The anthropomorphic performance that CATS offers isn’t a profound musical nor does it stir emotions in some deep, moving way. CATS continues to be loved because it’s a musical that transports the audience into a complete fantasy that could only exist on stage. It is purely theatrical enchantment, and the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse’s interpretation definitely delivers.
Based on T.S. Eliot’s 1939 poetry collection, ”Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles. The tribe holds a Jellicle Ball once a year where, one by one, the cats tell their story to Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader. Old Deuteronomy eventually makes the Jellicle choice of one cat that gets to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life.
The costumes here are a real treat. Thanks to the costume designer Debra Faber, wigs designer Debbie Spaur and makeup designer Stephen Bertles, the cast outfits are creative and cat perfection. From the whiskers, full body suits, wigs and fun cat makeup, they complete the cast’s cat illusion and quickly send their fur flying on stage. Highlights include Victoria: The White Cat, who is spectacularly white from head to toe. Rum Tum Tugger is decked out in rocker gear and is a feline favorite. Mistoffelees can’t be missed with white LED lights sparkling.
The choreography is the main event with all of its jazz, ballet and gymnastic exuberance. The individual cat moves of the performers are well executed, display each cat’s personality, and mirror the inexplicable moves of catliness. Highlights include Cory Michael Clements as Mr. Mistoffelees during “Magical Mr. Mistoffelees.” Clements splendidly twirls and leaps, and then unwinds his moves with cat-like landings. That cat can dance. Also, Charlotte Lafonte as Demeter has the cat moves down and Susan Cathryn Ballenski as Bombalurina delivers a solid performance during “Macavity: The Mystery Cat.” These cats break away from the more traditional ballet and tap to bring a sultry jazz piece center stage.
There is a richness to the sound of live music emanating from the stage that can’t be beat. The orchestra is directed by Richard Shore, and the music weaves together an energetic and earnest soundtrack from the side of the stage. With this musical, it’s hard to tell if the show was cast with dancers who sing or singers who dance. Both disciplines are essential for success. The singing is superb, and the cast has a gorgeous range.
Song highlights include “Macavity: The Mystery Cat,” “Magical Mister Mistoffelees,” and one of the most treasured songs in musical theater, “Memory.” Grizabella’s (Jalyn Courtenay Webb) rendition of the musical’s signature piece was done well and delivered with spirit.
Set designer Ranae Selmeyer does a fine job transforming the Candlelight stage into a grungy junkyard with plenty of places for cats to hide. Although there is no giant tire center stage to take the chosen Jellicle cat to the Heaviside Layer as in the early Broadway show, there are some old ones cast to the side where the trash piles up. Props designer Becky Warner and the cast did a great job bringing the train to life in the “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” performance.
I wasn’t a fan of CATS when I experienced it on Broadway back in the early 1990s. This performance, however, I enjoyed immensely and was thoroughly engaged. It surprised me, as I expected to have the same feelings about the show as before. Perhaps it’s the more intimate stage, the closer proximity to the performance, and the experience of cast members serving dinner and dessert. Maybe. More likely, it’s just the stellar performance by everyone involved.
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