The Pear has gone through a lot of change past few years, needless to say COVID was a tough time…read more They have a new artistic Director, the new season looks promising. The 2025 Annual production of Pear Slices (short original plays written by local playwrights) was fantastic. The upcoming season looks really interesting. The theater is just off of 101 / Shoreline, plenty of free parking. Thepear.org

It's incredible how much things can change. I used to love this theater -- in fact, I gave it a…read more5-star review six years ago. Unfortunately, my recent experience was a real disappointment. While the actors were talented and delivered strong performances, they didn't seem well-matched to the roles they were cast in, which made it harder to connect with the story. More importantly, I came to see a Shakespeare play, but was disheartened by the insertion of modern political messaging that felt out of place and unnecessarily polarizing. Sadly, this no longer feels like the theater I once enjoyed. I won't be returning.

The M-A Bears are bringing music and the performing arts to Menlo Park in a big Roarin' way!…read more Back when I was in high school at M-A, (no, I'm not divulging my graduating year date!) the site of this theatre was known as J-Building. It was a dingy reflection of an era that was in love with asbestos and that horrid color, mustard yellow. I remember looking up at that nasty ceiling and seeing all the paper airplanes that had made it into oblivion. Forever stuck in that chemical wasteland, these paper wads were a credit to whoever had the best muscle and aim. Not me. I was a band geek...well, a Jazz Band Geek! With the recent retiring of 39 year M-A veteran and band teacher, Frank Moura, the PAC Band/Rehearsal Room is now officially named in his honor, "Frank Moura Hall". He will forever be a legend at M-A, having brought award-winning jazz bands to Europe, Reno and beyond since the 70s. Frank was, of course, my favorite high school teacher! No longer on the fringes of the school grounds, the Band Room is now combined with the Performing Arts Center. From the practice room, which is big enough for sectionals, is a hall way that leads to the backstage. Walking through, I felt like the football team must feel entering the field--like a super star (even without an instrument in my hand!) What is so phenomenal about its creation is the architectural design, worthy of any college campus. Not only is it built with state of the art sound technology and lighting equipment, but it holds 492 seats, an 80 musician orchestra pit and has a ticket booth. Its public performances serve the cities of Menlo Park, Atherton and surrounding communities. Lucky me, I got to meet the Center's new manager, a M-A grad and talented vocalist. It must be awesome to work at the school where you grew up. It's "almost" enough to wish myself back into my teens. Uh...almost! Its beautiful, metal "mesh-like" structure on the inside strongly reminded me of what it's like to sit under the filtered light of the campus oak trees. They really have done an excellent job combining modern touches and school spirit. The carpeting is a tasteful nod to M-A's colors: Maroon and Gold. (Go Bears!) My favorite detail, however, was a graffiti-like painting of a bear that greets visitors in the entrance. It's all about funding...this is a beautiful, physical representation of something that an affluent community has done that many places probably can not afford to do, but wish they could: Support the Arts! Here's to you, Frank!

The Center for the Performing Arts is the new performing arts center located at Menlo-Atherton High…read moreSchool. For it's grand opening event, Music@Menlo hosted a chamber music concert. I was able to see the venue while I was working to host a reception for the event. From the outside, the building is very abstract looking, and there are stadium style steps that lead to the main entrance. Once you enter, the walls are painted a deep and bold red color, with pictures highlighting the building process hanging on the walls. The theater itself is very nice and has a contemporary uniqueness to it. In the theatre, the ceiling is in angular shapes and all of the equipment in the ceiling is able to be seen by the audience through mesh metal coverings. Some of the cool things I noticed was that this new building has a great heating and cooling system, and the theater is virtually soundproof once the doors are closed. This was very beneficial to us who were working because we were able to set up, clean up, and break down without worrying about disturbing the concert. Overall, this is a very cool venue, and hopefully one day I can come to watch a performance.

Wow what a fun show!…read more The show is entertaining from start to finish, with so many moments that made me laugh out loud.The cast, dancers, LED screens were all wonderful. The dialogue were actually pretty hilarious. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has fascination for Bollywood.

WE WENT TO THEIR SHOW GENIE ON MARCH 9TH HERE IS OUR review…read more -As soon as we entered the Lobby of MHT, the appearance was one of 'Oh boy, this is going to be another chaotic show ' . Our tixes were not found Good thing we had proof of purchase, then we get wrong denomination tixes so go back and get right ones then no-0ne told us of the Hand stamp.. so far we are not feeling good -Then we get seated This was fine..The show finally starts 7 mins later than advertised. Not bad but why not start sharp at announced time? -Once the show starts, we were really blown away by the intensity of performers, their involvement in the show, the dances, the story all resonated very well and extremely well done Congratulations . The choreography, set design lighting, LED backdrop everything was superb. I felt the 'suicide' segment went on too long instead would have like to see more song-dance. Well done overall

My kindergartner loved this class and is begging for the next session Tristan writes unique plays…read more(with music!) for the class, so the kids get to do a musical that is just right for their age--and that they have had some input into creating. The performance at the end was delightful. An amazing experience!

