Despite the threat of an afternoon scorcher (which never materialized), devoted fans the Bard poured into the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum to see HAMLET, Shakespeare's most often quoted play. They were rewarded by an amazing performance delivered with finesse and gusto by a talented troupe of seasoned (and young) thespians.

This unique outdoor theatre tucked among the trees in a Topanga Canyon hillside, with its broad, rough-hewn wooden stage and steeply tiered amphitheatre seating, never fails to impress first time visitors. Athletic and strong-voiced players perform not only on the stage and in the fixed set structures, but also in the surrounding woods, along dirt paths, across bridges, and even up and behind the audience.

HAMLET is a classic tragedy, full of anguish, obsession, violence, and death. But there's also a touch of unexpected humor. Although one character had the audience laughing outright, most of the subdued chuckles and smiles were a response to hearing familiar, modern-day phrases spoken casually in this medieval story. Who knew that 400 years ago, it was old Will who first used, "There's a method to the madness," "Something's rotten in Denmark," "Neither a borrower nor a lender be," and "To thine own self be true."

The play begins with a supernatural visitation that ultimately determines Hamlet's future. Tortured by his father's premature death and enraged by his mother's (Melora Marshall, photo at right) hasty remarriage to his uncle Claudius (who is now the king), the young prince's mind is ripe for obsession. So when his friend Horatio (Stefan Tabencki) tells him that the ghost of the old king has been seen near the castle, Hamlet is frantic to see it himself.

When the shadowy specter (Tim Halligan) appears again, Hamlet follows and forces it to speak. What he hears are the gruesome details of his father's murder at the hands of his uncle and a terrifying demand for revenge.  The rest of the play is the fulfillment of that pledge and the dreadful toll it exacts.

Hamlet's task is thwarted at every turn, by circumstances (cleverly plotted by Shakespeare), by friends (who often become enemies), by his mother, and by Claudius himself. At each delay he becomes more frenzied, more obsessed with killing his uncle. Those around him are convinced he's lost his mind. They spy on him. They try to send him away. And finally they plot to kill him.

Suicides, accidental deaths and a final fatal duel between Hamlet and his friend Laertes (Jeff Wiesen) leaves the castle bereft of inhabitants and the stage strewn with bodies. Fittingly, only Hamlet is honored in death ("He would have ruled mightily!") while Horatio, his one remaining friend is charged with telling his story.

Mike Peebler's performance as Hamlet is breathtaking. The clarity and precision of his speech, his expressions and gestures, his emersion in the role all make his character accessible to the audience. We are easily convinced that Hamlet's mad campaign is reasonable, even admirable. Peebler never holds back and never skimps on intensity or passion. Bravo!

Handsome Aaron Hendry is ideal as the arrogant Claudius who sees no wrong in seizing the throne as well as the queen so soon after murdering his brother. Hendry's smooth portrayal of the usurper almost fools you into feeling sorry him.

Carl Palmer's portrayal of the long-winded, pontificating and pompous Polonius is hilarious. One almost hates to see him killed so accidentally.  Palmer is equally enjoyable later as the Gravedigger who comically misunderstands Hamlet's questions about a pair of skulls he finds. Hats off to Palmer!

Melora Marshall and Willow Geer (photo at left) play Hamlet's mother and lover respectively. Both give strong, passionate performances.

Kudos to director Ellen Geer for assembling a solid cast of performers and showing them how to bring HAMLET alive for modern audiences.  Casual theater buffs as well as knowledgeable enthusiasts will enjoy this production on many levels.

HAMLET plays Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons or evenings throughout the summer, through October 2nd.  

Ticket prices are as follows. Adults: $32 (lower tier); $20 (upper tier), Seniors, Students and Equity ($20/$15), Children (5-11) $10.  For reservations or information call: (310) 455-3723 or visit: www.theatricum.com

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290.

Audience members are advised to dress casually (warmly for evenings) and bring cushions for bench seating. Snacks are available at the Hamlet Hut, and picnickers are welcome before and after the performance.

