Theatre Review | Cats

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot

Director Trevor Nunn

Choreographer Chrissie Cartwright

Photo Credit Daniel Boud

Theatre Royal Sydney

Review by Ron Lee, CSP, MAICD

The 40th anniversary production of the first Australian incarnation of Cats has opened at Sydney's Theatre Royal. It entirely does justice to the original version that featured the talents of Debbie Byrne (as she was then) and Marina Prior.

The opening sequence for this one is a circular, centre stage lighting grid that ascends like a flying saucer, which ties in with Grizabella’s final scene.

This production is packed with a large cast of triple threats. To be in this, your skill level, especially as a singer and dancer, needs to be extremely high. Every performer is strong and reliable, and there are thirty roles that are covered by understudies and alternates. Nothing is left to chance.

Probably the most experienced cast member is Todd McKenney as Bustopher Jones/Asparagus. His experience and knowledge would have been invaluable to the younger cast members. Other accomplished performers include Lucy Maunder (Jellylorum), Gabriyel Thomas (Grizabella), Mark Vincent (Old Deuteronomy), Des Flanagan (Rum Tum Tugger), Jarrod Draper (Munkustrap) and Leigh Archer (Jennyanydots/Gumbie Cat).

One character is an old actor who bangs on about his past triumphs. After all, he had done Shakespeare. In fact, he resembles Peter O'Toole and another cat looks like Aunty Jack.

When Axel Alvarez makes his entrance as the magical, black sequinned Mr Mistoffelees with explosions and fast place, the show transcends from superb to spectacular. His breathtaking pirouettes, spins and enchainment of stage-devouring fouettés are sensational.

The ten-piece orchestra led by Musical Director Paul White sounds bigger than it is.

The signature song, Memory is performed at the end of Act One without the vocal technical perfection of Elaine Paige, but more appropriately as an aging, former glamour puss. Grizabella sings it without indication or anticipation, even though we know it’s coming. The second act rendition is the show-stopper that we know.

During the 1985 production, I was told by cast members, that old ladies would go onto the stage and stroke the cat characters who were placed there before the start of the show. In this one, in the intermission, audience members are invited to go onto the stage to have a photo with Old Deuteronomy, which makes for a nice experience that will be shared on social media.

This production of Cats looks like being a big success all around the country, and deservedly so.