The cast of Cats photo by Michael Lamont
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats is the second longest running Broadway show with 7,485 performances. Although billed as “Now and Forever,” it did finally come to a close in 2000 and there has been no Broadway revival, as of yet. Recently regional theatres in Southern California have started to produce the show—Moonlight Stage in Vista, San Diego Musical Theatre and now the La Mirada Theatre. I had not seen the show since a 1986 tour at the Shubert Theatre in Century Theatre. At the urging of a young friend who had never seen it, I ventured into the furry feline fantasyland once more. I am happy to report no hairballs were detected.
Todrick Hall as Rum Tum Tugger photo by Michael Lamont
The show consists of Lloyd Webber’s varied musical styles—jazz to classical, rock to pop–applied to poems by T.S. Elliot from his “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” The Elliott estate forbade the writing of a script; the only text allowed was the poems. An exception was made for “Memory,” with lyrics by director Trevor Nunn, and it turned out to be the song most associated with the musical. The show is basically without a plot; a bunch of cats gather and anoint one of their own to be reborn. Dance, originally choreographed by Gillian Lynne, was a major part of the show, along with a great light show.
The tech at La Mirada is first class starting with John Glaudini’s musical direction of the 14 member pit band, immensely aided by John Bessom’s sterling sound design. Jean-Yves Tessier’s lighting design would be the envy of any touring rock star. Dana Solimando directed and choreographed and assembled an amazingly talented troupe of performers.
Daniel Dawson as Shimbleshanks photo by Michael Lamont
I had forgotten how athletic the dancing was in this show–somersaults, backflips, cartwheels, stupendous lifts and much more. The cast of 22 stay on their toes, or paws, throughout, delivering one astounding dance routine after another. Dane Wagner is one of the standout performers with his amazing spins as Mistoffelees. Daniel Dawson as Shimbleshanks, Steven Agdeppa as Mungojerrie and Hannah Jean Simmons as Rumpleteazer also stood out with their
terpsichorean skills.
Kelli Provart as Grizabella photo by Michael Lamont
The role of Grizabella is relatively small but Kelli Provart knocked “Memory” out of the park. Also vocally impressive were Clent Bowers as Old Deuteronomy, Madison Mitchell as Griddlebone and Todrick Hall as Rum Tum Tugger. The choral work by the company was angelic in nature, especially befitting for an Easter Sunday matinee.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd in La Mirada. Ends May 11. 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or www.lamiradatheatre.com
(see more reviews in the Rob Stevens’ Archives)