THE MILLIONTH PRODUCTION OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL to Make World Premiere

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.

TICKETS: $15 (Previews) - $35; savings available for seniors & students.

For information or tickets, visit www.thepear.org or call (650) 254-1148.

In the show, a small black box theater in Northern California is in fear of closing its doors after spending too much money on shows that had poor ticket sales. In an effort to appeal to a larger audience, the Artistic Director decides to put up Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol." The cast, split between experienced actors in minor roles and attractive faces in the forefront, clashes behind the scenes as the design and production team struggles to bring all the elements together in the dwindling days before opening night.

Though coming through with signature James Kopp humor (GEEKS VS ZOMBIES, SUPER VILLAIN!!), the show also offers serious consideration of the compromises between art that pays and art for art's sake; spectacle versus substance; the delicate balance between the desires of the people that do theater and the desires of the people that pay to see it. What sells more tickets, a good-looking actor that can't act, or a talented actor who is more plain? Can you justify absolute artistic integrity if it doesn't bring in enough revenue to keep the theater doors open? Is there (or should there be, ever) such a thing as a sexy Scrooge?

Audiences will appreciate this funny, introspective look behind the scenes of a theater production; and anyone who has spent many hours before or behind the curtain will recognize themselves and others in these characters. In the end, and despite plenty of cynicism and snark, this play is a love letter to the theater and the people who inhabit it. This show includes adult language and is not recommended for children.

"The Millionth Production of a Christmas Carol" features James Johnson as the comic actor "Jim 1," Jenn Sorkin as the Artistic Director Fisher, Ronald Feichtmeir as the comic actor "Jim 2," Bryan Moriarty as the director Cooper, Ariel Aronica as the actress Bobbie, Michael Weiland as the actor Sam, Kelly Weber Barazza as Stage Manager Kelley, Lisa Burton Guevara as the former Artistic Director Diane, and James Kopp as James, a ghost. Miranda Whipple stage manages.

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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