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LASplash.com: Chicago Performances Cats Review - Broadway in Chicago Initiates This New Tour By Jillian M. Wolande
Broadway in Chicago's production Cats, is welcomed back to Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. The show kicked-off on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, and ends Oct. 18, 2009. “There is something at Cats to be enjoyed by everyone,” said Jennifer L. Lott, the National Marketing and Press Representative for the tour of Cats. This show has essentially been on the road for over 27 years. “We find that year after year, city after, city, patrons come back again and again to see their old friends on stage,” said Lott. According to broadwayinchicago.com, the musical began after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop. Cats is one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history.
The success rate of Cats indicates that fans have come back on several occasions to view this production. “Many fans have seen the show dozens of times and have a strong connection with a specific character, song, or dance number in the show,” said Lott. "While some patrons have only seen the show once or twice, other fans and are now returning with their children or grandchildren to share the experience with them. “It’s extremely family friendly, perfect for all generations,” she continued, and added that the elements in the production that contributed the shows longevity is that, “ Cats is a known entity, and because the production quality of the show has been excellently maintained over the years, patrons are comfortable knowing what to expect when they come to the show.” There is something in Cats everyone can enjoy. It is an extremely family friendly musical that suits all generations and everyone is sure to enjoy the dancing, lighting, sound, costumes, and choreography. In addition, Cats features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless tunes, including the classic, “Memory.”
The production consist of two acts in which cats gather once a year to chose a member of the clan to be reincarnated. Throughout the production, the cats begin to reveal their identity. Their stories are told through the poetry of T.S. Eliot. It holds the interest of audience members because they get to know the cats by their actions- through dancing, singing, and humor.
The first song, “Jellicle songs for jellicle cats,” done by the company, was captivating and exciting. Between the company and solo performances the audience seemed to fall in love with a certain character. I was especially amused by, The Rum Tum Tugger, played by Adam Steiner. At one point this charming feline comes off stage to dance with an audience member, an action that creates much laughter and the request for more. In ACT II, Mr. Mistoffelees took my breath breath away. The way he commanded the stage in his flashy black costume was fascinating. Mistoffelees performs some of the most difficult choreography in the show, including a lengthy series of fouetté turns. I found Cats to be a magical show that I think will make a lasting impression on anyone who sees this production. The costumes, dancing, music, and lighting are so captivating, that even if an individual were unaware of the plot, one could still be enchanted by the experience.
Chicago is in for a treat, but only for a short time. “As a lifelong cats fan myself, I have seen the show upwards of 25 times over the last 20 years, including the final Broadway cast and many national tours,” said Lott. That is saying a lot for the show and I strongly recommend that you catch it while you can. Cadillac Palace Theatre 151 Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60601 312.902.1400 For more information, please visit broadwaychicago.com. Ticket prices are $20 to $80 and may be ordered through Ticketmaster. Photos: Courtesy of Broadway in Chicago-Cats Published Oct 15, 2009 © Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com |
