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Green Grow The Lilacs

Reviewed by Vanessa Cate

Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum

Through Sept. 26

RECOMMENDED:

Lynn Riggs’s Green Grow The Lilacs premiered in New York in 1931. Set only 31 years prior in the then uncharted territory which would become Oklahoma, the story was the inspiration for what would be Rodgers and Hammerstein’s famous musical named after that state.

As in Oklahoma!, Curly (Jeff Weisen) has his sights set on the prettiest girl this side of the smokehouse, Laurey (Willow Geer). Wise and peppery Aunt Eller (the ever-potent Melora Marshall) looks on and advises the two young lovebirds. But there’s trouble in paradise as, on the way to the barn social, unhinged farmhand Jeeter (Steven B. Green) makes his desires for Laurey known.

The play is rarely produced, overshadowed as it is by the famous musical which came after it, and with its slow pacing and dated attitudes. However, helmed by director Ellen Geer, the magic of Theatricum Botanicum itself brings the show to life in a charming, if not sentimental way. The result is a feel-good show with strong performances all around in a beautiful setting with music you can even sing along to.

Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Ganyon Blvd., Topanga; call for schedule; through Sept. 26. (310) 455-3723, www.theatricum.com