Hamlet at the Teatricum Botanicum
I haven’t been to the Theatricum Botanicum in years. Much has changed and much has stayed the same. Theatricum was founded by Will Geer (Grandpa on The Waltons) out in the wilds of Topanga Canyon, It was a beautiful theatre, rough hewn, carved out of a hillside, and provided a place for Will, his blossoming family, and his so-called radical black-listed friends to come and play. The "botanicum "was the many flowers trees and bushes planted and found wild on the property. Right underneath the stage ran a creek that would overflow after too much rain. Shakespeare was the main fare of the day (though Woody Guthrie had been known to sing a son or two). Will would play some of the roles himself with his family fitting in as they grew into the roles. The atmosphere was loose and playful and it was not unusual to see a child or dog wander onto the stage and no-one thought twice about it.
The theatre has evolved into an Equity house employing many actors throughout the summer (they had to cut back this year due to economics). This season they are doing a double-cast Hamlet, The Three Musketeers, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Terrance McNally’s Master Class, and Carry It On (a tribute to American heroes told in their own words. In between they find time to teach classes and bring in the schools for some “playtime”. The seats are now wooden benches and there is a permanent house on stage that suits all the plays. The growth is largely due to the efforts of Will’s daughter Ellen, a really fine actress and director in her own right. Without Ellen there might not be a Theatricum Botanicum.
The Hamlet was straightforward and blessedly short, only 2hours 17 minutes. They only have about ten days to rehearse but I was amazed at the level of speech and diction in the company. It was clear, loud, and understandable. Not deep interpretations here but a wonderful way to experience Shakespeare out in nature. The cast was quite good. The night I saw it featured a very emotional Hamlet of Mike Peebler. He shares the role with Jeff Wieson who played Laertes when Peebler is on. Two Geers are in the show Melora Marshal (I love her work) as Gertrude (in this case a weak willed woman), She alternates with another fine actress who has been with the company for years, the lovely Susan Angelo. Willow Geer plays the tragic Ophelia with great tenderness. Aaron Hendry made a dashing a rather sexy Claudius, and Alan Blumenfeld entertained us with his gravedigger. Ellen Geer provides the taut direction. Hamlet will run in repertory all summer at the Theatricum Botanicum until Oct. 2nd.