Great Escape: The Theatricum Botanicum

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting to watch Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream than at the renowned Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, nestled in the lush, green hills of nearby Topanga Canyon.

This summer, audiences can transport themselves to Dream’s enchanted fairy forest or watch other classics and new works between June and October at this award-winning venue.

The Theatricum’s 2011 repertory season recently opened with The Merry Wives of Windsor, starring Alan Blumenfeld as the womanizing schemer Sir John Falstaff. Helmed by artistic director Ellen Geer, this rollicking tale, filled with wacky situations and zany characters has been called "the original sitcom."

“I love that Falstaff, who is such a rapscallion, gets put in his place by all the wives working together,” Geer said in a statement. “Merry Wives is often directed as farce, but to me it’s a beautiful piece about the coming together of a community. When it’s all over and Master and Mistress Ford make up at the end, it always brings tears to my eyes.”

Geer also directs Moliere’s famous comedy Tartuffe and Richard III, the latter featuring Melora Marshall in a gender-bending turn as the power-hungry lead villain. Marshall directs one of the most raucous, fast-paced and entertaining versions of Midsummer Night's Dream anywhere. In addition, the 2011 season features the West Coast premiere of Rose Cottages, an offbeat comedy about three diverse people coming together in a remote motel, and My Name Is Rachel Corrie, the saga of a 23-year-old American who was killed in Gaza attempting to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home.

The Theatricum’s roots date to the 1950s when Will Geer (best known as Grandpa Walton on the TV show The Waltons) staged productions in Topanga after being blacklisted during the McCarthy scandal. Since then, the theater has grown into a critically acclaimed Equity performance arena and educational outlet.

What’s especially wonderful about the Theatricum is how the company strives to make the classics accessible, understandable and fun for all audiences.

For those wishing to ditch the chaos of the big city, transport yourself to days of yore via this enchanting under-the-stars theatrical experience. You can bring a picnic or buy refreshments there and remember to bring some seat cushions, especially for those sitting in the upper tier. Special buffets are also offered for select performances and served by country wenches or costumed fairies.

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the 101 freeway. For tickets, call 310-455-3723 or go to its website.