Guide To Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum 40th Anniversary Season
LA has a vibrant, eclectic theater community which includes touring Broadway productions and classics performed under the stars. For the past 40 years, Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum has entertained audiences of all ages with their lively theatrical and musical performances in the live oaks of Topanga Canyon. The summer season begins June 1 and with five main products and a series of special performances and events, the outdoor botanicum will immerse families within the arts, all in a picturesque, rustic garden setting.
Theater Under The Stars
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Theatricum Botanicum will begin its annual Summer Repertory Season on June 1 with a performance of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" followed by "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on June 2. Additional performances will run through the end of September. As part of the five-play series, Theatricum Botanicum will also feature several performances of "Merlin: The Untold Adventures," "The Royal Family," and "A Celebration of Joyce Carol Oates: 'Tone Clusters' and Selected Monologues."
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Special Events
In addition to the five-play line-up that comprises the bulk of the season, Theatricum Botanicum will host a series of special events. "Under the Oaks" is a series of performances held on Fridays at 8 p.m. in the S. Mark Taper Youth Pavilion. Enjoy a diverse mix of poetry, music, and comedy improv. From vaudeville to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, this series will expose visitors to a variety of artistic expression and entertainment.
Are you an aspiring writer? An established artist? "Botanicum Seedlings: A Development Series for Playwrights" presents free readings of new plays and seeks to support new works and voices in theater.
Theatricum Botanicum's summer season of theater concludes this fall, but be sure to come back for Theatricum Boo-Tanicum, the theater company's third annual Halloween Extravaganza. The theatricum will undergo a haunted transformation and will feature a haunted house, ghost stories, pumpkin carving, game booths, live music, and specialty foods. Theatricum Boo-Tanicum will take place on Friday, Oct. 25 from 4 to 9 p.m.
For The Kids
Theater is a wonderful way to instill a love for the arts within children. Every Sunday (and select Saturdays) beginning June 9, Theatricum Botanicum will present "Family Fundays" at 11 a.m., featuring concerts and performances children and their families can enjoy together. Performances include children's theater from Creative PlayGround and music from Peter Alsop's Kids Koncerts. Some of the highlights include "Aesop's Fables," "The Velveteen Rabbit," and "The Legends of King Arthur."
What To Eat
The garden setting is idyllic for picnics, and visitors are encouraged to bring food and beverages to enjoy at the tables. During intermission, the Hamlet Hut opens for concessions. Visitors can also make reservations for Dinner and a Show during one of seven select performances. The pre-performance buffet and activities begin at 6:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased on the website. It should be noted that no food or beverages are permitted inside the amphitheaters.
Things You Need To Know
The two outdoor amphitheaters are situated in the hillside so be sure to dress comfortably. For matinee performances, be sure to bring sunglasses, sunblock, and a brimmed hat. For evening performances, a light coat or jacket and a blanket are suggested since it can get cold. Families can bring cushions (or rent them for $1) and picnic meals to enjoy either before or after the performances. Interested in meeting the directors and cast? Join them for a Q-and-A session one hour before select scheduled shows. This opportunity is free to all ticket holders.
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Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N Topanga Canyon Blvd
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 455-2322
www.theatricum.com
Caryn Bailey is a Southern California-based writer and LA native who can be found writing daily on her lifestyle blog Rockin' Mama or on Twitter @RockinMama.