Tristan writes all of the music and plays herself, and they're so well done. The year-end…read moreperformance is the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Read up a little before you go or even better listen to the soundtrack a few times! Some of the…read morelyrics are difficult to understand and having that little bit of knowledge makes it a better experience. It is a beautiful production with a small cast that feels like a huge ensemble bc each cast member really owns their role. Bring an empty water bottle and fill up at the fountain if you are a cheapo like me! They have booster cushions in case you end up sitting behind Marge Simpson. Don't ask an usher where your seats are unless you intend to go in right away. You WILL get deadly stank eyed and will need to see a therapist. Watch Hamilton! DOOO EEEET!

5 stars for the actors, wow. Their pitch, power, and execution was nothing less than goose bumps…read more Absolutely superb. That's saying a lot, considering we had the Stand-by for Hamilton himself. I saw him take a big breath and sigh for relief as they took their final bow. Deaundré, you were amazing. Had they not handed out a flyer letting us know you were the Stand-by before the performance, I would have never known the difference. Bravo. I'm tearing up writing this because I can't even imagine the hours of hard work, dedication, and devotion that went into your performance. The orchestra was also incredible. The costumes didn't blow me away but they weren't a distraction either. The only slight disappointments for me were the stage scenery and props. Spoiler alert: very little changes for the entire length of the play. I thought for sure they would add something new during intermission for the second half but it stayed the same, a lot of wood platforms being moved around, with a permanent back drop. I guess I'm spoiled by Wicked, Spamalot, and *gasp* yes, I will compare Broadway to Cirque De Soleil. We also had a tough time understanding LaFayette some of the time. I wasn't the only one, and this play moves so fast you are 2 songs away before you might ever figure it out. That's not a problem for people that know the soundtrack back and forth, but it's kind of an issue for people going in blindly. Overall, definitely worth the price of admission. We were in the fourth row @$200 each and I've heard there is a $10 lottery.

We have been sending our kids to HMT for the last 6 years. First our daughter went, then when our…read moreson was old enough, he started going also. They've both had consistently positive experiences there, whether they had a small part or a bigger role in the play. Where I really notice their positive experiences is when the shows end. After each performance, all the young actors come out to a grassy area beside the theater to great their families. That's when I see my kids going up to various kids and staff members to get pictures taken and say a final goodbye. And that's where I see all the bonds that the kids have formed from this intense 2 week experience of putting a show together. To me, that's what it's all about. My son loves HMT so much that he asked to do an extra session instead of having a bigger birthday party for his 9th birthday. The kids really form nice bonds with the other kids and the staff through this shared experience. In my case, my kids have gone on to perform in musical theatre throughout the school year. And musical theatre has really enriched their lives. It all started at HMT.

My daughter attended HMT for the first time this summer and absolutely loved it. She was the…read moreyoungest child in camp (5) and was welcomed with open arms. I felt like I got to watch my daughter grow each day--she learned stage presence, vocal technique, and discipline as she rigorously memorized and practiced each of her songs and her (2) lines. Expect homework, because great shows require some extra practice. I was beyond impressed with how much all the kids achieved in just one week. Their final performance was truly remarkable. Talented and well-practiced performers, thoughtful camp leaders, student-designed program and decor, amazing costumes, and lots of learning. HMT isn't cheap, but it is incredible--one of the most memorable things my daughter did all summer. She finished the camp gleeful and confident, and 3 weeks later she keeps singing all the show songs at home regularly.

Their Nutcracker is always a solid bet for the holidays…read more Lovely production without the craziness of getting into the city and shelling out for tix + parking. Show's finished for the year, but costumes are on display @ the Hillsdale Mall...gorgeous!

Our daughter has been with PYB for a while now and we are amazed at how beautifully she has…read moredeveloped. The kids are great and the productions are great fun for all!

Amazing actors and costumes and lots of fun and entertainment! Highly recommend…read more New year celebration for kids

These guys rock! From small scale drama or comedy performances to New Year shows, it's catching and…read moremesmerizing. This is a small theater, about 60 people capacity. Actors don't use microphones. The New Year shows are interactive and both, kids and adults enjoy them. Wonderful costumes, decorations, enthusiastic performances. What a treat!