Pear Theatre Presents the World Premiere of SPENDING THE END OF THE WORLD ON OKCUPID

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.

"Spending the End of the World on OkCupid" was a commissioned play written for Ohlone College's award-winning Theatre and Dance Department in 2016, where it was called "a quick-paced, thought provoking, visually hypnotic piece of entertainment." In the play, a modern day prophet correctly predicts the disappearance of half the world's population, and warns those remaining that they are the next to go as soon as the clock strikes midnight. With twelve hours to live and half the world already disappeared, many venture online where pretensions are shed, doubts are faced head on, and the need for human connection becomes paramount.

"In a time when it seems as though technology is dividing and isolating us more and more on a daily basis, this play of hope-in-humanity turns all that on its head," said director Champlin. "Instead of retreating into their own little worlds, the main characters in OkCupid use technology as a opportunity to unite and connect with people in real life. The play poses the question, 'If this was your last day on earth, would you want to spend it alone?' I think this play resoundingly answers 'no', and to me that sense of uplift couldn't be more inspiring."

The cast for this premiere includes Tasi Alabastro, Ivette Deltoro, Tonya Duncan, Philip Hofman, Keith Larson, Tyler Pardini, Samantha Ricci, Michelle Skinner, Gwendolyne Wagner, and Michael Weiland, many of whom play multiple roles in the show. Kelly Barazza stage manages, Paulino Deleal handles set design, and lighting design will be by Meghan Souther.

Director Michael Champlin is a Bay Area actor and director, primarily working in the South Bay. Pear Theatre acting credits include Louis in "Angels in America," Henry in "The Real Thing," Eddie in "Fool for Love," the Earl of Oxford in "The Beard of Avon," and most recently Eilert Lovburg in "Hedda Gabler." Also at the Pear, he has directed "The Illusion" by Tony Kushner, "Bach at Leipzig" by Itamar Moses, and the plays of The Frankie Payne Trilogy by Paul Braverman. Champlin met his real-life sweetheart (now wife) Katie on the Pear stage ten years ago in a production of Diane Tasca's adaptation of "Northanger Abbey."

"Spending the End of the World on OkCupid" has not been authorized or approved in any manner by OkCupid, which has no responsibility for its content.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Pear Theatre is offering patrons some "four-play" - a special price for a half-season subscription. Purchasers can get tickets to any four of the remaining shows of the 2018-19 season for just $100, a total savings of $28 - or, basically seeing four shows for the price of three.

Pear Theatre began as the Pear Avenue Theatre in June 2002, under the leadership of Artistic Director Diane Tasca, by a group of theatre artists who believe that audiences are eager for plays that challenge as well as delight and move them. Pear Theatre produces intimate theatre by passionate artists, whether classic works or cutting-edge plays. Now in its sixteenth season, The Pear attracts theatre artists and audience from all over the Bay Area for its award-winning and high-quality productions; and its ongoing commitment to excellence was recognized by the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle with the Paine Knickerbocker Award, an annual special award for a Bay Area company contributing to the high quality of theatre in the region.

Pear Theatre moved in 2015 from its original 40-seat warehouse space to a new, state-of-the-art black box theatre close by, with capacity of 75-99 seats depending on the configuration of the production. This exciting move allows The Pear to continue its tradition of intimate theatre while taking on new challenges and opportunities. In August 2017, Betsy Kruse Craig took the helm as the new Artistic Director, beginning with this season.

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