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‘Macbeth’ kicks off Theatricum’s
magical 50th anniversary season
TOPANGA, Calif. (April 26, 2023) –– Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum opens its 50th Anniversary Summer Season with William Shakespeare’s thrilling supernatural tragedy, Macbeth, on Saturday, June 10. There’s no better place to call up the spirits than Theatricum’s spectacular outdoor amphitheater, carved into the rustic hillside and surrounded by the Topanga woods.
Full of murder, treason, ambition and greed, Macbeth is a brilliant political thriller about the rise and fall of a brave warrior who would be king at any price. Haunted by prophecies and goaded by his ambitious wife, Macbeth sets in motion an evil and bloody rise to the throne. A grand and gripping tale of murder, treason, ambition and greed that follows Macbeth’s transformation from battlefield hero to bloody tyrant, Shakespeare’s supernatural thriller remains startlingly relevant in today’s political climate.
Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer directs longtime company members Max Lawrence in the title role; Willow Geer as Lady M; Aaron Hendry as Macduff; Claire Simba as Lady Macduff; Cavin (CR) Mohrhardt as Malcolm; Franc Ross as Duncan and the Porter; Taylor Jackson Ross as Hecate; Steven C. Fisher as Ross; and Jeff Wiesen as Banquo. Also in the cast are Marc Antonio Pritchett as Old Siward and Andy Stokan as the doctor.
Following Macbeth, the season will continue with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, opening the following afternoon, on Sunday, June 11, with a 3:30 p.m. matinee; Queen Margaret’s Version of Shakespeare’s War of the Roses, compiled by Ellen Geer from the Bard’s best-known history plays (Henry VI Parts I, II and III and Richard III), which opens June 24; and A Perfect Ganesh by Terrence McNally, opening July 15. Unlike most theaters in the L.A. area that stage continuous runs of a single play, Theatricum will perform all four plays in repertory, making it possible to see them all in one single summer weekend.
Other events taking place at Theatricum during this 50th anniversary season include comedy improv with Theatricum’s resident troupe, Off the Grid, at the end of each month (June 30, July 27, Aug. 31, Sept. 28); a 50th Anniversary Gala (Aug. 5); the annual Under the Oaks salon series on Fridays in September (Sept. 8 through Sept. 29); an Americana Harvest Festival that includes a special performance of The Woody Guthrie Story (Oct. 8); and the company’s annual Holiday Family Faire (Dec. 9).
Theatricum Botanicum has been named “One of the 50 Coolest Places in Los Angeles” by Buzz magazine, “One of Southern California’s most beguiling theater experiences” by Sunset magazine, and “Best Theater in the Woods” by the LA Weekly. “The enchantment of a midsummer night at Theatricum Botanicum [makes it] crystal clear why audiences have been driving up into the hills since Theatricum’s maiden season way back in 1973. Summer Shakespeare doesn’t get any better than this,” writes StageSceneLA. Says Los Angeles magazine, “The amphitheater feels like a Lilliputian Hollywood Bowl, with pre-show picnics and puffy seat cushions, yet we were close enough to see the stitching on the performers costumes. Grab a blanket and a bottle and head for the hills.” In 2017, Theatricum was named “one of the best outdoor theaters around the world” by the Daily Beast.
Theatricum’s beginnings 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 The Waltons), opened a theater for blacklisted actors and folk singers on his property in Topanga. Friends such as Ford Rainey, Della Reese, Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie joined him on the dirt stage for vigorous performances and inspired grassroots activism, while the audiences sat on railroad ties. Today, two outdoor amphitheaters are situated in the natural canyon ravine, where audiences are able to relax and enjoy the wilderness during an afternoon or evening’s performance. Theatricum’s main stage amphitheater sports a new and improved sun shade for increased audience comfort, installed with support from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Ahmamson Foundation. Theatricum is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Margaret Harford Award for “sustained excellence,” which is the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle’s highest honor.
Macbeth opens on Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. and continues to run in repertory through September 23. Audiences are invited to remain after the performance on opening night for a champagne toast to Theatricum’s 50th. A prologue (pre-show) discussion will take place on Sunday, Aug. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets to performances range from $15 to $48. Premium seating is available for $60. Children 4 and under are free. Pay What You Will ticket pricing (cash only at the door) is available on Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. The amphitheater is terraced into the hillside, so audience members are advised to dress casually (warmly for evenings) and bring cushions for bench seating. Patrons are welcome to arrive early to picnic in the gardens before a performance.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call (310) 455-3723 or visit theatricum.com
Details for Calendar Listings
‘Macbeth’
WHAT:
The 50th Anniversary Summer Repertory Season at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum opens with William Shakespeare’s thrilling supernatural tragedy, Macbeth. Haunted by prophecies and goaded by his ambitious wife, Macbeth sets in motion an evil and bloody rise to the throne. There’s no better place to call up the spirits than Theatricum’s spectacular outdoor amphitheater, carved into the rustic hillside and surrounded by the Topanga woods. Audiences are advised to bring a sweater for evening performances, sunscreen and a hat for matinees, and cushions for bench seating. Patrons are welcome to arrive early and picnic before a performance.
WHO:
• Written by William Shakespeare
• Directed by Ellen Geer
• Starring Max Lawrence in the title role; Willow Geer as Lady M; Aaron Hendry as Macduff; Claire Simba as Lady Macduff; Cavin (CR) Mohrhardt as Malcolm; Franc Ross as Duncan and the Porter; Taylor Jackson Ross as Hecate; Steven C. Fisher as Ross; and Jeff Wiesen as Banquo. Also in the cast are Marc Antonio Pritchett as Old Siward and Andy Stokan as the doctor.
• Presented by Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
WHEN:
Performances: June 10–September 23:
• Saturday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, July 16 at 3:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.*
• Sunday, July 30 at 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m.**
• Saturday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
*Pay-What-You-Will performance on Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. (cash only at the door)
**Prologue (pre-show discussion):Sunday, Aug. 26 from 6:30 p.m.–7 p.m. (included in ticket price)
WHERE:
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA 90290
(midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura Freeway)
TICKET PRICES:
• Adults: $48 (lower tier); $30 (upper tier); $60 (premium seating)
• Seniors (65+), Students, Military Veterans, Teachers, AEA Members: $35/$20
• Children (5-15): $15
• Children 4 and under: Free
• Friday night, July 21: Pay-What-You-Will (cash only at the door)
HOW:
theatricum.com
(310) 455-3723
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