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Art. History. Revolution.

The Artist You Know. The Story You Don’t.
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Concept Overview

Where Art Becomes Resistance

Picasso in Paris is inspired by a mysterious painting, believed to have been created in secret by the hand of Pablo Picasso during the Nazi Occupation of France and stained with his blood. While DNA research is still under investigation, the artwork has ignited a global dialogue about the power of art in the face of tyranny. At its heart, this is a story of defiance, conscience, and creative courage—a story rooted in history, a story that highlights the value of every human life, a story urgently resonant for our time.

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Synopsis

The Musical

Picasso in Paris is a sweeping theatrical retelling of Pablo Picasso’s life during one of history’s darkest chapters—the rise of Nazi power in Europe. Set against the backdrop of pre-war tension and the Occupation of Paris, the musical explores Picasso’s complex relationships, his ascent within the avant-garde movement, and the moral reckoning he faces as an artist under tyranny. As the story unfolds, Picasso’s inner conflict transforms into courageous defiance. With themes of love, artistic passion, betrayal, and resistance, the show captures the volatile spirit of a man—and a world—on the brink.

Meet the talented actors
bringing Picasso’s world to life.

View Cast

Meet the talented actors bringing Picasso’s world
to life.

View Cast
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Broadway World

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Playbill

​Playbill is a monthly American theater magazine that has been a staple of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions since its inception in 1884.

54 Below

Since its opening in 2012, it has earned the affectionate nickname “Broadway’s Living Room,” offering an intimate setting where audiences can enjoy performances by Broadway’s brightest talents.

“I am speechless. So timely, to the present worlds situation. Maybe it was "dormant" to be revived at the this time of the world's need for Peace. This special art leads all nations to the "Paloma" of goodwill.”

Monsignor Pubius XuerebArt advisor to the Vatican

“From Piano demo to fortissimo – changes of cadence and rhythm, style and tempo – all written and orchestrated with expertise and touch. You could have floored me with a feather when informed of the precious little personal staging. What began as a possible discovery by you has evolved into a lifetime journey and investment. Thanks for allowing me to vicariously travel that path with you. I look forward to joining you for a well-deserved opening night on Broadway.”

Rider Scott

“What do you think an artist is? An imbecile who has only eyes, if he is a painter, or ears if he is a musician, or a lyre in every chamber of his heart if he is a poet, or even, if he is a boxer, just his muscles? Far from it: at the same time, he is also a political being, constantly aware of the heartbreaking, passionate, or delightful things that happen in the world, shaping himself completely in their image. How could it be possible to feel no interest in other people, and with a cool indifference to detach yourself from the very life which they bring to you so abundantly? No, painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.”

Pablo Picasso to Simone Terry, 1945

“…artists who live and work with spiritual values cannot and should not remain indifferent to a conflict in which the highest values and civilization are at risk.”

Picasso to the American Artists Congress, 1937

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Picasso in Paris: The Artist You Know. The Story You Don’t.

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Picasso in Paris

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Kenneth Hawkins

Founder & CEO, Hawkins Art Enterprises
Co-Author, Picasso in Paris

Sir Kenneth Hawkins, a knighted author and former mayor, established Hawkins Art Enterprises to combine his lifelong passions for art, history, and cultural peacebuilding. With a unique career spanning computer programming, investment advising, and custom home design, Hawkins brings a multidisciplinary approach to all his projects. In 2010, his discovery of rare masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee sparked a new chapter in his life, leading him to research art history intensively and eventually inspire Picasso in Paris. This musical explores Picasso’s internal struggle under Nazi-occupied Paris and examines the responsibility of the artist during times of oppression. Hawkins’ vision extends beyond storytelling; he views Picasso in Paris as a platform for fostering unity and resilience, demonstrating the profound role of art in bridging divides. Through Picasso in Paris Productions, he is committed to bringing this powerful narrative to the world stage.

