Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE Hits Close to Home at Theatricum Botanicum
A parable of mass hysteria that draws a chilling parallel between the Salem witch hunts of 1692 and McCarthyism, which gripped America in the 1950s, The Crucible by Arthur Miller remains eerily timely in today's climate of fake news. Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum, its own history firmly rooted in the McCarthy-era Hollywood blacklist - when actor Will Geer and his wife, Herta Ware, created the theater as a haven for blacklisted actors - opens a new production of Miller's modern classic onJune 30. Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer, Will's daughter, is at the helm, with family members Thad Geer,Willow Geer and Melora Marshall featured in the cast.
BWW Review: Provocative TROUBLE IN MIND by Alice Childress Gets Timely Revival at Theatricum Botanicum
TROUBLE IN MIND, the scathingly funny and thought-provoking backstage drama about interracial politics by pioneering African American playwright Alice Childress, is currently enjoying a brilliant revival at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum in Malibu thanks to director Ellen Geer's vision of the groundbreaking 1955 satire in which an integrated theater company in rehearsal for a “progressive” anti-lynching drama marks the first opportunity for gifted African American actress Willetta Mayer (portrayed by multiple NAACP Award-winner Earnestine Phillips who commands the stage) to play a leading lady on Broadway. This could be her dream come true, but what compromises must she make to succeed?
Photo Flash: Members of the Geer Family Star in OTHER DESERT CITIES by Jon Robin Baitz
The manicured life of a conservative actor-turned-politician and his impeccable wife is upset when relatives arrive at their Palm Springs home for the holidays - including politically liberal daughter Brooke, who's about to publish a tell-all memoir. Mary Jo DuPrey directs Jon Robin Baitz's Other Desert Cities, opening July 8 at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum.
Members of the Geer Family Star in OTHER DESERT CITIES at Theatricum
The manicured life of a conservative actor-turned-politician and his impeccable wife is upset when relatives arrive at their Palm Springs home for the holidays - including politically liberal daughter Brooke, who's about to publish a tell-all memoir. Mary Jo DuPrey directs Jon Robin Baitz's Other Desert Cities, opening July 8 at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum.
Cromwell, Madigan Highlight 'Carry It On!' Benefit, 7/16
Kick back under the stars at Theatricum and enjoy powerful tributes to people who have shaped the history of the world, our nation and our music. On Friday, July 16 at 8 pm, James Cromwell, Amy Madigan, Michael O'Neill, Jordan Belfi and Christina Pickles headline a benefit performance of CARRY IT ON! Great American moments in word and song. On Friday, July 23 at 8 pm the Geer family, including Ellen Geer, Peter Alsop, Thad Geer, Willow Geer, Melora Marshall, and Ian Flanders, presents Theatricum's annual The Woody Guthrie Story. On Saturday, September 4 at 3 pm, singer/songwriter Inara George and Friends present A Tribute to Dolly Parton. Finally, in August and September the Theatricum Summer Repertory Company presents eight additional performances of CARRY IT ON! as part of the summer repertory season. Proceeds raised from the benefit performances will help support Theatricum's repertory company and arts education programs.
Cromwell, Madigan Highlight 'Carry It On!' Benefit, 7/16
Kick back under the stars at Theatricum and enjoy powerful tributes to people who have shaped the history of the world, our nation and our music. On Friday, July 16 at 8 pm, James Cromwell, Amy Madigan, Michael O'Neill, Jordan Belfi and Christina Pickles headline a benefit performance of CARRY IT ON! Great American moments in word and song. On Friday, July 23 at 8 pm the Geer family, including Ellen Geer, Peter Alsop, Thad Geer, Willow Geer, Melora Marshall, and Ian Flanders, presents Theatricum's annual The Woody Guthrie Story. On Saturday, September 4 at 3 pm, singer/songwriter Inara George and Friends present A Tribute to Dolly Parton. Finally, in August and September the Theatricum Summer Repertory Company presents eight additional performances of CARRY IT ON! as part of the summer repertory season. Proceeds raised from the benefit performances will help support Theatricum's repertory company and arts education programs.
'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.