Michael Weiland News

On the eve of her death, Anne Boleyn reflects on the journey that led her to become a queen, a mother, and, eventually, a woman condemned. A fascinating look at one of history's most famous marriages. Part of the 2nd Stages Series.

When famed Victorian explorer Melford Pumbleshire is torn to pieces by something horrible and unseen while on safari in deepest, darkest Africa, his redoubtable fiance Euphonia Riggstone must lead an expedition to put his unquiet spirit to rest. This globetrotting adventure comedy has romance, betrayal, an amnesiac ghost, perfidious cultists, and a Lovecraftian tentacle monster. Part of the Main Stage Series.

When famed Victorian explorer Melford Pumbleshire is torn to pieces by something horrible and unseen while on safari in deepest, darkest Africa, his redoubtable fianc Euphonia Riggstone must lead an expedition to put his unquiet spirit to rest. This globetrotting adventure comedy has romance, betrayal, an amnesiac ghost, perfidious cultists, and a Lovecraftian tentacle monster. Part of the Main Stage Series.

SPENDING THE END OF THE WORLD ON OK CUPID at Pear Theatre suggests should live in the moment and not be so in our heads and that we should know what we want and go after it.

Pear Theatre embraces the season of sweethearts with the world premiere of 'Spending the End of the World on OkCupid' by Bay Area playwright Jeffrey Lo, directed by Michael Champlin. With an extinction event occurring in twelve hours, some people spend time with their friends, most spend time with their family ... others spend the end of the world on OkCupid. 'Spending the End of the World on OkCupid' previews on January 24, with press and Opening Night on Friday, January 25 (followed by a champagne gala). The show runs Thursdays through Sundays through February 17. 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.

The Pear Theatre tradition of non-traditional holiday fare continues with the world premiere of "Girls Kill Nazis" by James Kopp, a fun and topical romp designed to perfectly balance your Thanksgiving dinner. "Girls Kill Nazis," directed by John Morrison, previews on November 8, with press and Opening Night on Friday, November 9 (followed by a champagne gala). The show runs Thursdays through Sundays through December 2 (no performances Thursday or Friday of Thanksgiving week). 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.

Los Altos Stage Company proudly pulls out all the stops for the South Bay Premiere production of Matthew Lopez's sparkling The Legend of Georgia McBride. A stark contrast to other works in the award-winning playwright's repertoire, this sassy, charming 90-minute comedy takes the Bus Barn stage by storm September 6 through September 30.

Set in 1606 England, King James's righthand man Robert Cecil commissions William Shagspeare to write the "true historie" of Guy Fawkes' infamous Gunpowder Plot. As Shag investigates the story, he discovers that the government's version might be less than truthful. Should he take the money and write a propaganda piece - or risk losing the theatre and perhaps even his head? An entertaining tribute to art, politics, and the perils of negotiating both, Equivocation is a high-stakes political comedy with contemporary resonances. 

Pear Theatre, always a champion of new plays by local playwrights, has upgraded its play development series and premieres 'Fresh Produce,' a weekend presentation of staged readings, from July 20 to 21. An annual event, 'Fresh Produce' will this year feature three plays under development from members of the Pear Playwrights Guild: 'Terms of Use' by Patrick Brennan, 'Dr. Rowan, the Demon, and Love' by Carol Wolf, and 'Confession' by Barry Slater. 'Fresh Produce' will offer one reading today evening, and two on Saturday afternoon. All readings are held at the Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. Tickets ($10 per reading, or $25 for all three) can be purchased by visiting www.thepear.org or calling (650) 254-1148.

Pear Theatre, always a champion of new plays by local playwrights, has upgraded its play development series and premieres "Fresh Produce," a weekend presentation of staged readings, from July 20 to 21. An annual event, "Fresh Produce" will this year feature three plays under development from members of the Pear Playwrights Guild: "Terms of Use" by Patrick Brennan, "Dr. Rowan, the Demon, and Love" by Carol Wolf, and "Confession" by Barry Slater. "Fresh Produce" will offer one reading on Friday evening, and two on Saturday afternoon. All readings are held at the Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. Tickets ($10 per reading, or $25 for all three) can be purchased by visiting www.thepear.org or calling (650) 254-1148.

The 2017-2018 season for Los Altos Stage Company ends on a high note with a production of the beloved Broadway smash, Pippin.

The 2017-2018 season for Los Altos Stage Company ends on a high note with a production of the beloved Broadway smash, Pippin.

 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.

Once more catering to a less-than-traditional holiday crowd, the Pear celebrates the holidays with The Millionth Production of a Christmas Carol written and directed by James Kopp. This original comedy about the struggle to create art and still pay the bills previews onNovember 30, with press and Opening Night on Friday, December 1, followed by a champagne gala. The show runs Thursdays through Sundays through December 17. All performances are held at the Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. Tickets ($15-$35) 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.

In a radical departure from the standard Christmas fare, Pear Theatre presents "GEEKS VS. ZOMBIES," a gory fun-fest by the creator of "SUPER VILLAIN!!", another Holiday season antidote that was a hit at the Pear two years ago. "GEEKS VS. ZOMBIES" is the story of four friends who survive the zombie apocalypse due to their video game skills and encyclopedic knowledge of zombie movies. While the play contains philosophical arguments about free will and destiny, and metaphorical comparisons to the state of the world, audiences will no doubt enjoy the action scenes, raunchy humor, and plenty of guts and brains. "GEEKS VS. ZOMBIES," co-directed by James Kopp and John Morrison, previews on December 1. Press and Opening Night is Friday, December 2, followed by a champagne gala. The show runs Thursdays through Sundays, through December 18. All performances are held at thePear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. All tickets for this show are $20; to purchase tickets the public may visit www.thepear.org or call (650) 254-1148.

Pear Theatre continues its 2016/2017 season with George Bernard Shaw's classic MAJOR BARBARA, a thought-provoking look at human nature, religion, and social engineering. As the country prepares to elect a new President, the relationships between business, morality, and human welfare becomes more relevant than ever. MAJOR BARBARA, directed by Betsy Kruse Craig and assistant directed by Jeanie K. Smith, previews on October 27; with Press and Opening Night on Saturday, October 28, followed by a champagne gala. The show runs Todays through Sundays, through November 20. All performances are held at the Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. For tickets ($10-$35) and information the public may visit www.thepear.org or call (650) 254-1148.

Pear Theatre continues its 2016/2017 season with George Bernard Shaw's classic MAJOR BARBARA, a thought-provoking look at human nature, religion, and social engineering. As the country prepares to elect a new President, the relationships between business, morality, and human welfare becomes more relevant than ever. MAJOR BARBARA, directed by Betsy Kruse Craig and assistant directed by Jeanie K. Smith, previews on October 27; with Press and Opening Night on Saturday, October 28, followed by a champagne gala. The show runs Thursdays through Sundays, through November 20. All performances are held at the Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St., Mountain View. For tickets ($10-$35) and information the public may visit www.thepear.org or call (650) 254-1148.

The Los Altos Stage Company's closes its 19th anniversary season with the hilarious musical comedy with the eyebrow-raising title that took Broadway by storm when it opened in 2001. Urinetown: The Musical opens May 28 and runs through June 27 at the Bus Barn Theater in Los Altos.

Multi-award winning Foothill Music Theatre presents SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. Inspired by the iconic pointillist painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte' by Georges Seurat, this funny, heartfelt musical delves into the inner-lives of both the artist and his subjects.