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All one really needs to say is: “The Cats are back in town!” I can tell you what
a spectacle it is but then again, many of you may know that already.
But what I can
tell you for certain is that Artscape’s new Opera House was lit up with excitement
as ‘Cats’ enthralled the audience once again.
This is my third time seeing the show
– and one is mesmerised with every visit. One is also encouraged and inspired with
every visit – to see such an exhibition of this magnitude unfold before one’s eyes,
is indeed impressive.
The cast of ‘Cats’
‘Cats’ is what musicals are made of – bringing all the elements of musical theatre
into two acts about a group of Cats who gather once a year to choose one member to
be “reincarnated” as the “Jellicle” Cats unite to celebrate who they are by emerging
from the darkness into a magnificently constructed embellished junkyard, showing
off their inimitable aptitude and telling us about their singular virtues.
The superbly
designed feline characters represent different personalities from all walks of life
who become similes of personas from different parts of humanity. There is no real
narrative as the story unfolds through song based on the poetry of T.S. Eliot and
relations are presented through beguiling dance routines.
As cats largely are in
real life, these staged reincarnations are at first apprehensive and proud, unwilling
to allow an audience into their realm.
But, as the lighting and the dance sequences
suggest, they become more willing participants and the story unfurls in grand splendour
– with humorous bits thrown in for added entertainment.
They boast names like Victoria
– a pretty little white cat who dances like a dream, Old Deuteronomy – the wise one,
and old spotlight hogger, the prankster Rum Tum Tugger, and of course Grizabella,
the glamorous cat, who is shunned by the rest because she left many years ago to
explore the world outside and now wants a way back in.
And what would ‘Cats’ be without
Macavity, the mystical cat: “Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity, There never
was a Cat of such deceitfulness and suavity. He always has an alibi, and one or two
to spare. At whatever time the deed took place, Macavity wasn’t there...”
The production
features some great new talented local performers, with award-
* ‘Cats’ is at the Artscape Opera House until January 10. Call Artscape Dial-
The spectacle that is ‘Cats’ is back in grand style