The West Side Waltz at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum

Stage Scene LA - Highly Recommended

"...It's a family affair at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum as the legendary Grandpa Walton's eldest daughter Ellen Geer, her sister Melora Marshall, and Ellen's daughter Willow Geer make theatrical magic in The West Side Waltz, Ernest Thompson's captivating slice of 1980s New York life."

Hollywood Progressive - Recommended

"...I have to say that it is really great to not only see a production dominated by women (Waltz is even female-directed by Mary Jo DuPrey, who previously helmed another character-driven play with strong roles for women at WGTB, August: Osage County), but one wherein a white-haired senior citizen is the protagonist. Hollywood flicks may be dominated by action heroes soaring through the sky, but in the real if more mundane day-to-day world, it often takes a “superhero” to just be able to walk across a room or arise from a fall."

Stage Raw - Somewhat Recommended

"...Ernest Thompson’s newly updated version of the script, tweaked from the 1981 Broadway play and 1995 film, has a clear and succinct thesis that is evident from the very first scene — no human being can thrive in isolation, and we need each other more deeply than we realize. “It’s not normal to be alone. Human beings aren’t meant to be alone,” protests Cara Varnum. It’s all too relevant to a society just beginning to peek our heads out after more than two years of pandemic-era forced solitude. But there are so many other themes introduced by the rich characterization that deserve more attention: abandoned dreams, lost love, coping with unexpected grief, and the frightening reality of aging. With the exception of the unsettling and moving final scene, The West Side Waltz’s core conflicts are too rote and too neatly resolved. But what The West Side Waltz lacks in drama, it makes up for in creating a rich canvas of characterization for its three stars."

Theatre Notes - Highly Recommended

"...Now playing at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum, Thompson's newly revised script is a smashing, brilliant property enhanced by the best cast you you can imagine. If Will Geer is in heaven looking down on Topanga Canyon, he would see his family of extraordinary talents delivering sterling performances. Ellen Geer leads the show as Margaret Mary Elderdice, an aging widow, a pianist, who lives alone in her West Side apartment. Melora Marshall, that chameleon actor, takes on the role of Cara Varnum, an emotionally needy spinster who lives in the same apartment building. Margaret would prefer to be alone but she endures Cara as she plays duets with her."

Larchmont Buzz - Highly Recommended

"...The portrait of a time and situation, the top-level acting and direction, the beautiful setting-The West Side Waltz is a summer evening's perfect enhancement."

Glamgical - Recommended

"...Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum presents the revival of the original play commissioned in 1981. The playwright is Academy Award-winning writer Ernest Thompson and the director is Mary Jo DuPrey."