Malibu Seen / By Kim Devore

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Willow Geer and Abby Craden revel in the great outdoors for the Theatricum Botanicum. Photo by Ian Flanders

PLAY THINGS

Summer’s almost gone, but there’s still time to sit under the stars and enjoy top-notch theater in the great outdoors. On Sunday, the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum will present a special Labor Day performance of the Shakespearean classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The Botanicum’s signature play continues to delight with its tale of magic and romance deep in a fairy-filled forest. If you can’t make it out to Stratford, there’s no better place to take in this thespian treat than in Topanga’s leafy hideaway.

If you’re in a dramatic mood, it’s “to be or not to be” for indecisive Prince of Denmark in “Hamlet.” It’s all for one and one for all with “The Three Musketeers.” More contemporary offerings include “Master Class” and “Carry It On.” Performances continue through Oct. 3.

IT’S SHOWTIME

They’re gearing up for an exciting new season over at Pepperdine’s Center for the Performing Arts. As usual, the program has something for everyone from ’60s teen idols to Broadway musicals to classical concerts and jazz ensembles. In the days before “Twilight” and the Jonas Brothers, teeny-boppers swooned over a zany boy band called “The Monkees.”

Boomers will no doubt remember hits like “The Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone.” If you’re a fan, you won’t want to miss Davy Jones. The one-time heartthrob may be 65, but he’s still rockin’ and on September 24, he’s coming to the Smothers Theater for a blast to the past. Bring your bubble gum because daydream believers will be lining up.

If you’re into bodies in motion, check out the Pilobolus Dance Theater. The American dance troop has delighted audiences with its unique style of interactive movement and free form experimentation. For the little ones, there’s “Ferdinand the Bull.” The Childsplay Theater Company is coming to town with a musical adaptation of Munro Leaf’s classic story about an unusual bull that prefers picking flowers to fighting matadors in the ring. The kids are in for a treat with a little bit of Spanish flair, flamenco dancing, original music and rich costumes.

If you’re up for musicals say hi to Dolly. A new production of “Hello Dolly” comes to the Smothers Theater in November. You’ll sing along with Dolly Levi, New York’s pushy but lovable matchmaker. Song and dance fans will want to put on their Sunday clothes and head for the stage before the parade passes by.

The Pepperdine Chamber Ensemble and Pepperdine Jazz Ensemble are also featured on the 2010 bill and you can light up your life or at least your Christmas with a special Yuletide concert featuring Debby Boone and John Davidson. Ho Ho Ho.

Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.