CATS performing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through March 24, 2019
Showtime 2 hours and 20 minutes
This renown musical is known for its catchy songs, wild costumes and even crazier imagination. CATS is one of Broadway’s most recognizable classics. The musical is based on a book of poems by T.S Eliot, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The book is a series of poems about a clan of magical cats and their annual ball. T.S. Eliot describes each cat in very entertaining verses and stories which translated perfectly to the musical. CATS is for every age. Even dog lovers can find something to adore in the musical. CATS has one of the most insanely creative soundtracks known on Broadway. It is definitely one of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpieces. Cats has literally everything in it. A theater lover’s dream – amazing set, comedy, incredible acting, powerful singing, and dancing. And above all, it has a beautiful moral. It’s so much fun and a lesson for young ones, about what makes a family, acceptance of others and honoring the older generations among us.
I have had songs from CATS stuck in my head since I was six. I have been in the show twice, and know the musical by heart. Maybe that’s why I love it so much. CATS celebrates every character in the show and is truly an ensemble musical. There is no lead which I find awesome because it’s so hard to pull off. And most important the cast is a family! The musical has been in my life for so long that seeing it at the Pantages exceeded all of my expectations. I was mouthing all the lyrics the entire time probably annoying everyone in my row. I laughed, and cried, and most likely was the first person to start clapping after every song. My favorite characters in the musical are Asparagus, The Theater Cat and Grizabella, so of course my mom and I were excited every time those two came out on stage. Asparagus is an old cat who was a famous actor when he was young. He gets a chance to relive his glory days on stage again. Grizabella is an old glamour cat who is shun by every one and sings Memory, one of the most famous songs on Broadway. Younger kids would really enjoy the magical Mr. Mistoffelees, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, and Jennyanydots. After the show your whole family will be asking, “Which cat are you?”
The performers in Cats were unbelievably talented. They were fantastic! They had so much joy performing for us. It’s clear that they are doing what they love. Keri René Fuller, who played Grizabella, blew us away with her powerful vocals singing Memory. ion Gatson (Mr. Mistoffelees) was incredible with his beautiful dancing. Mr. Mistoffelees “conjuring turns” are famous for a reason.
The musical makes you forget your worries and troubles. It’s simply a very entertaining show. You are an audience, watching a bunch of cats have the night of their lives at the Jellicle Ball. You do not have to be a particular age to understand it. It’s a great show for the whole family. I recommend parents read the poems to the younger children or at least explain a little bit about the different characters to them before the show so that they look forward to seeing their favorite cat. I love CATS for the crazy explosion of uniqueness and can’t wait to see it again.
Photo by: Matthew Murphy
