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: George Orwell's ANIMAL FARM Speaks Directly to the World's Current Political Turmoil
ANIMAL FARM, Orwell's brilliant political satire about the corrupting influence of power, charts the fall of idealism and the rise of tyranny after the animals of Manor Farm rise up against their oppressive human owner in a struggle for rights, equality, gaining the right to make their own choices on how to live their lives. Onstage, the story is read by two children, the girl (Sierra Rose Friday) and boy (Shane McDermott), keeping the audience informed as to the action taking place or what has gone on off stage leading to that particular scene. It all begins as the animals, led by Snowball, an idealistic pig (Christopher Yarrow), take over the farm from Mr. Jones (Steve Fisher). Their plan goes well at first; all the animals are equal and content. But eventually, several of the other pigs, led by Napoleon (Mark Lewis) and Squealer (Melora Marshall), yield to the lure of power and start to make decisions that serve their own interests best, eventually leading them to proclaim that some animals are more equal than others. The quote, 'absolute power corrupts absolutely,' certainly applies to Orwell's masterful work.
Photo Flash: First Look at World Premiere Production of TOM at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum
Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum presents TOM, a world premiere stage adaptation of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' that offers a new look at the power of Stowe's most famous novel and at the true grit of its title character. Written by artistic director Ellen Geer and featuring folk music of the period, TOM joins the repertory season at Theatricum's spectacular outdoor amphitheatre in Topanga on June 18. BroadwayWorld has an inside look at the production - scroll down for photos!
Theatricum Botanicum to Stage World Premiere Adaptation of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN
Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum presents TOM, a world premiere stage adaptation of Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' that offers a new look at the power of Stowe's most famous novel and at the true grit of its title character. Written by artistic director Ellen Geer and featuring folk music of the period, TOM joins the repertory season at Theatricum's spectacular outdoor amphitheatre in Topanga on June 18.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Begins Tonight at Theatricum Botanicum
A poignant look at justice and the human spirit as told through the eyes of a young girl, Christopher Sergel's stage adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee, continues this summer's 'Americana' season at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum, opening tonight, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD to Run 6/13-9/27 at Theatricum Botanicum
A poignant look at justice and the human spirit as told through the eyes of a young girl, Christopher Sergel's stage adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee, continues this summer's 'Americana' season at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum, opening June 13 at 7:30 p.m.
AS YOU LIKE IT Runs 6/7-9/26 at Theatricum
Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum kicks off its 2015 'Americana' season with an all-American staging of William Shakespeare's As You Like It, re-set in the divided South of the post-Civil War era and featuring traditional American folk music and dance from that period. As You Like It opens on Sunday, June 7 at 3:30 p.m.
Theatricum Botanicum Presents Richard III, Closes 10/2
Charismatic and contemptible, Richard III pursues his lust for power no matter who stands in his way. Melora Marshall and Chad Jason Scheppner alternate as the thrilling schemer audiences love to hate in William Shakespeare's Richard III, closing October 2 at the outdoor Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga.
Theatricum Botanicum Presents Romantic Shakespeare this Summer
It's the battle of the sexes this summer when Theatricum Botanicum pairs two of the Bard's most foolishly romantic plays. Kicking off Theatricum's six-play repertory season during the first weekend of June, artistic director Ellen Geer directs The Merry Wives of Windsor, opening on Saturday, June 4 at 8 pm.
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.
Photo Flash: A Midsummer Night's Dream At Theatricum 7/4-9/7
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum brings back its award-winning, signature production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, an audience favorite set against an enchanted forest backdrop unrivaled by any other theater - because it's the real thing. Theatricum Botanicum's outdoor stage, the most magical setting in Los Angeles, is once again transformed into an enchanted fairy forest July 4 through September 7.