THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME to Swing Into San Jose This Summer

Children's Musical Theater San Jose (CMT San Jose), a nationally acclaimed theater company honored 10 times by the NEA and the oldest operating performing arts organization in San Jose, presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame directed by CMT Artistic Director Kevin Hauge and running July 28-August 6 at the historic Montgomery Theater (271 Market Street, downtown San Jose). Tickets for The Hunchback of Notre Dame range in price from $20-25 and are on sale now at www.cmtsj.org or by calling 408-288-5437.

CMT San Jose is one of the first amateur companies to receive the rights to The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the first local theater to produce it. As with all CMT Mainstage productions, multiple casts rotate during the run of the show and for Hunchback 112 performers ages 14-20 will take the stage. Numerous graduating seniors and college students returned to CMT to do this summer production, representing Boston Conservatory, NYU, Pace, Fordham, Malloy, University of Texas, Redlands and Syracuse theater programs.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is based on the Victor Hugo novel and the Disney animated film. The sweeping story begins at the stately cathedral in 15th century Paris where Quasimodo, the lonely bell-ringer, is held captive in his tower. He is enchanted by the kind and beautiful gypsy girl Esmeralda, but he has two rivals for her attention-one of whom is his devious keeper, Frollo, who will stop at nothing to have what he wants. Complete with a powerful Oscar-nominated score, this epic and unforgettable love story redefines what it means to be a hero.

The CMT San Jose artistic team for The Hunchback of Notre Dame joining Kevin Hauge includes Ian Leonard (CMT alum), LA-based Choreographer Kelly Connolly (Sweeney Todd, Rent and American Idiot for CMT), Vocal Director Mason Kimont (CMT alum), and Musical Director Amie Jan (veteran of numerous CMT productions).

The Performance schedule for The Hunchback of Notre Dame playing July 28-August 6 at The Montgomery Theatre (271 Market Street in San Jose) is:

Friday, July 28 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 29 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 30 at 1 and 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 3 at 7 p.m.
Friday, August 4 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 5 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 6 at 1 p.m.

There is also a special student matinee presented on Friday July 28 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are on sale at www.cmtsj.org or by calling 408-288-5437.

CMT San Jose, now in its 49th year, was the first youth arts organization to receive a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. That initial recognition has been followed by an unprecedented nine additional NEA grants, a distinction no other youth arts organization in the country can claim. CMT remains dedicated to providing the highest possible caliber of musical and theatrical training to children from ages 4 to 20, spanning all abilities, and stands behind its commitment to never turn a child away, regardless of financial or physical limitations. What distinguishes CMT from all other similar theater organizations is their commitment to the highest quality of a production and inclusivity - "Every child who auditions for CMT participates."

Each year CMT San Jose presents a series of 10 musicals in three distinct divisions: Rising Stars (ages 6-14), Mainstage (ages 14-20) and Marquee Productions, which feature a cast of CMT alumni and working actors from the Bay Area. The guiding principles for Rising Stars and Mainstage shows are: casting all who audition; setting and achieving the highest artistic standards; embracing diversity in performers, audiences and staff; and providing a positive, family-friendly, nurturing community. CMT strives to continue this artistic excellence-and expose the community to musical theater at its finest - by providing professional opportunities through its Marquee Productions division.

About Artistic Director Kevin Hauge
In his 21st season as Artistic Director at CMT San Jose, Kevin has led the nation's premier theater company for youth in taking on increasingly challenging and professional-quality productions. His innovative approach to productions includes incorporating modern techniques and technology, culminating in recognition of artistic excellence from the National Endowment for the Arts for nine consecutive years. Recently, Kevin was honored by Silicon Valley Creates receiving their 2016 Legacy Laureate Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement and Community Impact. A recipient of the prestigious Lin Wright Special Recognition Award by the American Alliance for Theater and Education, he's been the guest speaker at the International Association of Theater Educators Conference in Washington D.C., and the Education and Technology conference in New York City. Kevin has collaborated on productions in a variety of venues all over the world. He's staged ice shows, magic shows, musical revues, industrial shows, corporate parties, television specials and book musicals for a variety of companies, including Tropworld (Atlantic City), Harrah's (Reno), Six Flags Parks (nationwide), and Royal Viking Cruise Lines (worldwide). Some of the unique productions Kevin has worked on include You're in the Movies (MGM Grand) in Las Vegas, World of Wonders (Everland) in Seoul, South Korea, and a special Easter Celebration (The White House) in Washington D.C. Kevin has appeared several times as a guest artist with the San Jose Symphony, and has served on the Exhibits Committee at the Tech Museum of Innovation.

The 2016-2017 Season marks the 49th year for Children's Musical Theater San Jose, the nation's largest musical theater and training program for youth of its kind. CMTSJ strives to foster a lifelong love of the theater in their participants, their audiences, and the community.

About CMT San Jose
CMT San Jose, a nationally acclaimed theater organization honored 10 times by the NEA and the oldest performing arts organization in San Jose, is celebrating its 49th year. A key provider of life building opportunities for youth in Silicon Valley, CMT remains committed to its mission to train and educate today's youth through musical theater to set and achieve high artistic and personal goals and to inspire them to become exemplary artists, patrons and citizens of tomorrow. Inclusiveness and quality are the two touchstones of CMT's vision. CMT is dedicated to providing the highest possible caliber of musical and theatrical training to children from ages 4 to 20, spanning all abilities and stands behind its promise never turn a child away, regardless of financial or physical limitations.

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