May 2, 2004

Budding Willow Glen stars to appear in ‘Cinderella’

Twelve budding stars from the Willow Glen area will perform in the Children’s Musical Theater San Jose’s Rising Stars production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” The musical features Mimi Robinson as one of the stepsisters.

The production, scheduled for May 6-9 at the Montgomery Theater, corner of Market and San Carlos streets in downtown San Jose, will offer seven performances; three have already sold out. Other actors from Willow Glen include: Mackenzie McLemore and Maria Lesieutre as two of the Fairy Godmother’s fellow fairies; Clara Blickenstaff and Rachel Pavone as mice who become horses; Austin Deeter as a member of the palace staff; Kyle Aberg and Jenna Hernandez as royal dancers; Emma Blickenstaff and Sabrina Whang as members of the royal court; Shannon Cassidy as a palace servant; and Dylan Keese as a townsperson.

“Cinderella” is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s magical made-for-TV-musical. It was first seen as a live broadcast in March 1957. The movie was so popular it was remade twice, in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren and most recently in 1997 starring Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother.

CMT alumnus Dave Sanchez makes his directorial debut with the current production, aided by choreographer Shannon Self and musical director Tina Paulson. The show features a cast of 80 8- to13-year-olds. Sanchez has added ensemble roles such as dancing servants and fairies to give every child an opportunity to shine on stage.
Tickets are on sale for $15 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under.

They are still available for the following performances: Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 8 at noon and 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 9 at 1 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the CMTSJ Web site at www.cmtsj.org or phone the CMT Box Office at.288-5437. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the CMT Box Office, 1401 Parkmoor Avenue (at Meridian), San Jose, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. or the Montgomery Theater one hour prior to performances.