Pear Avenue Theatre Revives 'Mrs. Warren's Profession'

Ten years ago Mountain View welcomed a new theater stage to the city.

The first opened its doors in 2002—three months after Artistic Director Diane Tasca had signed the lease on a humble warehouse—with George Bernard Shaw's "Mrs. Warren's Profession." Since the small community theatre has averaged seven productions per season, including Lorraine Hansberry's "" and Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman."

The performances of classic plays about real life reflect the theatre's mission, according to a press release, because they "speak to today's audiences."

In the current show:

Mrs. Warren returns to her home after an extended vacation, bringing with her two friends, Mr. Praed and Mr. George Crofts, both eligible bachelors presumably intended for her daughter, Vivie. The Reverend Samuel Gardner, who lives nearby with his son, Frank, reveals that Mrs. Warren has made her way financially and in social circles by running a chain of highly successful brothels. Her Cambridge-educated daughter is shocked, but then is mollified by her mother's story of poverty and prejudice that led her into her line of work. The reconciliation stands on shaky ground, however, and as the revelations mount up, Shaw's critique of a hypocritical society emerges clear and cold. With wit and satire as well as his characteristic erudition, Shaw exposes an ideological system that objectifies and limits women, raising a double standard to a fine art.

Like 10 years ago, Tasca will play the role of Mrs. Warren. At the helm of the production is director Ray Renati, Equity actor, member of the Pear's Steering Committee and veteran director of many productions there, including last season's award-winning Death of a Salesman. John Musgrave plays the Reverend Gardner, a reprisal of the role he played in the original production. Brian O'Connor plays Praed, the unlikely social climber, and William J. Brown III appears as George Crofts, Vivie's would-be suitor.

"Mrs Warren's Profession" runs through July 15.

For tickets and information the public may call (650) 254-1148 or visit www.thepear.org.