Stealing Lisa, a one-act comedy by Matt Lyle

It’s 1911, and the unthinkable has happened — the Mona Lisa has vanished from the Louvre! Enter Stealing Lisa, a delightfully absurd and mostly-true comic caper that spins the tale of the greatest art heist in history. A clueless inspector, two bumbling officers, a scheming poet, a dramatic Picasso, and a mop-wielding museum worker named Lucia all collide in a madcap chase full of mistaken identities, Cubist drawings, and accidental confessions. With a Greek Chorus narrating the chaos and breaking the fourth wall, no one is safe from suspicion — not even the audience.

This fast-paced, physical comedy blends historical fact with theatrical farce, celebrating art, mischief, and the lengths one woman will go to return a masterpiece to her homeland. Stealing Lisa is a joyful romp filled with quick banter, clever wordplay, and just enough truth to make you question everything. Because nothing says “high art” like a mop, a mustache, and a fake Picasso with eight fingers.

Duration: 25-30 Min
Roles: 10F, 3M (Can be expanded up to 20 cast members + Optional ensemble)
Performance Group: High School, Community Theater
Setting: Lourve Interior