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Shakespeare at Theatricum
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Shakespeare at Theatricum
By Staff Writer

Theatricum Botanicum kicks off its 2010 Summer Repertory Season with two offerings from the Bard. Artistic director Ellen Geer directs Hamlet; Melora Marshall directs Theatricum's one-of-a-kind, signature production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Both plays will run in repertory throughout the summer in the Theatricum's 299-seat outdoor amphitheater, carved into the Topanga Canyon hillside.

Fans of Shakespeare's seminal revenge tragedy Hamlet might want to think about seeing the Theat-ricum production twice: longtime company members Mike Peebler and Jeff Wiesen don't just alternate performances in the title role - each also plays Laertes to the other's Hamlet.

"Our actors are accustomed to playing multiple roles in numerous plays each season and also to double casting - but with Hamlet we're trying something new," explains Geer. "It's been a wonderful rehearsal period. Mike and Jeff work together like a dream, watching each other and listening to each other's notes. They have set a wonderful tone for the whole company to emulate."

Following the opening on Saturday night, many Hamlet cast members head back to the canyon on Sunday afternoon to perform in Theatricum's award-winning, signature production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The most magical outdoor setting in Los Angeles will once again be transformed into an enchanted fairy forest inhabited by lovers both fairy and human - a world of wonder, magic and romance where comical misunderstandings and the pain of unrequited love are resolved, and all is reconciled through midsummer night revelries and the enduring power of nature.

Greek buffet "Dream Dinners," with a costumed cast of fairies in attendance, will take place every Thursday in August at 6:30 pm in the theater's adjacent gardens, followed by an 8 pm performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream (separate admission, or combo packages available).

The Will Geer Theatricum Botan-icum 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 Hamlet and A Midsummer Night's Dream

WHAT:

Hamlet - Following the death of his father, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, returns home to find his uncle now occupies the throne and the queen's bed. Spurred by the ghost of his father and surrounded by spies, Hamlet must avenge his father's murder. Fans of Shakespeare's seminal revenge tragedy might want to think about seeing the Theatricum production twice: longtime company members Mike Peebler and Jeff Wiesen don't just alternate performances in the title role - each also plays Laertes to the other's Hamlet.

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Theatricum brings back its award-winning, signature production, an audience favorite with a set design unrivaled by any other theater - because it's the real thing. The most magical outdoor setting in Los Angeles is once again transformed into an enchanted fairy forest inhabited by lovers both fairy and human - a world of wonder, magic and romance where comical misunderstandings and the pain of unrequited love are resolved, and all is reconciled through midsummer night revelries and the enduring power of nature. Greek buffet 'Dream Dinners,' with a costumed cast of fairies in attendance, take place every Thursday in August at 6:30 pm in the theater's adjacent gardens, followed by an 8 pm performance. (separate admission, or combo packages available).

WHEN:

Performances: Runs through October 2:

WHERE

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Cyn
Blvd., Topanga (midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura Freeway)

HOW:

(310) 455-3723
www.theatricum.com

TICKETS:

Adults: $32 (lower tier); $20 (Upper tier)
Seniors, Students, Equity: $20/$15
Children (5-11): $10
Children under 5: free

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 afte the performance.

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