May 1, 2008

Disney’s ‘Mulan’ is center stage at CMT

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

Everyone loves a heroine, and Disney does these stories best. That’s why the Children’s Musical Theater decided to present “Mulan” featuring Almaden’s Shannon Haley in the title role and Ryan Ballard as Captain Shang.

CMT’s production of Disney’s “Mulan” features Shannon Haley in the title role and Lawrence Zhou as Captain Shang. Pictured above: The cast of CMT’s “Mulan” in full costume rehearsals. Photo by Chris Ayers

“I am so excited to direct ‘Mulan.’ The potential for visual imagery, to paint beautiful pictures on stage,” said Children’s Musical Theater [CMT] Director Karen Altree Piemme. “Most [people] are familiar with ‘Mulan’ because of the Disney production but so much is new material. There is more music to this fairly new adaptation to the stage. To a direct a story that most people have seen that gives creative license and that is a great gift.

“I love the level of enthusiasm the kids bring. For some it’s the first time performing, for others they have dozens of performances on their resumes. Their enthusiasm is infectious,” added Piemme.

She is excited about CMT’s environment where the young kids learn from the older more experienced children and develop a wonderful camaraderie. CMT casts everyone who additions, finding their strengths so they will succeed.

And they do succeed. Shannon Haley, a seventh grader at Bret Harte Middle School, is only 12, but she’s a seasoned performer with 10 CMT productions including “Annie Warbucks,” “Once on This Island” and “Sleeping Beauty” as well as work with the Tabard Theater Company and others.

“I love ‘Mulan,’” said Haley. “Everything about the musical is over the top. Ms. Piemme directed me in ‘Jungle Book.’ I like her because she has us think about the character’s background. And the costumes are really pretty.”

Haley portrays duel characters in the title role “Mulan” and as a soldier when she takes her ill father’s place to fight a war. Her ancestors send a dragon to stop her but the beast eventually joins her quest and they become victorious. When Haley isn’t acting she enjoys playing the piano, writing songs, and hanging out with friends.

Castillero Middle School seventh grader Ryan Ballard plays Captain Shang and a soldier in both the casts of CMT’s “Mulan.” The duel role may be difficult for some but not for Ballard who has performed in10 CMT productions. Some of his favorite roles include Troy Bolton and Charlie Brown and he recently played The Cat in “Seussical” at Castillero. He also enjoys playing the piano, songwriting and visiting with friends.

“‘Mulan’s’ Captain Shang is one of my most fun roles,” said Ballard. “He’s a really powerful character. Ms. Piemme is really good at giving advice about technique and stage presence.”

CMT’s production of Disney’s “Mulan” features more than 100 young performers, aged 8 to 13. Other Almaden youth cast in leading roles include Jenny Barretto as Ancestor, Ryan Ferro as Ling, Caroline Ledna as Ancestor, Kian Martin as Yao, Brandon Moore as Chi Fu, and Nickey Noorian as Ancestor.  Ten other Almaden students are cast in supporting and ensemble roles.

CMT’s “Mulan” junior performance schedule is Thursday and Friday, May 1-2 at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 3 at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 4 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $17 adults and $14 for children 12 and under. All seats for the matinee performance sponsored by Target on May 3 at noon are $9.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cmtsj.org or call (408) 288-5437. Tickets may be purchased in person at the ticket services office at American Musical Theater San Jose, 1717 Technology Drive, San Jose Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at the Montgomery Theater, one hour prior to performances.