New artistic director for Children's Musical Theater steps into big role

"Alvaro's directed lots of shows before, but this is one of CMT San Jose's Marquee Productions - a fundraiser that includes working actors and CMT alumni in the cast. While the season started with two shows last month, this one will likely draw a wider audience and put Alvaro in a bigger spotlight as the person who took over for Kevin Hauge, who retired this spring after 30 seasons in the role."

""He was my mentor for so many years, directing and choreographing my own shows," said Alvaro, 45. "It's been glorious being in this spot because I can really appreciate the kind of artistic excellence he held at every level. It has really felt like I have inherited a really amazing opportunity, and I can appreciate every single second of it.""

"Alvaro's career has woven together education and regional theater. He served as associate artistic director at Virginia Repertory Theatre from 2017-21 and most recently as an associate professor of musical theater at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. His CMT credentials include directing or choreographing "Once on this Island," "The Drowsy Chaperone" and "Avenue Q," as well as serving as an associate director or choreographer on several other shows and working in similar roles with Bay Area companies like TheatreWorks Silicon Valley."

Kikau Alvaro is the new artistic director of Children's Musical Theater of San Jose and is directing the Marquee Production Finding Neverland. The Marquee Production is a fundraiser that includes working actors and CMT alumni and will likely draw a wider audience after the season began with two shows. Alvaro succeeded Kevin Hauge, who retired after 30 seasons, and finds Hauge’s national reputation in youth theater inspiring rather than intimidating. Alvaro’s background combines education and regional theater, including roles at Virginia Repertory Theatre and the University of the Arts, plus multiple CMT directing and choreography credits. Alvaro plans to honor longstanding traditions while adopting new initiatives such as a Creative Arts Center open house.

Read at The Mercury News