Paul Cozby

The Musical: Creative Team

Co-Author, Composer, Lyricist

A Texan by birth and New Yorker by choice, Paul Cozby is an award-winning playwright and writes book, music and lyrics for his own original musicals, including BABES AT SEA, PANTHER CITY and HERBERT HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS – CYRANOSE! THE MUSICAL. With composer Laura Bergquist, Paul wrote book and lyrics for WRECK THE HALLS! THE CHRISTMAS LETTERS MUSICAL, which had its New York premiere in 2018 and is being produced regionally. Paul’s work has been a finalist for the O’Neill Center National Musical Theater Workshop and performed as part Theatre Now’s Sound Bites 10-Minute Musical Festival. Additionally, Bull Market Productions produced Paul’s musical send-up of the business world—THE DAY TRADERS—at The Triad in New York. Currently, Paul is writing book and lyrics for PICASSO IN PARIS, inspired by the true story of Pablo Picasso’s defiance of the Nazi’s in occupied Paris during World War II.

Luis Banelos

The Musical: Creative Team

Composer

Luis Banuelos’s musical journey began in Ontario, California, where he showed early mastery of piano by ear and a phonographic memory that let him replicate songs after one listen. At 14, he found a broken guitar in a dumpster, repaired it, and taught himself to play—an act that launched a lifelong pursuit of music. Now based in Austin, Texas, Luis has been performing for 26 years, including private concerts for elite audiences in Bel Air and New York City. He is currently composing and arranging music for the Broadway-bound show Picasso in Paris, moving audiences with scores that evoke deep emotion. A compassionate mentor, he donates guitars and lessons to underprivileged youth, inspired by his own modest beginnings. He also produces audiobooks and explores scoring for film, games, hip hop, and R&B. Luis’s life is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of music.

Ray Andrews

The Musical: Creative Team

Composer

Ray Andrews has worked for decades as a composer, arranger, educator and pianist. Conversant in many different styles of music, he trained at Eastman School of Music, the University of North Texas, and the Conservatory of Nice, France. He currently holds a position as senior pastor of a nondenominational church in Fort Worth, Texas, and serves as instructor in the Senior Education program at Tarrant County College in Arlington, Texas.

Agustin Alonso

The Musical: Creative Team

Orchestratiror

Agustín Alonso is a versatile composer, arranger, and pianist from Argentina (Rosario, Santa Fe), based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With a Master’s from UNT and a Ph.D. in composition underway, his work spans orchestras, big bands, and film. His music blends classical, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean influences, including scores like Color of a Toy (2021).

Ken Denison

The Musical: Creative Team

Executive Producer

Ken Denison/Aruba Productions (Director/Executive Producer) is a general management and executive producing organization that. manages and produces shows worldwide. Ken was Associate Producer for Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway and around the world. Ken serves as the Executive Producer for FPA’s productions including C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, Martin Luther on Trial, A Man for All Seasons and Shadowlands to name few. Ken directed C.S. Lewis Onstage: Further Up Further In as well as co- Directed C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert. Ken was a Producer on the film The Most Reluctant Convert currently streaming. Ken’s additional credits include Human Nature in Las Vegas and worldwide, Back Home Again (featuring the songs of John Denver), Broadway & The Bard (starring Len Cariou), Songbird (Off Broadway), Executive Producer for Desperate Measures, Doctor Zhivago and An Officer and A Gentleman in Australia, as well as Associate Producer on Bombay Dreams, Elephant Man, Flower Drum Song in Australia and on Broadway. Ken was also the General Manager and Director of Production and Operations for the renowned Old Globe Theatre in San Diego for 15 years. Ken is currently serving on the Executive Board for the YMCA in Westchester County.

Randy McGuffee

About Us: The Team

General Counsel/COO

Randy McGuffee, with nearly three decades in legal and strategic roles, oversees operations and legal strategy at Hawkins Art Enterprises. His background in corporate counsel and community programs, including veteran support, brings a focus on efficiency and mission-driven growth. Randy's work underpins the Picasso in Paris initiative, fostering partnerships and organizational strength across HAE’s endeavors.