“CATS,” the Andrew Lloyd Webber hit based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book on Practical Cats’” winds up a brief week’s run with two more performances today (June 18) at the Neal Blaisdell Center Concert Hall.
It’s the finale of a four-show “Broadway in Hawaii” series that early included “Beautiful, the Carole King Story,””Hamilton,” and “Jersey Boys.”
This touring company boasts a capable ensemble and actually is a delight. Can’t believe how this “Cats” has nine lives of actors who bring sprightly freshness and hidden gems to the plate, as featured soloists and as en mass ensemble.
For me, the nine elements that make this very entertaining include:
1 – Old Deuteronomy, portrayed by Cameron Shutza, brings a powerful tenor voice, and has a commanding presence in the role of the Cats’ senior mentor. His grandness extends to that body in a costume that looks more like a bear than a cat, and he’s the first Deutoronomy that doesn’t remain on stage during intermission. In very early productions, spectators could get on stage and visit, but the pandemic nixed that inter-action perk. Too bad; he’d be a hero to worship.
Old Deutoronomy, rear, awaiting the cat transiting to the Heviside layer.
2 – Gus, the theater cat, full name Asparagus, is hugely likeable. As I’ve personally aged, I can associate with John Ankier Bow, who has presence and character and he dons show’s best costume, an eye-catcher that looks highly fashionable befitting a theater legend. He looks and says Show Biz.
3 – The resident Grizabella, Tayler Harris, starts slowly and deliberately and becomes the centerpiece of the show’s signature hit, “Memory.” No doubt, she earns the privilege to ascend to the Heaviside Layer, up, up, up, away. In this version, however, she boards a gigantic tire with Deuteronomy, but is shuttled to heaven in a newbie transit.
4 – Magical Mister Mistoffelees, played by Ibn Snell, is the magical cat with the brightest, lit-up costume in multiple hues, and besides a soaring voice, he can twirl and swirl in dance. His magical tricks are new and awesome.
5 — Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser are the winsome twosome, enacted by Brian Craig Nelson and Taryn Smithson, respectively, doubling the pleasure of teamwork.
6 –Rum Tum Tugger, the rock ‘n’ roll cat, makes Hank Santos one of the most active, energetic cats with motion and commotion. Happily, his hairy costume has been retained, and he makes good use of his tail.
7 – Who can’t joyously chug along with the railroad cat, Skimbleshanks, depicted by Reagan Davidson? That locomotive scene, with locomotive and choo-choo wheels, is one of the show’s highlights.
8 – Though he’s mostly not seen, but repeatedly heard, Macavity as shaped by Dominique Fortunato, has his wiry coif, and elusive mysteriousness that continues to haunt.
The “Cats” company, in full costumed regalia, is the cat’s meow.
9 — The Jellicle Ball, in Act 1, sets the tone for the evening, with classic choreography which has defined the show for decades. “The Naming of Cats,” by the company, is true poetry-in-motion, and Trevor Nunn’s original direction, and coupled with Gillian Lynn’s original choreography are preserved with updates for future generations who want to see and hear the cat’s meow. …
And that’s Show Biz. …
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‘CATS’
A musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on T. S. Eliott’s “Old Possum’s Book on Practical Cats”
Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall
When: 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. today, closing performance
Tickets: Sold out
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And that’s Show Biz. …
—————————————–
‘CATS’
A musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book on Practical Cats”
Where: Blaisdell Concert Hall
When: 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. today, closing performance
Tickets: Sold out
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Thanks for the review! We’re going tonight and are excited!
Have a good time.