A Midsummer Night's Dream

Theatricum brings back its award-winning, signature production, an audience favorite with a set design unrivaled by any other theater, because it's the real thing. The most magical outdoor setting in LA is once again transformed into an enchanted fairy forest inhabited by lovers both fairy and human.

Theatricum brings back its award-winning, signature production, an audience favorite with a set design unrivaled by any other theater - because it's the real thing. The most magical outdoor setting in Los Angeles is once again transformed into an enchanted fairy forest inhabited by lovers both fairy and human - a world of wonder, magic and romance where comical misunderstandings and the pain of unrequited love are resolved, and all is reconciled through midsummer night revelries and the enduring power of nature.

Greek buffet 'Dream Dinners,' with a costumed cast of fairies in attendance, take place every Thursday in August at 6:30 pm in the theater's adjacent gardens, followed by an 8 pm performance. (separate admission, or combo packages available).

"I can't think of any more fitting venue for staging Shakespeare's paean to love's labor's found than Topanga Canyon's rustic, outdoor Theatricum Botanicum," wrote the LA Weekly.  "Actor-director Melora Marshall's brisk, boisterous production and her ensemble's commitment to revelry complement the canyon backdrop."

"The look of Marshall's production is breathtaking," agreed Daily Variety.  "Directed with scintillating wit, every scene sets the pulse racing while still preserving a romantic flavor."

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is an enchanted oasis in the midst of L.A., offering affordable, family-friendly plays in its magical, outdoor Topanga Canyon setting.  Unlike most theaters in the Los Angeles area that stage continuous runs of a single play, the Theatricum, using a company of actors, performs each play on a rotating basis so that it's possible to see all four plays in a single summer weekend.  

Well known for its lovingly executed productions of Shakespeare, modern classics, and world premiere adaptations of classic plays and novels in a spectacular, outdoor setting, Theatricum's 2010 Summer Repertory Season of five plays also includes Hamlet; the world premiere adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' epic, swashbuckling The Three Musketeers; Terrence NcNally's Tony Award-winning Master Class; and - just added - Carry It On, a rip-roaring tribute to the heroes of American history told in their own voices.  Unlike most theaters in the Los Angeles area that stage continuous runs of a single play, the Theatricum, using a company of actors, performs each play on a rotating basis so that it's possible to see all five plays in a single summer weekend.  In addition, Theatricum offers a variety of satellite programming including a Thursday Night Salon Series featuring comedy improv, cabaret and poetry; a Summer Music Series that will include tributes to longtime Theatricum friend Woody Guthrie and to Dolly Parton; Family Fundays interactive plays and concerts for kids on Saturday and Sunday mornings; Botanicum Seedlings: A Development Series for Playwrights featuring free readings of new plays on select Sundays; and theme dinners in the idyllic Theatricum gardens, including Greek "Dream Dinners" on Thursday evenings in August and French "Musketeer Meals" on Fridays in September.

The beginnings of the Theatricum Botanicum can be traced to the early 1950s when Will Geer, a victim of the McCarthy era Hollywood blacklist (before he became known as the beloved Grandpa on TV's "The Waltons") opened a theater for blacklisted actors and folk singers on his property in Topanga.  Friends such as Ford Rainey, John Randolph and Woody Guthrie joined him on the dirt stage for vigorous performances and inspired grassroots activism, while the audiences sat on railroad ties.  Today the theater is run by his family.  Two outdoor amphitheaters are situated in a natural canyon ravine, where audiences are able to relax and enjoy the wilderness during an afternoon or evening's performance.

The critically acclaimed Theatricum Botanicum is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Margaret Harford Award - the Los Angeles Critics Circle's highest honor - for "sustained excellence."

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley.  For tickets and information, call (310) 455-3723 or visit online at www.theatricum.com.


Presenter / Producer: Theatricum Botanicm

Listed Categories
Theater > Theatrical Comedy
Theater > Children's


Event Phone: 310-455-3723

Venue
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA 90290

Regions:
LA - NoHo, Valley & Ventura


Performance Dates: 6/6/2010 - 9/18/2010

Sunday, 06/06/2010 Sunday, 06/13/2010 Sunday, 06/20/2010 Sunday, 06/27/2010 Thursday, 08/05/2010 Thursday, 08/12/2010 Thursday, 08/19/2010 Thursday, 08/26/2010 Monday, 09/06/2010 Saturday, 09/18/2010

Performance Times
Sundays @ 3:30pm; Thursdays @ 8pm; Monday (Labor Day) @ 7:30pm; Sat @ 8pm.

Ticket Information:
$10-32

Websites:
Event Information