Tess Middlebrook

 Spring is in the air - and for Pear Theatre patrons, that means "Pear Slices," a collection of original, short plays from the members of the Pear Playwrights Guild. Now in its fifteenth year, Pear Slices presents fifteen-minute vignettes: a stunning variety of stories, settings, and plot twists occupy the Pear Theatre stage, penned by local playwrights and brought to life with a single cast of highly versatile, local actors. "Pear Slices 2018," directed by Robyn Ginsburg Braverman and Troy Johnson, previews on May 3, with press and Opening Night on Friday, May 4, followed by a champagne gala. The show runs Thursdays through Sundays through May 20. All performances are held at the Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.thepear.org or calling (650) 254-1148.

Pear Theatre continues its season with its annual showcase of original short plays by members of the Pear Playwrights Guild. From Anasazi to Aboriginals, private detectives to proposals, this year's crop of plays promises to engage, delight, and inspire. All eight plays will be performed in the same evening, with a cast of seven actors performing all the roles. 'Pear Slices 2017,' directed by Troy Johnson and Robyn Ginsburg Braverman,previews on May 4.