By Richard Pacheco
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats”
has been a perennial favorite of audiences since it opened in 1981, when it
opened at the New London Theatre, then moved to its NYC production at the
Winter Harden Theatre in 1982. It is now the second show at Bill Haney’s
Theatre by the Sea for their 80th season and will no doubt prove
still a solid favorite sparked by some luscious singing and fine performances.
What little story there is revolves around the meeting of the Jellicoe Cats who
get together for their junkyard ball annually to decide which cat will be
reborn. The show won seven Tony awards in 1983 including Best Musical and Best
Score for composer Sir Andrew. It was based on T.S. Elliot’s “Old Possum’s Book
of Practical Cats” and has no spoken dialogue in it. It has been translated
into 20 languages and played worldwide. It ended its run in the US
after 18 years and 7,485 performances.
It is a delightful accumulation of
vignettes, with no real story or plot behind it. It is sheer entertainment, flashy, splashy
and fun. The multitude of feline characters gets their moment to prance their
stuff throughout in their nighttime celebration. The cast is energetic and
talented, singing in harmony in the ensemble numbers with skill and verve. The
show opens with the energetic and splashy ensemble number, “Jellicoe Songs”
which the cast delivers with fire and skill. The show focuses on various cats
as they cavort in their night celebration. Each of the cast members has their moment
to shine from the crowd and make the most of it. With each new episode it
builds towards that moment when one of the cats will been reborn, and ascend to
their new lives in grand style.
It is Grizabella, played by Katy
Blake with poise and finesse. She sings “Grizabella, The Glamour Cat” with
skill and assurance. When she sings the
most famous song from the show, “Memory” later on, she delivers a lyrical,
haunting version that is unforgettable.
The patriarch of the feline
gathering is Old Deuteronomy, well played by Peter Adams. Old Deuteronomy
guides and leads the other cats with a world knowledge and experience the other
respect. He is a large old cat who has lived many lives and Mr. Adams makes the
most of the role. He has a strong voice and sings with passion.
Another standout cat is magical
Mistofelees played with raw energy by Craig Donnelly. His dancing is
deft and amazing, one of the highlights of the evening’s choreography, full of
sass and style, simply dazzling.
“Mugojerrie and Rumpleteezer” sung
by Sharrod Williams and Hilary Porter is a merry fun filled romp abut two
mischievous cats who like take things and deliver some fun antics with their
dancing and singing.
Chris Stevens struts his stuff as
rock and roller Rum Tum Tugger” and shines in his song which he punctuates with
plenty of rock and roll bumps and grinds. Ian Parmenter shines as the
musical’s emcee, Munkustrap with zesty energy and flair.
“Macavity” sung by Jeremy Benussan
(as Macavity), Rachel Boone (as Demeter),
Blayne Gregg-Miller (as Bombalorina) and Ian Parmenter ( Munkustrap) delight in
the tale of the mysterious criminal master mind cat, Macavity. Whenever you get
to the scene of the crime, Macavity’s not there. It is winsome and fun. Lucy Horton as Jellyorum and Felipe Barbosa
Bombonato as Asparagus are pure delight singing in “Gus: The Theatre Cat” with
vibrant voices and deft moves.
There are more musical treat galore
in the show which is more spectacle than anything, but enjoyable fun.
Director choreographer Richard
Stafford keeps the cast on their toes, managing to squeeze some often deft
dancing in the limiting space.
Musical Director Milton Granger
keeps everything on the mark, with enthusiastic and energetic musical
directions. He gets the best out of the ensemble songs, rich energetic and
fun.
I have seen the show twice before,
once in NYC and then again with the national touring company in Boston.
The stage at Theatre By the Sea is smaller than either of the other theaters
and they make good use of it although it does limit them somewhat. For example
in the other productions there is a large tire which is prominent in the set
which is not here in this production. Scenic designer Anthony R. Phelps manages
his way around stage size limitations deftly, creating multiple heights for the
various parts of the stage and evoking a junkyard setting.
The costumes by the Kansas Costume
Company are delightful and close to the original Broadway costumes. They show a
flair for fantasy and playfulness with feline overtones.
The sound and lighting in this show
have a particular impact towards enhancing the overall mood and flavor. The
lighting design by Bailey Costa does the job really well. The sound by Leon
Rothenberg is rich and vivid.
"Cats" (19 June - 13 July)
364 Card
Pond Road, Matunuck, RI
(401) 782-8587
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