With a pitter patter, crash, and clatter Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed musical Cats burst onto the Civic’s stage last night to thunderous applause. The show struck a chord with audiences new and old alike, having undergone a fairly substantial nip and tuck for the 2015 which breathed new life into one of the West End’s longest running musicals.
Based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Cats the musical introduces the audience to the Jellicles, a tribe of cats, on the eve of the Jellicle Ball- an occasion where their leader Deuteronomy will choose the cat who will be reborn into a new life. Rum Tum Tugger has received the biggest overhaul in this new production, no spoilers here but don’t expect this to be the Tugger you know! Dominique Hamilton and Brent Osbourne showed excellent chemistry in their roles as partners in crime Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie, while Ross Hannaford turned in a particularly memorable performance in the role of Skimbleshanks.
Without exception though, it was, as ever, the roles of Grizabella and Old Deuteronomy which drew the most praise; rendered expertly here by Sophia Ragavelas and Jason Wasley respectively.
Despite the tweaks, this performance remained true to Webber’s air of mischief and wonder. The dancers were on par with any previous company, full of feline grace and unbelievable control. This may not be be quite the Cats you remember, but it is fantastical, magical, mischievous and wonderful all the same. Go see it.
Ed.
Cats the Musical runs in Auckland’s Civic theatre from September 11. For ticketing information visit: http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/Cats-tickets/artist/843992
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