Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical classic is the cat’s meow
by Rebecca R. Bibbs
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece Cats appears to have had at least nine lives, the latest one at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. Known as much for the grand makeup and imaginative costuming as for the score or storyline, this production of the musical that won seven Tony Awards didn’t disappoint,Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” it features 26 felines with fanciful names like Rum Tum Tugger, Bustopher Jones and Griddlebone, on the eve of the Jellicle Ball.
The large cast used the entire theater, top to bottom, just as cats would. The highlights included the entrance of Ty Stover as the majestic patriarch of cats, Old Deuteronomy, and the magical dance of Mr. Mistoffelees, played by Philip Groft, and, of course, the performance of the musical’s signature song, “Memory,” by Sandra Simpson.
Though most clearly had professional dance experience, there was one member of the cast who clearly didn’t. He just didn’t have the extensions of the other performers, and there were some times where it really showed.Though Cats set records in London and on Broadway, running 21 and 18 years respectively, it’s run at Beef and Boards is only through April 5. Show times vary. Tickets are $34-$57 and include a dinner buffet before the show. Call (317) 872-9664 or log on www.beefandboards.com.
3 comments:
My daughter is in this show, and I would like to say that the entire cast of this show has been working extremely hard for several weeks preparing for this show, and now have eight performances every week. It is likely that the "cat" you speak of whom you think did not dance as well as the others had an injury or maybe was not well. But I can assure you that they are all very well trained dancers and performers. Everyone has a bad day now and then, but I don't think it is necessary to point it out in a review.
I think it's necessary to be honest in a review.
Personally I think this show was amazing!! All of the performers brought their own individual part to the show making it an unforgettable experience for me!! Thanks to All
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