February 11, 2005

CMT’s Rising Stars present ‘The Boyfriend,’ Feb. 24 – 27

Evergreen resident Kyle Hauge is featured in the Children’s Musical Theater San Jose Rising Stars production of “The Boyfriend,” Feb. 24 - 27, at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose (corner of Market and San Carlos streets).

Starring roles in “The Boyfriend” include (from left) Bryant Montalvo (Tony), Caroline Citelli (Polly), Joey Dipple (Bobby) and Tayler James (Maisie).

Kyle plays Percival Browne, the wealthy and protective father of his precious daughter Polly.

Other Evergreen residents appearing in the production in supporting roles include: Adriana Andal, Kimberly Berryman, Rachel Bonnin, Davelyn Couch, Erin Hopper, Melissa Horton, Tiffany Kamperman, Christina Koral, Tara Kostmayer, Michael Navaro, Lauren Ruffin, Lissa Toews and Katelyn Swanson.

“The Boyfriend” is set in the Roaring Twenties and offers young performers and family audiences an uplifting and comedic taste of the classic Broadway catalogue. Set against the lavish backdrop of the French Riviera, the show follows Polly Brown, an heiress at an all-girls school who becomes infatuated with a delivery boy named Tony. With music and lyrics by Sandy Wilson, Polly and her friends will have to Charleston their way to true love.

“The Boyfriend” premiered in London, and shortly thereafter opened on Broadway in 1954, starring Julie Andrews. Best known for the number, “Won’t You Charleston with Me?,” the production also features Broadway classics “It’s Never Too Late to Fall in Love,” “The Boyfriend” and “I Could be Happy with You.” A film version of the show was produced in 1970 starring Twiggy.

“The Boyfriend” features a large cast of young performers ages 8-13, bringing to life the roaring 1920’s through glamorous costumes, catchy jazz-era tunes and big production numbers. CMT’s production is directed and choreographed by CMT artist-in-residence Shannon Self, with vocal and musical direction by Tony Asaro.

“The cast has been working hard on mastering their English accents and dance steps from this vibrant era,” says director Self. Choreography from the show has been inspired by the Broadway production and challenges the performers to perfect the difficult dance moves of the era. Self claims no steps are being simplified for this age level.

CMT is proud to announce a yearlong sponsorship from the Target® Corporation. The first Saturday matinee of each 2004 – 2005 production will be a Target® Family Matinee with all Rising Stars prices fixed at $7.25. “The Boyfriend” Target® Family Matinee will be Saturday, Feb. 26 at noon. Tickets for the other shows are now on sale to the public for $15 adults and $12 for children age 12 and under.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the CMTSJ Web site at www.cmtsj.org or phone the CMT Box Office at (408) 288-5437. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the CMT Box Office, 1401 Parkmoor Ave. (at Meridian), San Jose, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at the Montgomery Theater one hour prior to performances.