PHOTOS by Ian Flanders

Le Sanglier, in Tarzana...mais oui! 

Reviewed by Rick Au

Since seeing the wonderfully entertaining film "Julie & Julia" and reading Julia Child's "My Life in France", my interest and curiosity in French cuisine had begun to simmer. Tonight, I decided to turn my interest into a real dining experience. On my brain were fantasies of beef bourguignon and sole meuniere.

With the help of good friend Eileen Berridge, I discovered Le Sanglier, an amazingly good French restaurant tucked away in Tarzana just off of Ventura Boulevard. Upon reviewing their menu from their website (www.lesanglierrestaurant.com), I knew that I had found a traditional French restaurant which would help me to experience the food that I had only fantasized about.

To prepare for this amazing culinary experience, I:
1) Washed my car
2) Looked up funny French sayings from Moliere and quotations from French philosopher, Voltaire, and printed them out on paper
3) Grabbed "Le Chemin d'access", a music CD which had been created by a family friend, Luc Mayor, who is Swiss-French.

On the drive over to Le Sanglier, my brother, Jim, who knows the French language quite well, read the humorous and introspective French sayings and quotations out aloud as we listened to the jazzy sounds of "Le Chemin d'access".

Le Sanglier doesn't look very impressive from the outside. It is a small one-story building with two glass pillars in front. There is no valet parking and no parking lot. We parked on the street. The foyer of the restaurant is very tiny, and it is quite obvious that reservations are necessary in order to secure a table as well as standing room! The man at the reception desk who speaks with the French accent, I surmised to be the owner. He seated us at the table, explained the menu and specials, and checked on us periodically throughout the course of the meal.

While it took 2-1/2 hours for us to complete the meal, the time went by quickly, and I did not once sense that the service was deficient or slow. I guess eating good food does that; it makes it seem like time has stopped! By the way, they use real silver for their silverware, and the desserts were served using fine china!

My brother and I ordered and consumed the following:

Appetizers:
Salade d'Endives Belge aux Noix et Roquefort (Belgian Endive with Walnut and Roquefort): the slightly sweet Endive was complemented with the bland walnut and the creamy Roquefort cheese crumbles

Fois Gras de Canard, Poele avec des Pommes Caramelisees (Fresh Duck Liver sautéed with Caramelized Apples): the flavor and texture of the duck liver was buttery and delicate; it was served with medium sweet caramelized apples in, what seemed like a beef stock jelly.

Escargots de Bourgogne en Coquilles au Beurre Persille (Burgundy Snails in Garlic Butter): tender snails served in the shell with very mild garlic butter

Dinner:

Dover Sole a la Meuniere (Sautéed Dover Sole, finished juice of lemon, chopped parsley): slightly overcooked, but otherwise heavenly to the taste

Poelee de Coquilles St. Jacques en Croute (Sea scallops and mushrooms, sautéed in garlic, herbs in a pastry shell): the scallops were very large, yet tender and flavored by a white sauce; mushrooms topped with a puff pastry shell

Dessert:
Three flavor sorbet: lime, strawberry, and (??) drizzled with caramel

"Banana Split" a la Sanglier: banana cream pie covered by cream and marinated cherries, and served with a hot dark chocolate sauce....yum!

This amazing meal was unforgettable, and so was the bill! While we ordered everything to our hearts' content, the bill (before tip) came to about $70 per person. This is the kind of restaurant which you would take someone you love to for a special occasion. I highly recommend it!

Le Sanglier is open for dinner only, Tuesday through Sunday,  5:30 to 10:00 pm.

5522 Crebs Avenue,

Tarzana, CA 91356.

Reservations: (818) 345-0407 or http://www.lesanglierrestaurant.com/

Rick Au is a local resident and connoisseur of fine eating.  

He's fond of long walks and deep thinking.  

He has a very sweet pet named Gloria.