The Pear has gone through a lot of change past few years, needless to say COVID was a tough time. 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 read more

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It's incredible how much things can change. I used to love this theater -- in fact, I gave it a 5-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. read more

We recently discovered the Pear Theatre when we learned that they were staging a production of Michael Frayn's "Noises Off", one of the finest and funniest plays that I have ever seen. I was curious how they were going to pull this off, because as originally conceived it's done on a large stage with a rotating set. From what I could gather from the venue, this was a small and cozy theatre and I wasn't sure they would be able to do justice to the original concept. It's not really possible to describe how they accomplished it, but to say that it was clever is a bit of an understatement. The production was fantastic, the acting was on point, and it was actually quite a treat to experience it in an intimate setting as opposed to a cavernous theatre with hundreds of patrons. The theatre is hidden away off Shoreline Blvd. You could drive by it hundreds of times without noticing it, and I'm certain that many of the tech workers nearby have done exactly that. The lobby is small - almost nonexistent, really - but there is a small outdoor seating area where you can enjoy your intermission aperitifs and snacks. The theatre itself is a black box style with seating for maybe 50-75, depending on the configuration of the stage. There are no bad seats. This season's offerings are interesting and varied, and promises to be rather enjoyable. The staff is friendly and accommodating; it's clear that they enjoy their work. We're glad that we discovered this place and will be back again soon. read more

The Pear Theatre - Checking in for Noises Off! - Performing Arts Near Me - Mountain View, California

I have nothing but love about this hidden little gem. We purchased tickets to Pear Slices--a 2-hour event of 10-min stories--in March and we're eagerly awaiting the event. Unfortunately, the week of the event we received notice that they had to reschedule because the cast fell ill. We rescheduled to the following week and that event was also pushed out. Luckily, third time was the charm and were able to finally go to the theater. Throughout this entire process, their staff did an amazing job communicating with us and offered a full refund option, which we didn't select because we wanted to support the production. At the day of the event, we arrived to find an almost full theater. They asked for everyone to wear their masks inside the theater (understandable after the poor cast got hit so hard), but still offered food and snacks which could be consumed outside. The show was phenomenal. Lots of very topical pieces that touch on the current pulse of the nation and the world. The team did a fantastic job playing their parts and keeping the audience excited and engaged. Pear slices is a once a year event and I would highly recommend it to anyone. read more

The Pear Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Mountain View, California

attended Henry V at Pear Theatre last night, a play I had greatly looked forward to. Unfortunately, what I experienced was not a celebration of Shakespeare's historical brilliance, but a disappointing display of ideological grandstanding that undermined both the work and its performers. Before the play even began, we were subjected to a prelude in which the "director" (absent, of course) informed the troupe via message that he had fled to Canada and would not return due to what he described as the rise of fascism in the United States. This was presented without irony, and it set the tone for a politicized reinterpretation of what is, fundamentally, a historical and literary classic. To invoke the term "fascism" so flippantly is offensive and historically ignorant. How dare the production trivialize true authoritarianism by applying it to the current state of the United States? This was not bold -- it was reckless, manipulative, and insulting to the audience's intelligence. Then came the performance itself. Henry V is a play rooted in English history, and Henry himself is not a fictional character -- he was a real, male monarch. In this production, the role was played by a woman. Let me be clear: the actress is talented. Her stage presence is strong and her skill unquestionable. But this does not make her suitable for the role of a historical king simply by virtue of ideology. She did not portray a man; she portrayed a reimagined female Henry, and the result was jarring and ineffective. Casting a woman in this role undercuts the historical integrity of the play and turns serious art into a performative exercise in identity politics. It does not elevate equality -- it erases historical reality. This is not progress. This is revisionism masquerading as inclusivity, and it serves neither the play, the audience, nor the talented cast involved. Pear Theatre used to be one of my favorite local theaters. This production, sadly, exemplifies the direction in which too many institutions are now heading: away from artistic integrity, and toward ideological spectacle. It is appalling to see great actors used as symbols instead of storytellers, and literature twisted for agendas that have nothing to do with the work itself. I left not inspired, but disheartened. This was not Shakespeare. This was not art. This was theater hijacked read more

High quality productions in a great space! Wonderful staff and thought provoking season selections!

The Pear has what is called "a new Physical adaptation" of FRANKENSTEIN. I do not know what they call it-it is exceptionally Wonderful-and in that I mean Full of Wonder. When you see Brenda Miles, a Mississippi Delta transplant, movingly take over the space, inner and theatrical, you realize that something really important is happening in front of you. FRANKENSTEIN plays in unity with DONTRELL, WHO KISSED THE SEA, a new play that presents ancestors, myths, and contemporary yearnings and legacies embodied in Dontrell, played deeply by Drake Pough. The Pear, under the direction of Sinjin Jones has stayed afloat through these troubled time. Now it would seem to be in FULL SAIL, bounding from strength to strength through the unknown waters of the Future. Godspeed! read more

