Pear Theatre Presents GEEKS VS. ZOMBIES

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.

"GEEKS VS. ZOMBIES" features a versatile cast, including Ariel Aronica, Sarah Benjamin, Caroline Clark, Jim Johnson,Chase Jordan Kinsey, Nick Mandracchia, Nicole Martin, Max Tachis, and Michael Weiland in featured roles. Those players share the stage with a zombie ensemble, as played by adventurous Bay Area souls. James Kopp serves as Set Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, and Fight Choreographer; he will be assisted by Stage Manager Miranda Whipple.

"GEEKS VS. ZOMBIES" began six years ago in Bakersfield, California, when David Rock wanted to create a Halloween zombie play. He and Kopp discussed producing Night of the Living Dead, but a few stage plays based on that movie were in existence, and none of them suited their vision. "GEEKS VS. ZOMBIES" followed that initial idea while injecting personal elements from both writers. The show enjoyed successful runs at The Empty Space Theatre in 2010 and 2011, followed by a Los Angeles production in 2012. Hollywood Revealed said, "The play is a rousing, fast paced, funny couple of hours that had the audience cheering every action scene, of which there are plenty." The stage show later spun off into a different, but related, Web series. John Morrison, who has directed or co-directed each of the stage productions, will be helping to incorporate script updates and actor strengths into the current production.

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 fifteenth season, The Pear attracts theatre artists and audience from all over the Bay Area for its award-winning and high-quality productions; and last year The Pear's 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.

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