CATS

Brandon Michael Nase as
Old Deuteronomy &
North American Tour Company
of CATS

CATS is appearing at the Forrest Theatre through June 30^th as part of the Kimmel Center’s Broadway Philadelphia season. The North American tour comes on the heels of a successful Broadway revival 30 years after its immensely popular award-laden Broadway run. Some shows just shouldn’t stay off the stage for long and CATS is one of them. From the moment the house lights were lowered, the overture began, and twinkling lights blinked against a darkened backdrop emulating cats’ eyes perched throughout the darkness, I was hooked. The loose story line is that one special cat is chosen each year to be reborn. On this singular day, cats vie for the right to be proven worthy enough to be chosen. The musical numbers are, of course, marvelous. And not just Memory for which CATS is well known. The other 18 musical   numbers are “the cat’s meow” so to speak.. The dancing is the raison d’etre of the production. The choreography is excellent and the dancers are outstanding. They are lithe and agile and when they are prowling around on all fours, it is easy to forget that they are not actually cats. When all are dancing in a routine it is with a great deal of precision and exactitude. There are many jaw-dropping moments when cast members leap into the air and legs go jutting up with meticulousness. By pleasant contrast, The Old Gumbie Cat is a striking tap routine. Tony d’Aelio’s role as Mungojerie accompanying Rose Iannaccone’s Rumpelteazer is one of exquisite balance in a tumbling cat burglar routine. Thanks to the brilliance of the lighting, designer Natasha Katz, Tion Gaston’s Mr.Mistoffelees becomes truly magical. If you have seen CATS before, you will want to delight in the cats’ performances one more time.  If you have never seen it, don’t miss this opportunity to see this delight for your eyes and heaven for your feet. Tickets can be purchased by calling 212-239-6200, visiting telecharge.com, or the Forrest Theatre Box Office at 1114 Walnut Street. Group sales for 10 or more can be purchased by calling 866 302-0995 or visiting www.broadwayinbound.com. For more information, visit www.kimmelcenter.org.