13 the Musical

The anthem to our CMT Rising Stars—13 the Musical is a hilarious coming-of-age musical about the struggle to navigate this complicated time of life. On the eve of his bar mitzvah, Evan Goldman is yanked from his city life in New York and relocated to a Midwestern small town where he has to face the twin hurdles of starting a new school and making new friends—the right friends. Every decision feels like life or death. Every move is scrutinized. The smallest mistake could mean a lifetime outside of the inner circle! But… is that what Evan really wants? The high-energy pop rock score, the wit and humor of this show will speak to the precocious tween in all of us!

Leandra Saenz

Leandra Saenz

Artistic Team

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Leandra is excited to be back working for CMT San Jose after choreographing Alice in Wonderland last year. She has been teaching dance (jazz, tap, acrobatics and musical theater) and choreographing for over 20 years at bay area dance studios and elementary schools.

Having directed and/or choreographed such shows as Honk, The Wizard of Oz and Seussical she is thrilled about the opportunity to work with the junior talents on a new show for CMT. Her actual degree from Santa Clara University is in Biology. She has studied dance with many respected bay area dance teachers as well as completing the American Musical Theater of San Jose’s Artists Institute program.

Favorite past performing credits include Bay Area productions of Annie (Hannigan), Gypsy (Electra), Dames at Sea (Ruby), Anything Goes (Bonnie), Cabaret (Kit Kat Girl) and most recently being a a part of the Marquee productions of Mary Poppins, Little Mermaid and Billy Elliot.

Sharon Kimont

Sharon Kimont

Artistic Team

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Sharon began her association with CMT San Jose back when the boy she was dating invited her to a watch a rehearsal he had to go to in a drafty old warehouse. She was soon won over by the fun, friends and great shows. She has performed as a Mainstage and Marquee performer, and has choreographed for both Rising Stars and Mainstage shows.

Previous collaborations at CMT include Tommy, My Fair Lady, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Side Show, Big, Footloose, and Lil’ Abner. She spent some time away from CMT to focus on work and family, but was excited to bring her girls—Riley and Ainsley—back to audition as soon as they were old enough! This summer the entire Kimont family including that boy she was dating so many years ago will be working on a CMT production!

Kasayla Jones

Kasayla Jones

Vocal & Musical Director

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Kasayla Jones is a lifelong CMT San Jose performer and started her journey here with studio classes. Since then she has performed in a number of shows and recently started her venture as teacher as a vocal instructor at Camp CMT. She is very excited to help the performers begin their artistic endeavors here at CMT as it has helped shaped her as the artist she is today!