The manicured life of retired Republican actor-turned-politician Lyman and his impeccable wife Polly is upended when relatives arrive at their Palm Springs home for Christmas — including politically liberal daughter Brooke who’s about to publish a tell-all memoir. Sound familiar? Head to Topanga Canyon for Jon Robin Baitz’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award nominated play Other Desert Cities opening July 8 at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum.
Theatricum’s production will be a true family affair, featuring founder Will Geer’s daughters Ellen Geer (Polly) and Melora Marshall (Silda) as well as granddaughter Willow Geer (Brooke). Rounding out the cast are Mark Bramhall (Lyman) and Rafael Goldstein (Trip). The play’s title refers to a roadside sign on the eastbound I-10 that directs drivers to exit at Palm Springs or head on to “other desert cities.”
Theatricum is best known for its productions that frame contemporary social issues through the lens of theater and has been an oasis for theatergoers for over 40 years, presenting Shakespeare and the classics in repertory in its scenic outdoor amphitheater. Other Desert Cities runs in repertory with The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Animal Farm and Trouble in Mind as part of Theatricum’s 2017 “Rising Up” summer season.
Plays July 8 through October 1. For more information, click here.
