CYMBELINE Kicks Off Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum's '09 Summer Season 5/31

Fidelity and loyalty triumph over treachery to assure that love will prevail in one of Shakespeare's most complex plays. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum's 2009 Summer Season opens with the romantic Cymbeline, directed by Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer. Performances take place every Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm, May 31 through September 27, in the Theatricum's 299-seat outdoor amphitheater carved into the Topanga Canyon hillside.

Banished from England for secretly marrying King Cymbeline's daughter Imogen, Posthumus bets the sly Iachimo that no man could ever seduce his faithful wife. When Iachimo sets off to test this claim, a riotous chain of tragic and comic events ensues.

One of Shakespeare's final plays, Cymbeline was written in a phase of his artistic life when he broke his own rules and experimented boldly. It is surreal and unique, and does not easily declare itself a comedy, a tragedy, or even a so-called romance. But it is funny, at times wildly romantic, and ultimately very moving. At its heart are journeys and the making and remaking of the deepest of bonds. Broken families stumble back together. Fathers, sons, daughters, lovers, and even soldiers struggle through dense fog to emerge whole and to stand before their dearest to be recognized. Cymbeline is a tale about who we are, where we come from, and how we find our way home.

"Cymbeline was written towards the end of Shakespeare's life, which is probably why it is such an astounding play," comments Ellen Geer. "It encompasses a myriad of styles and shows off all his gifts as a playwright. Witness comedy, romance, tragedy, loss, forgiveness, fantasy, battles, evil, absurd comedy, defined powerful characters, and a glorious happy ending - there's something in it to satisfy every taste and mood."

Featured in The Cast of Cymbeline are Theatricum company members Thad Geer in the title role; Willow Geer as Imogen; Mike Peebler as Posthumus Leonatus; Susan Angelo as the Queen; Jeff Wiesen as Cloten; Matt Ducati as Guiderius; Samara Frame as Arviragus; Earnestine Phillips as Belarius; Gerald Rivers as Pisanio; Tim Halligan as Caius Lucius; and Aaron Hendry and Steve Matt alternate in the role of Iachimo.

In conjunction with the run of Cymbeline, Theatricum will offer a pre-show "Prologue" discussion prior to one performance as well as a more in-depth "Roundtable" discussion, at which playgoers will have a chance to explore the language and complex themes of Cymbeline intimately with Ellen Geer and members of the cast, on a Saturday afternoon. Both events are free. See listing information below for schedule.

The beginnings of the Theatricum Botanicum can be traced to the early 1950s when Will Geer, a victim of the McCarthy-era blacklist (before he became known as the beloved Grandpa on TV's The Waltons), opened a theater for blacklisted actors and folk singers on his property in Topanga. Since 1973, the Theatricum has presented Shakespeare and the classics in repertory in its scenic, outdoor amphitheater in rustic Topanga Canyon. The Theatricum Botanicum is a recipient of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle's highest honor, the prestigious Margaret Harford Award for "Sustained Excellence in Theater," and Artistic Director Ellen Geer was presented with the LA Weekly Career Achievement Award in 1999.

Unlike most theaters in the Los Angeles area that stage continuous runs of a single play, the Theatricum performs the five plays on a rotating basis. By the end of the summer, when all five plays are up and running, it is possible to see a performance of each in a single weekend.

Following Cymbeline in the 2009 Summer Repertory Season are Shakespeare's gripping political thriller, Julius Caesar (June 6 through September 26); a freely adapted update of The Cherry Orchard that resets Anton Chekhov's poignant comedy in Virginia just after the Civil Rights movement (June 27 through September 26); Theatricum's signature production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (eight performances only, July 4 through September 7); and Moliere's serio-comic tale about a man whose love for his money is greater than his love for his children, The Miser (July 25 through September 27).

In addition to the five plays in the repertory season, Theatricum Botanicum offers a selection of dance and music performances, including MOMENTUM PLACE - An Uncommon Afternoon of Dance and Delights on Sunday, May 10 at 2 pm; the Topanga Philharmonic Orchestra 30th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, May 16 at 2 pm; and traditional Celtic music with Old Blind Dogs (direct from Scotland) on Sunday, June 21 at 7:30 pm.

The Family Fundays series offers interactive theater and music for kids every Sunday and on three Saturday mornings, June 8 through November 2.

Botanicum Seedlings: A Development Series for Playwrights, furthers new works and voices in theater, presenting free readings of new plays on Sundays at 11 am on June 7, 14 and 21, and at 1 pm on November 15 and 22.

Cymbeline runs Sundays at 3:30 pm, May 31 through September 27. Tickets are $30.00 (lower tier) and $20.00 (upper tier); seniors, students, Iraq War Veterans and members of Equity pay only $20.00 and $15.00; children ages 5-12 are $10.00; children under 5 are free. Audiences at the Sunday, July 5 performance are invited to participate in a pre-show "Prologue" discussion beginning at 2:30 pm. A free "Roundtable" discussion for Cymbeline takes place on Saturday, June 27 from 2 pm - 3:15 pm.

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum 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.

 

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