'As You Like It' Opens In Topanga 6/1

Two pairs of disaffected brothers are at the heart of As You Like It, inspiring director Ellen Geer to reset William Shakespeare's witty adventure in the divided South of the post-Civil War era.  Rosalind and Orlando's celebrated courtship is played out against a backdrop of political rivalry, banishment and exile, opening The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum's 2008 Summer Season on Sunday, June 1.  Performances continue every Sunday afternoon at 3 pm through September 28 in the Theatricum's 299-seat outdoor amphitheater carved into the Topanga Canyon hillside.

Two brothers alienated by ambition.  Two more estranged by envy.  Rosalind, daughter of a banished Duke, is forced to flee the court and enter the Forest of Arden when her uncle, usurper of his brother's estate, threatens to have her killed.  Accompanied by her cousin Celia, Rosalind disguises herself as a man for safety's sake.  The disguise comes in handy when she tests the devotion of her noble admirer, Orlando - who is also on the run from his hostile older brother.  With Rosalind's wit leading the way, the forces of true love and justice eventually triumph.

"The play is called 'As You Like It' - and we know you will," promises Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer, who co-directs with Melora Marshall.  "Here is a play that has everything audiences all over the world have loved from the beginning of time, and will continue to love until the end of time."

Geer laughs. "Unless, of course, humans evolve into a race that no longer wants to be gently amused, feel sweet satisfaction, hear eloquent debate from characters of all walks of life, or simply have a wonderful romp in the Forest of Arden."

On one level, As You Like It was clearly intended by Shakespeare to be a simple and amusing diversion.  But on a somewhat deeper level, the play provides opportunities for its main characters to discuss a host of subjects - including love, aging, the natural world and death - from their particular points of view.  At its center are the respective worldviews of Jaques, a chronically melancholy pessimist preoccupied with negative aspects of life, and Rosalind, the play's heroine, who recognizes life's difficulties but holds fast to a positive attitude that is kind, playful and, above all, wise.  In the end, the enjoyment that we receive from the play's comedy is reinforced and validated by a humanistic philosophy gently woven into the text by a benevolent Shakespeare.

On Monday night, June 23 from 7-9 pm, playgoers will have a chance to explore the language and themes of As You Like It more deeply and intimately with Ellen Geer, Melora Marshall, and members of the cast.  The evening is part of a new event series called Herta's Roundtables; with all proceeds from the separate admission fee going to benefit the Herta Ware Scholarship Fund.

Featured in the cast of As You Like It are Theatricum company members Willow Geer as Rosalind; Mike Peebler as Orlando; Samara Frame as Celia; Thad Geer as Duke Senior; Tim Halligan as Duke Frederick; Earnestine Phillips as Jaques; and Michael Lindsay and Gerald Rivers alternating as Touchstone.

The beginnings of the Theatricum Botanicum can be traced to the early 1950s when Will Geer, a victim of the McCarthy-era 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.  Since 1973, the Theatricum has presented Shakespeare and the classics in repertory in its scenic, outdoor amphitheater in rustic Topanga Canyon.  The Theatricum Botanicum is a recipient of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle's highest honor, the prestigious Margaret Harford Award for "Sustained Excellence in Theater," and Artistic Director Ellen Geer was presented with the LA Weekly Career Achievement Award in 1999.

Following As You Like It in the 2008 Summer Repertory Season are Theatricum's signature production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (June 7-28 and August 7-September 1); his supernatural political thriller Macbeth (June 7-September 28); Richard Brinsley Sheridan's sparkling comedy of manners, The School for Scandal (June 28 through September 27); and Eugene O'Neill's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Long Day's Journey into Night (July 26 through September 27).  Unlike most theaters in the Los Angeles area that stage continuous runs of a single play, the Theatricum performs the five plays on a rotating basis.  By the end of the summer, when all five plays are up and running, it is possible to see a performance of each in a single weekend. 

In addition, during the summer months the theater offers a Singer/Songwriter Concert  Series presenting Kenny Rankin on Sunday, August 10 and Inara George on Friday, August 29; Family Fundays offering interactive theater and music for kids every Sunday and two Saturday mornings, June 8 through November 2; and Botanicum Seedlings: A Development Series for Playwrights, furthering new works and new voices, and presenting free readings of new plays on Sunday mornings June 1, 8 & 15, and November 2 & 9.

As You Like It runs Sundays at 3 pm, June 1 through September 28 except September 14, which is dark.  Tickets are $20.00 (upper tier) and $28.00 (lower tier); seniors, students, and members of Equity pay only $15 and $20; children ages 5-12 are $8; children under 5 are free.  Audiences at the Sunday, July 6 performance are invited to participate in a pre-show discussion beginning at 2 pm. A Herta's Roundtable Discussion for As You Like It takes place on Monday, June 23 from 7-9 pm (separate $15.00 admission fee to benefit the Herta Ware Scholarship Fund).  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.

DETAILS FOR CALENDAR LISTINGS
As You Like It

WHAT:
As You Like It - Two brothers alienated by ambition.  Two more estranged by envy.  Director Ellen Geer resets William Shakespeare's witty and playful romantic adventure in the divided South of the post-Civil War era.  Rosalind, daughter of a banished Duke, is forced to flee the court and enter the Forest of Arden when her uncle, usurper of his brother's estate, threatens to have her killed.  Accompanied by her cousin Celia, Rosalind disguises herself as a man for safety's sake.  The disguise comes in handy when she tests the devotion of her noble admirer, Orlando - who is also on the run from his hostile older brother.  With Rosalind's wit leading the way, the forces of true love and justice eventually triumph.

WHO:
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Ellen Geer and Melora Marshall
Featuring Samara Frame, Thad Geer, Willow Geer, Tim Halligan, Michael Lindsay, Mike Peebler, Earnestine Phillips and Gerald Rivers
Presented by The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum

WHEN:
Opens Sunday, June 1 and continues through September 28
Sundays at 3 pm: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug.  3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Sept. 7, 21, 28 (dark Sept. 14)
Pre-show discussion: Sunday, July 6 at 2 pm (included in ticket price)
Herta's Roundtable Discussion: Monday, June 23 from 7-9 pm (separate admission)

WHERE:
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA  90290
(midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura Freeway)

HOW:
(310) 455-3723 or www.theatricum.com

TICKETS:
Adults: $28 (lower tier); $20 (Upper tier)
Seniors, Students, Equity: $20/$15
Children (5-12): $8
Children under 5: free
Herta's Roundtable Discussion: $15 (includes refreshments, all proceeds benefit the Herta Ware Scholarship Fund)

OTHER:
The outdoor amphitheater at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon.  Audience members are advised to dress casually (warmly for evenings) and bring cushions for bench seating.  Snacks are available at the Hamlet Hut, and picnickers are welcome before and after the performance.

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