A Matisse-Picasso drama

The play "Large Red Interior" delves in the lives and dramas of two of the world's greatest artists - Matisse and his rival, Pablo Picasso.

In this story, set during the last decade of Matisse's life, the two men are at odds over not only their artistic credos but also their adoration for the same woman - Matisse's model and assistant, Lydia Delectorskaya.

Stonington Players are performing "Large Red Interior," which was written by Anthony S. Maulucci, this weekend and next. The cast, directed by Christine Gunther, features Bob Gwin as Matisse, Mark Hogan as Picasso, Sarah Pearlman as Lydia, and Dan Bergeron as Aaron, Lydia's fiancé.

This marks the premiere of "Large Red Interior," titled after Matisse's last painting.

This is hardly Maulucci's only work lately. Maulucci, a former Norwich resident who now lives in Mexico, recently published a new novel, "Mary of Magdala," about Mary Magdalene. In February, Manhattan Repertory Theatre staged his one-act play "Helen and Menelaus."

- KRISTINA DORSEY

"Large Red Interior," Stonington Community Center, 28 Cutler Street, Stonington; Stonignton Players; opens Friday and runst hrough May 5; 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. and 2 p.m. this Sun.; $10; (860) 287-7393, Gogo0724@gmail.com.