Theater 2015: Cats The Musical

This is a sponsored post brought to you by Nuffnang and The Cats Musical 

The Cats Musical
The Cats Musical. Image: Cats Australia Website

Last night, I was fortunate to get hold of a double pass ticket for the acclaimed revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The CATS Musical in Sydney. I’m so excited to see the play even if I’m not a Cat person. (Although my name is always misspelled as Cath instead of Kath)

The 2015 Olivier award nominated hit revival, which was reworked for the most recent season in the West End by the original creative team received excellent reviews and extended its season due to overwhelming demand. And because of its triumphant season in London’s West End, CATS comes to Australia for a strictly limited season. However, I’ve heard rumours that this is one of the musicals I can let go of and miss. The contradiction is mind-boggling. So to be fair, why not see it for myself? There’s nothing to lose!

Yay! Excited for this. “Let the memory live again.” Thanks @nuffnangau!! #CatsAU #CatsBlogger #Sponsored #SP

A photo posted by Kathleen Madula (@katmadula) on

As we enter the theatre, I saw the stage with incredible design. I’m not expecting anything to start off but was fully aware of the reviews I read before the show. I even don’t have any idea what the story is all about. All I know is that there will be singing and dancing cats throughout the night. The show started on time with the live orchestra. It took some time before the cats started to sing. At this point in time, I was impressed with their costumes and wondered if not one costume is alike. (Credits to the team behind the show) And so the show begins.

Cats dress rehearsal, The Civic, Auckland, New Zealand on Thursday, 10 September 2015. Credit: Hagen Hopkins.
Cats dress rehearsal, The Civic, Auckland, New Zealand on Thursday, 10 September 2015. Credit: Hagen Hopkins.

Let’s start with the not so good points for me. Their performance of “The Naming of Cats” is not that clear. Although I understood that they’re explaining how to name a cat, my mind just shut off after a minute. There are a number of dull moments maybe because it’s all dancing but I commend the routines they executed. It’s probably just my attention span that’s why I got a little bored.  

Victoria, the White Cat.
Victoria, the White Cat. Cats dress rehearsal, The Civic, Auckland, New Zealand on Thursday, 10 September 2015. Credit: Hagen Hopkins.

Now, on to the positive note. Their dance routines, song numbers, solo performance. Incredible execution! Not to mention that the revival of this classic play in Australia stars the famous pop Australian artist, Delta Goodrem as “Grizabella”, the Glamour Cat. I was surprised to know she’s part of the musical because I’ve never heard her do a theatre play even if she has a good voice. I believe that voice training for pop singers and theatre singers are different. Nevertheless, she nailed the climax! It was outstanding! Everyone was cheering after her piece.   Aside from Delta’s exceptional reprise, there are other characters I like. Don’t get me wrong, they are all remarkable but these cats made a mark. To be specific, I like Victoria, the White Cat, Rum Tum Tagger and Magical Mr Mistoffelees. Oh my, what a performance! When Victoria started dancing, she’s a stand out. Not only because she’s a white cat but her dance routines, mind-blowing! At a split second, I thought I’m watching a ballet performance. She’s been dancing extraordinarily throughout the play. Then appeared Rum Tum Tagger. Hahaha! I keep on giggling every time he sings and dance. His upbeat mood and rock star persona is just wonderful. I wonder if there’s such cat in the real world. Lastly, Magical Mr Mistoffelees dance moves are hands down incredible! Those double turns and never ending pirouettes are like jaw dropping amazing. Whew! Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!  

Rum Tug Tagger
Rum Tug Tagger. Cats dress rehearsal, The Civic, Auckland, New Zealand on Thursday, 10 September 2015. Credit: Hagen Hopkins.
Magical Mr Mistoffelees
Magical Mr Mistoffelees. Cats dress rehearsal, The Civic, Auckland, New Zealand on Thursday, 10 September 2015. Credit: Hagen Hopkins.

Overall it was entertaining. It’s funny to think that at the end of the play, I got acquainted with different cats. I wonder if that can apply to real life scenarios. Hahaha! I enjoyed it and hopefully my friend too. I got the CATS magnet as my souvenir.

The Cats Musical opens in Sydney on 30 October 2015 then touring to Hobart, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Here’s the schedule of their tour:

Sydney: 30 October 2015 to 29 November 2015

Hobart: 10 December 2015 to 13 December 2015

Melbourne: 18 December 2015 to 17 January 2016

Brisbane: 29 January 2016 to 14 February 2016

Adelaide: 18 March 2016 to 10 April 2016

Perth: 16 April 2016 to 8 May 2016

 

Have you watched The Cats Musical? How did you find it?


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