The Jellicle felines of Cats made the Music Circus purr, Tuesday night.
The dark theater glowed green cat eyes as the 24-person cast filled the small round stage of the Music Circus to sing “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats.”
Although the musical has no set storyline,the situations flowed perfectly into one another.
Director and choreographer Richard Stafford created a thrilling musical piece full of lifelike mannerisms and situations that any cat lover would understand, any dog lover would appreciate, and even non-pet lovers would be delighted by.
The cast of the normally huge Broadway play utilized the small stage as well as the aisles in the crowd, with a variety of dance styles including classical ballet, jazz, Dunham and tap.
Musical director Craig Barna and the live orchestra gave an outstanding performance. Although, they were not needed for most of the dance numbers, as the performers tapped and twirled to the rhythms of their own bodies.
Rum Tum Tugger (played by Kevin Loreque) stole the show with his rock ‘n’ roll attitude, huge hair and amazing voice, even pulling audience member Janet Payne on stage for a dance during his eponymous song, “The Rum Tum Tugger.”
The costumes were over the top, leaving nothing to the imagination. Some were little more than a nude leotard with a tail; whereas one, worn by Jellylorum (played by Heather Meiko) was embellished with long white glittered fur and pink sequins.
The original Broadway play was inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The music was created by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
This classic show was definitely the cat’s meow.
Photos courtesy of Charr Crail.
