CATS
January 30, 2008
CATS the monster moggie musical returns to Newcastle where it still holds the record for the longest running show at the Theatre Royal. But this time its here for three weeks only, when it last played the Theatre around 15 years ago it took up residence for a good couple of months
Although not having a story line as such Andrew Lloyd Webber has taken T.S. Elliots Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and combined these with his music. The most famous combination is, of course, Memory which has been recorded many times and become a signature tune for Elaine Paige, who appeared in the original London production.
Its interesting to wonder what would have happened if Dame Judi Dench who was due to sing the song until an accident forced her out of the shows rehearsals had actually made it to opening night. Would theatrical musical history be a bit different? We will never know.
Despite the show having been arounf for almost 30 years it is a credit to the original cast of CATS Paul Nicolas, Wayne Sleep, Bonnie Langford and Elaine Paige that it is still immediately recognisable which parts they created.
Set in a rubbish dump on a special night of the year when Jellicle CATS unite, slowly emerging from the darkness to celebrate who they are. The actors move as CATS acting at first suspiciously but relaxing as they enter into the Naming of Cats, where they reveal a cat has three names, the first being the family every day name, the second a more dignified one and finally a special secret name. The movement of the cast to resemble cats is something to behold
Keeping a watchful eye on all proceedings is Old Deuteronomy, the father to many of the cats. As each scene progress we witness many styles of song and dance, from ballet to tap and torch song to music hall. But at all times the choreography originally by Gillan Lynne is faultless with the young cast prowling like cats around the stage. Each cat has its own time in the spot light including Rum Tum Tugger, Grizabella, Macavity , Bustopher Jones and the magical Mr Mistoffelees. Each has their own story to tell, some sad, others mischievous, just like cats themselves.
This is a full blown first class touring productions which captivates the audience from the moment the CATS enter the auditorium.
This is a real feline good musical, that will no doubt be around for a long time yet
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