CMT MAINSTAGE PRESENTS CATS

New York Director Leads Cast of Dedicated Felines

SAN JOSE , CA – (May 1, 2007) CMT Mainstage presents CATS playing 2 weeks, March 11 - 20, 2007.  All performances will be held at the Montgomery Theater, downtown San Jose (corner of Market and San Carlos streets).  Tickets are now on sale at www.cmtsj.org or by calling 408.288.5437 - $19 adults, $14 children 12 and under.  Special Target® Family Matinee performance Saturday, May 12 at 2pm, all tickets $9.50.

                Featuring a single cast of talented 14-20 year-old performers, CATS promises to be the dance extravaganza of CMT’s 39^th season. CATS is directed and choreographed by Jacob Brent, known for his portrayal of the magical Mr. Mistoffelees in the Broadway, London and Video productions of CATS – the only actor able to make such a claim. Since finishing his work with these professional companies, Mr. Brent has continued to work on and off Broadway as well as in London as an actor, director and choreographer, often with youth organizations. When he heard that CMT was searching for a director/choreographer who was familiar with the material, he jumped at the idea of working with Children’s Musical Theater San Jose.  "Not only am I impressed by the level of talent, but the enthusiasm and determination of these kids to recreate the original choreography has been amazing. CATS is one of the hardest shows to perform and these kids have stepped up to the challenge.  I'm so impressed with not only the kids but with the parents and staff of this organization.  San Jose is truly lucky to have a program like CMT", says Brent.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and Other Poems, the musical CATS was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar) for the London Stage in 1981. The musical hit Broadway the following year, earning 8 Tony awards including Best Musical. Comprised entirely of singing and dancing, CATS tells the story of many jellical cats who once a year gather to honor one single feline who is chosen to ascend to the “Heavyside Layer”.  Considered one of the most popular musicals of all time, CATS has been performed around the world and translated into more than 20 languages.  

CMT is proud to renew their 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 CATS Target® Family Matinee will be Saturday, May 12 at 2pm.  

Performance schedule: 5/11at 7 pm; 5/12 at 2 pm & 7 pm; 5/13 at 1 pm & 6 pm; 5/17 at 7 pm; 5/18 at 7 pm; 5/19 at 2 pm & 7 pm; 5/20 at 1 pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, please 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 am – 5 pm or at the Montgomery Theater, one hour prior to performances. CMT’s Mainstage production of CATS is supported, in part, by a grant from the City of San Jose .