Alan Blumenthal [left] and The Mechanicals (Photo by Ian Flanders)
Reviewed by Jack Grotenstein
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
Through September 15
RECOMMENDED
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is a special place. It has survived everything from McCarthy-era blacklisting to devastating wildfires, and in the year 2025, it can still draw a mixed crowd of young and old to come see Shakespeare.
The set will immediately astonish you. The amphitheater is built into the surrounding shaded hillside, giving this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream an apt dreamlike and mystical feel.
The centuries-old story is set in both Athens and the nearby woods and follows three overlapping plots: the zany mix-ups among a quartet of lovers: Hermia (Sophia Dawson), Lysander (understudy Cristian Sanchez) Helena (Isabel Stallings), and Demetrius (David Benne); the quarrel between the fairy king Oberon (Max Lawrence) and his queen Titania (Aubrey Saverino) over a changeling child, and a troupe of working-class actors, led by Nick Bottom (Alan Blumenfeld), who are preparing a show for the Duke of Athens’ (Jonathan Blandino) wedding.
Bottom’s troupe are the comic reliefs of the show, and Blumenfeld’s Bottom combined with Katherine James’s Peter Quince make for an unstoppable duo.The lovers’ conflict really brings the play together, and Dawson’s lovestruck-turned-desperate Hermia is a standout. Fight choreography is a key part of their quarrel, and choreographer Cavin (CR) Mohnhardt executes it well. Given that an understudy was on, I imagine some of the blocking was marked; whatever, the slapstick gags and fights that remained had the audience oohing and guffawing at times.
Theatricum Botanicum has been doing this show for years, with much the same cast. At this point, the veteran actors have an easy grasp of the text. Willow Geer’s direction suits the space and adds comedic effect to many of the lines, although sometimes at the expense of being believable or grounded.
The space is used to its full extent, with characters swinging in from tree ropes, and constant action in the background of the surrounding forest. Live music and Foley are provided by effect artist Sky Wahl, transporting you through various magical settings.
The makeup, especially that of the fairies’ (including the children’s fairy ensemble), is fantastic, and the costumes feature extravagant fabrics and layering that are something to behold.
Oak trees partially crowd the natural light, but what is left is effective, and the cast’s traversal through the audience further brings you into the world of the play.
All considered, if you’re looking for a traditional staging of a timeless classic, the Botanicum isn’t the place. But if you’re after a fun, lighthearted approach that’s suitable for the whole family, this production delivers.
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga. Running in rep, see website for schedule; thru Sept. 15 theatricum.com Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.
