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Theatricum Botanicum Main Stage. | Photo by Ian Flanders
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Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum has transformed its outdoor amphitheater into the imaginary isle of Neverland for a magical production of “Wendy’s Peter Pan.” Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer directs her “retelling” of the 1904 play by J.M. Barrie, with performances running June 22 through Oct. 4.
“This beloved, classic fairytale of a boy who refuses to grow up was written 120 years ago,” notes Geer. “Like Shakespeare, the adventures in Neverland will remain in our vocabulary and hearts forever. May our next generation never lose the innocence of belief in other worlds and other ways.”
All the familiar characters are present as now grown-up Wendy recounts her marvelous childhood adventure to her own children. The tale comes to life on Theatricum’s wooded stage as Wendy recalls how she and her brothers flew off to Neverland with Peter Pan, cared for the Lost Boys, and crossed paths with Tiger Lily, a mermaid, Captain Hook, the pirates and, of course, Tinkerbell.
“Wendy’s Peter Pan” will run in rotation every weekend with Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Upcoming, productions of “Tartuffe: Born Again,” translated and adapted from Molière by Freyda Thomas, and “The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latiné Vote,” a new play by Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle award-winning playwright Bernardo Cubría, will join the repertory season on July 13 and Aug. 24 respectively. Unlike most theaters in the L.A. area that stage continuous runs of a single play, Theatricum will perform all five plays in repertory, making it possible to see them all in a single weekend once they are all up and running.
“Wendy’s Peter Pan” opens on Saturday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. and continues to run in repertory through Oct. 4. Tickets range from $15 to $48; premium seating is available for $60. Pay What You Will ticket pricing is available for the performance on Friday, July 26, which will also feature a prologue (pre-show discussion) from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. 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.
