Saturday 17 January 2015

Review of CATS The Musical at MasterCard Theatres


The musical CATS by Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most successful musicals in the 1980s.   Based on the T.S. Eliot's “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”, CATS was about a tribe of Jellicle Cats who met one evening and had to convince Old Deuteronomy that they were deserving to go to Heaviside Layer to be reborn.

As a musical, CATS does not have a strong narrative, but more a collection of musical numbers.  It is thus weaker in plot and rely more on the songs and the strength of the cast.

The ensemble cast surely did not disappoint. Formed for this tour which started in Korea last May, we saw a dedicated and enthusiastic team of singers and dancers, and their energy level rubbed on the audience.

Notable performances came from Earl Gregory (Rum Rum Tugger), Richard Woodfod (Gus), Christopher Favaloro (Mr Mistoffelees) and Martin Croft (Old Deuteronomy).   While Erin Cornell, as Grizabella, sang the main song "Memory" well, she looked too young for the part and did not convey the feeling of a down and out old cat to the audience.

Overall it was an enjoyable performance, the strength of the cast overshadowed the plot.  Cats will always remain a milestone in musical history - catch it for its historical significance.




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