

Burns said he believes that creation and discovery are "invasive, violent processes." He said he respects the bravery of Bob Fuchs to financially back the dinner theater.

"I'm very grateful and humbled by the bravery and courage of Bob," Burns said. "He took - is taking - a chance on us. I think the seasons that happen here are going to challenge artists and audiences. Something beautiful has happened here; cultivate it with your presence."

If you go

What: Firehouse Brewing Company's new dinner theater, currently showing Steve Martin's "Picasso at the Lapin Agile"

Where: Third floor of the Firehouse, 610 Main St.

When: Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. for the meal, 8 p.m. for the show. "Picasso" will run through December.

Price: $29 per person for dinner and show; $15 for show only

Rating: "I would say the play is rated PG-13," said Firehouse promoter and cast member Mark Urban. "It includes adult humor, swearing and a lot of sexual innuendo."

Contact Crystal Hohenthaner at 394-8329 or crystal.hohenthaner@rapidcityjournal.com.