If your ideal summer includes theater with a side of eucalyptus-scented mountain air, pack a picnic and head to Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, where Shakespeare meets SoCal in the best way possible.
Launching its 2025 “Season of Resilience,” the Theatricum is serving up two of the Bard’s most beloved comedies—”Much Ado About Nothing” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”—in its famously rustic outdoor amphitheater nestled in the hills of Topanga. Yes, it’s a canyon. Yes, there’s a sunshade now. And yes, the magic still spills off the stage and into the surrounding oaks.
Civil War Gossip & Verbal Swordplay
Opening June 7, Much Ado About Nothing reimagines Shakespeare’s classic sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick (played by Willow Geer and Aaron Hendry) in the aftermath of the American Civil War—a bold shift that adds historical gravity to all the witty wordplay and romantic near-misses. The meddling, mistaken identities, and ultimate reconciliations feel as fresh as ever, thanks in part to the massive cast (Dogberry fans, you’re in for a treat) and an emphasis on the messiness of love and truth.
Fairy Drama, Forest Antics
Then, on June 8, the fairies take the stage—literally—as A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns for what has become a signature Theatricum tradition. It’s whimsical. It’s musical. There’s a Puck, a Bottom, and probably a child in the audience who’ll try to climb a tree mid-scene. In other words: pure magic. This production includes some familiar Theatricum faces (yes, that’s Alan Blumenfeld and Brian Wallace sharing the role of Bottom), plus live sound effects and mischievous woodland choreography that brings the dreamscape to life.
Practical Details for the Unenchanted
Tickets range from $15 to $64, with Pay-What-You-Will options sprinkled throughout the summer (pro tip: bring cash for those). Children under 4 are free. The venue is built into a hillside, so wear shoes with traction and bring your own seat cushion unless you’re the stoic type. You’re also encouraged to arrive early and picnic in the gardens—because this is Topanga, and that’s just how it’s done.
And a quick heads-up: Topanga Canyon Blvd is currently closed between PCH and the theater, so plan your route accordingly unless you want your evening of timeless comedy to start with a very modern detour.
For showtimes, tickets, or to double-check road closures, visit theatricum.com.
