Video: “Cats” at Hollywood Pantages Theatre – Thrives after many lives!

The Hollywood Pantages production of “Cats” brings the gorgeous music of Andrew Lloyd Webber to a new generation. Ever since that first performance in May 1981, Cats has been enthralling audiences around the world and has become one of the most successful shows ever written. In 1983, “Cats” won a Tony Award in several categories, including Best Musical, “Cats” is based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot. It is a playful portrayal of feline characters of the Jellicle Cats, a tribe of cats on the eve of their annual ball. As they tell their stories they await the choosing of the one cat by their leader, Old Deuteronomy. The chosen cat will ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. Who will the chosen one be?

The Jellicle cats include Phillip Deceus as “Alonzo,” McGee Maddox as “Bill Bailey/Rum Tum Tugger,” Lexie Plath as “Bombalurina,” Mariah Reives as “Cassandra,” PJ DiGaetano as “Coricopat,” Liz Schmitz as “Demeter,” Keri René Fuller as “Grizabella,” Kaitlyn Davidson as “Jellylorum,” Emily Jeanne Phillips as “Jennyanydots,” Tion Gaston as “Mistoffelees,” Tony d’Alelio as “Mungojerrie,” Dan Hoy as “Munkustrap,” Timothy Gulan as “Peter/Bustopher Jones/Asparagus,” Tyler John Logan as “Plato/Macavity,” Anthony Michael Zas as “Pouncival,” Rose Iannaccone as “Rumpelteazer,” Ahren Victory as “Sillabub,” Ethan Saviet as “Skimbleshanks,” Halli Toland as “Tantomile,” Devin Neilson as “Tumblebrutus,” Brandon Michael Nase as “Victor/Old Deuteronomy,” Caitlin Bond as “Victoria,” along with Zachary S. Berger, Nicholas Burrage, Erin Chupinsky, Maria Failla, Justin W. Geiss, Laura Katherine Kaufman, Charlotte O’Dowd, Adam Richardson, Tricia Tanguy, and Andy Zimmermann.

The show begins with a fantastic sci-fi’ish spaceship illuminating lights center stage. A brilliant opening conceived and executed by Trevor Nunn (Director), John Napier (Scenic & Costume Designer), Natasha Katz (Lighting Designer) and Mick Potter (Sound Designer). It sets the stage for a mystical exploration of the lives of the colorful and eccentric Jellicle tribe.

I loved what choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler brought to the production — updated moves with excellent performances by the dancers. Gillian Lynne, (1926-2018) the original choreographer is the first non-royal woman to have a London theatre named after her: the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Her legacy includes the Laurence Olivier Awards 1981 – Musical of the Year (“Cats”) and Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Musicals and a Tony Nomination for “The Phantom of the Opera.” A memorable Caitlin Bond (Victoria), a pure white innocent feline is wonderful in “Invitation to the Jellicle Ball.” Keri Rene’ Fuller plays Grizabella and succeeds in making the role her own. Her portrayal of the once young and glamorous feline now old and rejected by the tribe is excellent. She performs the infamous song, “Memory” with depth and emotion that evokes the sadness of the character.

Since its world premiere, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages, and has been seen by more than 73 million people worldwide. Originally directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography and associate direction by Gillian Lynne, scenic and costume design by John Napier, lighting design by David Hersey, and sound design by Abe Jacob, CATS opened in the West End in 1981. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1982 where it won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album. CATS hit song “Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. The original Broadway production closed on September 10, 2000 and is currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history.

Cats is recommended for ages 5 and up. Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre. All patrons must have a ticket, regardless of age.

For more information on Hollywood Pantages Theatre, visit HollywoodPantages.com, Facebook.com/PantagesTheatre and Twitter.com/Pantages.

Runs through March 24, 2019.

This performance was opening night on February 27, 2019.

HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES THEATRE

6233 Hollywood Boulevard

Los Angeles, 90028

Corner of Hollywood and Vine

Tickets Here