The Pear is a great little space with fun and unique shows. It's an intimate space (slightly less intimate than their old location, but still small) with a cute little lobby and nice bathrooms. I've seen several shows at this theatre now and most of my experiences have been great. The quality of the performances have been good and staff there has always been friendly. A bunch of friends and I went to see "Spending the End of the World on OK Cupid" after having dinner and I was dying for a dessert and coffee when we got there. I walked over to concessions and lo and behold - dessert and coffee!!! I was even able to bring them into the theatre to enjoy which was extra-nice. A lot of places don't allow food & drink in their venues, so I was happy this was not one of them. The show was very entertaining - they opened up their stage during intermission and allowed people to come up to take pictures so that was fun. Overall, a great local theatre that deserves to be experienced and enjoyed! read more

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Ninjas vs. Cowboys! Small intimate theater. There was a good amount of people there. The 4 person cast was amazing. also, the music during the transition were amazing. Staff was very polite and friendly. We were greeted by friendly staff and showed us our seats. Gave us specific instructions when entering the theater while the play was going on. It was a bit hard finding the place. It was dark and our GPS just ended on the street. You would have to go into the parking lot and find the suite in the businesses. read more

My take on the theatre? Well, it's tiny compared to other venues. You'll wonder what you're getting yourself into as you walk in, but aside from being small, the theatre is nice and the staff are friendly. Beer, wine, and snacks are available, and you can take them into the theatre. Now, my take on the show, "Pear Slices 2019": wonderful! Apparently, this is a yearly event, featuring stories written by local playwrights and performed by local artists. Pear Slices 2019 consisted of eight distinctly different short plays, each evoking a different emotion as themes really ran the gamut, including those that were humorous, sad, endearing, and thought-provoking. A few even included some surprising plot twists to keep you on your toes. In addition to well-written stories and outstanding performances, the stage props were very effective, and a large screen behind the set was used cleverly to enhance the scenes. The theatre is about as intimate as you can get, and the particular show I experienced here was absolutely fantastic. So, my rating of 4 includes a 3 (A-OK) for the theatre, and a 5 (Whoohoo!) for the show. read more

I was invited to watch "Mothers of the Bride" at The Pear Theatre. I enjoyed the ambiance of the small, intimate theater setting as well as the heartfelt performances of the talented actresses. However, as one who has met the risen Christ and has been filled with The Holy Spirit, it hurt to hear Christ's name in vain, not once, but twice. Later, a vulgar four letter word was spoken and I thought that would be the end of it, but then the performer loudly spelled it out for everyone to hear. I couldn't continue watching what could have been an outstanding production. In my opinion, cursing and profanity are demoralizing to hear. This production would have added class if they had left out the profanity and cursing. Too bad that I was compelled to leave before the production had ended. read more

I went a couple of months ago invited by a friend to observe an improv comedy meetup group. It was not my think although I like acting and having fun, but felt weird among strangers expressing themselves. The place itself is small and cozy, nice place for gatherings that I did not even know it existed. It is very close to one of the newer Google buildings, so lots of googlers tend to attend those sessions. I would go again to see a real performance if the show interest me, not for a meetup gathering. read more

This theater is amazing! They have great quality shows in an intimate and comfortable venue. Plenty of parking and friendly ticket-takers. I have seen four productions at the pear Theater and am so impressed by how well done each of the shows has been. Amazing acting, very smooth coordination done during the scene changes and good use of a limited set of props. The ticket prices are ridiculously low for the quality of the productions and it is very good value for the money. The shows are thought provoking, engaging and well worth the time. I tell everyone I know who enjoys a live theater production about this theater. Truly a hidden gem in the heart of Silicon Valley! read more

I've been here twice and both times were wonderful. It is a very small, intimate theater located on the east side of Hwy 101 by Google and Shoreline. It has a very family-like feel (of course, with theater people, everyone knows each other!), but as a newcomer it was very welcoming and friendly. There is a small lobby with box office on the left and concessions on the right. The concessions can be brought into the theater (++!), so no need to chug your wine during intermission. The chairs are basic - not plush, but definitely adequate. Both shows I saw were very professional, and I was impressed with the use of the set, since the stage is tiny. It looks like they do a lot of original, unusual plays, which I like. As a side note, I don't think it is fair to include a play-specific review on Yelp, since that is always different. Also, shows that are not put on by the theater company, but are simply using the space. read more

This little gem of a theatre provides outstanding quality entertainment consistently. In a flexible black box space, audiences can delight in the variety of seating arrangements and staging. Fine acting, quality directing and creative, thoughtful scenic design, THE PEAR will keep you coming back show after show! They also serve beer and wine in the lobby, which you can enjoy before or during the show! read more

My friend and I attended "Pear Slices" this afternoon. It was eight 1 act plays which was a really fun way to spend the afternoon. There was a cast of 6 actors and they were all very talented!! I will definately be back to see more plays!!!! read more

Have been to the improv shows a few times. I love me some good improv and was not disappointed. The local group host other groups from around the Bay Area, so you get a good deal of variety. I see consistent improvement with each show too. :) Many of the shows have free cake or champagne afterwards. You get to hang out with the team or socialize with your friends. Very convenient location. Always find parking. Small theater, but that works well for these sorts of things. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed the performance at The Pear Theatre tonight. It was my first time at this theatre and I found it very friendly and very professional. read more

Small, intimate theater, friendly staff. Saw Uncle Vanya. Good acting, depressing story that dragged.

We've seen five performances here, and each one has been enjoyable, well acted and well directed. The actors give it their all, with very polished performances. And the new larger theater should give everyone more breathing room and more staging opportunities. read more