Ellen Geer and Aaron Angello play Harold and Maude in the play of the same name, opening July 8 at Theatricum Botanicum in L.A. Adapted for the stage by Colin Higgins, who wrote the original screenplay of the film version back in 1970, Harold and Maude will run through Sept. 24 at TB's outdoor ampitheatre. Heidi Helen Davis is the director.

Geer appeared in the film version of the story, which was directed by Hal Ashby and starred Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon. "Working on the film itself was a remarkable experience," she said. "People call the film a cult classic, but to me -- thirty-something years later -- it's simply a classic."

Higgin's stage adaptation has appeared in theatres across the country, and in Europe; it also ran briefly on Broadway during the l980-81 season, directed by Bobby Lewis. Higgins died in 1988, at the age of 47, from AIDS complications.

Others in the cast include Earnestine Phillips, Victoria Reiniger (alternating with Christine Berry), Danielle O' Loughlin, Abby Craden and Willow Geer-Alsop sharing the role played by Ellen Geer in the movie. Also featured are Leonard Kelly-Young, Rebekah Brown, John Lohr and Thad Geer.

Set design is by Thomas A. Browne, lighting by Aaron Bronsal, costumes by Rae Robison.Theatricum Botanicum is located at 14l9 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. For tickets and information call (310) 455-3723 or visit www.theatricum.com.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent