The summer is heating up at Theatricum Botanicum. The rep company, based in an outdoor ampitheatre in Topanga Canyon, has two openings and a special event coming up. On July 29, TB's production of Thornton Wilder's Our Town will be unveiled for a run through Oct. 21. It will be followed by The Strength of Women, a one-shot, fund-raising event on Aug. 19.

Such celebrity artists as Tyne Daly and Wendie Malick ("Just Shoot Me") are scheduled to appear on the bill, along with Earnestine Phillips and a live band comprised of Aaron Angello, Melora Marshall, Tom Allard and Ellen Geer. Against a score of traditional and popular tunes, The Strength of Women celebrates the female poets, politicians and personalities who have led the fight for equality throughout the ages. Showtime is 4 PM with an intimate reception with the artists to follow.

On Labor Day Weekend, TB will reprise its annual production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The family-oriented show will run through Oct. 22, featuring three generations of the Geer family, ages 9 to 83. Theatricum Botanicum was founded by actor Will Geer nearly fifty years ago.

The theatre is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. For tickets and information call (310) 455-3723.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent