July 15, 2005

KEEPING THE ARTS ALIVE

CMT rising stars presents ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ July 15–24

Evergreen residents star in leading roles

Evergreen residents Danny Gould, Kyle Hauge, Eric Rapinchuk, Stephanie Roca and John Sousea are featured in Children’s Musical Theater San Jose’s Rising Stars production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” July 15 to 24, at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose.

Evergreen resident John Sousae portrays heartthrob Conrad Birdie with (from left) Madi Tindall as Ursula and Caroline Citelli as Kim MacAfee fighting for his attention. Photo by Josh Miyaji

John Sousae plays heartthrob Conrad Birdie who comes to Sweet Apple, Ohio, to kiss one lucky member of his fan club as a final publicity stunt before he heads to the army. Eric Rapinchuck is Ed Sullivan, host of the nation’s most popular TV variety show, where the kiss will be televised.

Danny Gould plays Hugo Peabody, the new steady boyfriend of Kim MacAfee, who isn’t overjoyed about his girlfriend’s big kiss. Kyle Hauge plays Mr. MacAfee, Kim’s proud father, and Stephanie Roca is Rosie Alvarez, the sassy secretary and longtime girlfriend of Albert Peterson, Conrad Birdie’s press agent.

Other Evergreen residents appearing in the production in supporting roles include Tabitha Ahearn, Nicolas Bonnin, Becky Chien, Davelyn Couch, Amanda Buzikowski, Erin Hopper, Christina Johnson, Christina Koral, Olivia Malik, Vanessa Miranda, Sarah Munoz, Michael Navarro, Ailea Merriam-Pigg, Kendra Pounds, Angelica Rocha, Alicia Ruble, Allison Rodriguez, Tara Rodriguez, Sara Segal, Danielle Steinberg, Joshua Steinberg, Rachel Steinberg, Jenna Wetzel, Eric Wetzel, Brittany Watts and Julia Wiggin.

The 1960’s Broadway classic features a talented cast of young performers ages 10 to 14. CMT’s production promises stylish, bright ’50s costumes, creative set designs, and fun production numbers, including “Telephone Hour,” “Put on a Happy Face” and “Got a Lot of Livin’ to Do!”

The Rising Stars production is directed by CMT veteran Ian Leonard and choreographed by artist-in-residence, Shannon Self.

“Bye Bye Birdie” is a perfect fit for our Rising Stars performers in that it highlights so many of their natural strengths but still gives us room to demand even more from them,” says Leonard.  “I knew that ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ would be fun, but I was unprepared for how distinct and unique these young performers would make it.  This will be a production to remember.”

CMT is proud to announce a year-long sponsorship from the Target Corporation. The first Saturday matinee of each 2004-05 production will be a Target Family Matinee with all Rising Stars prices fixed at $7.25. The Target® Family Matinee for “Bye Bye Birdie” will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 16. Tickets for the rest of the shows are $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under.

Children’s Musical Theater San Jose recently received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for Access to Artistic excellence. This prestigious project grant will be used to produce their upcoming Mainstage production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” later this summer, July 29 – Aug. 7.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please 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 Avenue at Meridian, San Jose, Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. or at the Montgomery Theater on the corner of Market and San Carlos streets one hour prior to performances.