Marquee Productions presents SWEENEY TODD

Marquee Productions will present the Tony Award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street April 21-30 at the historic Montgomery Theater (271 Market Street, downtown San Jose). Marquee Productions, a division of CMT San Jose-the longest thriving arts organization in Silicon Valley-made its debut in 2005 with a goal to re-engage CMT alumni performers, who donate their performance time as a benefit to the organization. Now in its 49th year, CMT (Children's Musical Theatre San Jose) is the oldest performing arts organization in San Jose. Through musical theater, CMT educates and trains today's youth to become the artists, patrons, and citizens of tomorrow. Tickets are on sale at www.cmtsj.org or by calling 408-288-5437.

CMT delves into the infamous and disturbing world of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with direction by Artistic Director Kevin Hauge. A bold choice for CMT, Sweeney Todd, a musical thriller with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, is based on a play and characters from serialized Victorian "penny dreadful" stories. This twisted tale unfolds in Victorian-era London as Sweeney Todd returns after 15 years of exile in order to take revenge on the corrupt judge, who banished him, by conspiring with a local baker, Mrs. Lovett, who is in desperate need of fresh meat for her pies. His thirst for blood soon expands to include the whole human race and, with the help of the equally maniacal Mrs. Lovett, he finds his road to revenge. With a lush and operatic score, a darkly comedic plot and chilling visuals, this production will both shock and thrill. Rating: PG-13

The two annual Marquee Productions that feature a cast of CMT alumni as well as many working actors from the Bay Area have become a CMT tradition, highlighting the company's full artistic potential with high-caliber professional-level entertainment. Popular Bay Area actor Mark Martinez, recently seen in 1776 at The Lesher Center of Performing Arts for Contra Costa Musical Theatre, will play Sweeney Todd. CMT perennial favorite Kristen Hermosillo, who will play Mrs. Lovett, has performed in over 20 CMT Mainstage and Marquee productions. Full cast for Sweeney Todd to be announced soon online at cmtsj.org

The Performance schedule for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street playing April 21-30 at The Montgomery Theatre (271 Market Street in San Jose) is:

• Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 23 at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.
• Thursday, April 27 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 29 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 30 at 1 p.m.

There is also a special student matinee presented on Friday April 21 at 10:00 am.
For tickets and more information, please visit www.cmtsj.org.

About Artistic Director Kevin Hauge
In his 21st season as Artistic Director at CMT, Kevin has led the nation's premier theater company for youth in taking on increasingly challenging and professional-quality productions. His innovative approach to productions includes incorporating modern techniques and technology, culminating in recognition of artistic excellence from the National Endowment for the Arts for nine consecutive years. A recipient of the prestigious Lin Wright Special Recognition Award by the American Alliance for Theater and Education, he's been the guest speaker at the International Association of Theater Educators Conference in Washington D.C., and the Education and Technology conference in New York City. Kevin has collaborated on productions in a variety of venues all over the world. He's staged ice shows, magic shows, musical revues, industrial shows, corporate parties, television specials and book musicals for a variety of companies, including Tropworld (Atlantic City), Harrah's (Reno), Six Flags Parks (nationwide), and Royal Viking Cruise Lines (worldwide). Some of the unique productions Kevin has worked on include You're in the Movies (MGM Grand) in Las Vegas, World of Wonders (Everland) in Seoul, South Korea, and a special Easter Celebration (The White House) in Washington D.C. Kevin has appeared several times as a guest artist with the San Jose Symphony, and has served on the Exhibits Committee at the Tech Museum of Innovation.

About CMT San Jose
CMT (Children's Musical Theatre), a nationally acclaimed theater organization honored 10 times by the NEA and the oldest performing arts organization in San Jose, is celebrating its 49th year. A key provider of life building opportunities for youth in Silicon Valley, CMT remains committed to its mission to train and educate today's youth through musical theater to set and achieve high artistic and personal goals and to inspire them to become exemplary artists, patrons and citizens of tomorrow. Inclusiveness and quality are the two touchstones of CMT's vision. CMT is 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 promise never turn a child away, regardless of financial or physical limitations.

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