CMT San Jose to Stage THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

Children's Musical Theater San Jose (CMTSJ), a nationally acclaimed theater company honored 10 times by the NEA and the oldest operating performing arts organization in San Jose now in its 49th year, presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, the first 2017 show of the current Mainstage series.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, directed by CMTSJ Artistic Director Kevin Hauge who is celebrating his 21th season with the organization, runs March 3-12 at the historic Montgomery Theater (271 Market Street, downtown San Jose). Tickets for Spelling Bee, ranging in price from $ 18-20, go on sale January 20 at www.cmtsj.org or by calling 408-288-5437.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced, riotous show with a quirky cast, a fresh score, and even audience participation! This production brings the competition to the stage, as six eclectic students compete for the coveted title while sharing their hysterical and moving personal stories. Whether you're an abecedarian, a dilettante or a connoisseur, you'll leave this contest a winner.

A special feature of this production will be local city officials and celebrities stepping in as guest spellers-complete list to be announced soon, check website for updates.

CMTSJ, a nationally acclaimed theater company, 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. CMTSJ 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 CMTSJ from all other similar theater organizations is their commitment that "Every child who auditions for CMTSJ participates."

Each year CMTSJ 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 CMTSJ 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. CMTSJ 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.

The two annual Marquee Productions which feature a cast of CMTSJ alumni as well as many working actors from the Bay Area, have become a CMTSJ tradition, highlighting the company's full artistic potential with high-caliber professional level entertainment.

With the casting commitment of CMTSJ, Mainstage shows feature multiple casts, which rotate during the run of the show. The 2 casts of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee feature nearly 90 South Bay youth, aged 14-20.

The performance schedule for CMTSJ's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee playing March 3-12 at The Montgomery Theatre (271 Market Street in San Jose) is: Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 4 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 5 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 11 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 12 at 1 p.m. There are also two special student matinees presented on Fridays March 3 and March 10 at 10:00 am. For tickets and more information, visit www.cmtsj.org.

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.