July 12, 2007

CMT Mainstage to present ‘Leader of the Pack’

Summer production to be held at San Jose Repertory Theatre

CMT Mainstage will present “Leader of the Pack” July 27 through Aug. 5 at the San Jose Repertory Theatre.

The play promises to be the exciting high-energy theatrical experience of CMT’s summer series. Featuring over 26 grand scale production numbers, this Broadway musical tells the story of Ellie Greenwich, one of the leading songwriters of the 60s and 70s.

Though not the most well known name in the history of rock and roll, Greenwich is responsible for several of the era’s biggest hits including “Be My Baby,” “Da Doo Ron Ron,” “Hanky Panky” and the title track. Directed and choreographed by CMT Artistic Director Kevin Hauge, the production is sure to impress audiences young and old with the unsurpassable talent of CMT’s Mainstage performers (ages 14–20) as well as the high-production qualities, which include a full-stage, revolve and the largest multimedia screen in CMT history.

CMT is honored to be performing at the San Jose Repertory Theatre and has opened its doors for the second year to CMT because its normal venue, the Montgomery Theater, is located within the race track for the San Jose Grand Prix taking place during the play’s run.

Last season’s production of “Side Show” at the Rep eased the theater-going experience for its patrons during the busy race weekend. San Jose Rep is located outside the racetrack perimeter and its central location makes it easy for theater patrons to use public transportation or park nearby. CMT anticipates its second year at the Rep as enjoyable an experience, offering its performers a chance to perform in a professional venue, certain to raise the level of performance even higher.

CMT is proud to be the recipient of ongoing sponsorship from the Target® Corporation. The first Saturday matinee of each 2006–2007 production will be a Target® Family Matinee with all prices fixed at $9.50. The “Leader of the Pack” Target® Family Matinee is Saturday, July 28 at 2 p.m.

Performances are scheduled for July 27, Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 at 7 p.m.; July 28 and Aug. 4 at 2 and 7 p.m.; July 29 at 1 and 6 p.m.; and Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. 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 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. or at the San Jose Repertory Theatre, one hour prior to performances. They are priced at $19 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under. A special Target® Family Matinee performance is Saturday, July 28 at 2 p.m., with all tickets $9.50.

CMT’s Mainstage production of “Leader of the Pack” is supported, in part, by a grant from the city of San Jose.
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose has grown to become the premiere theater company for youth in the nation, providing performance and training opportunities for more than 1000 children each year. The company has been recognized four times by the National Endowment for the Arts for Access to Artistic Excellence.