“Cats” is Pawsitively Purrfect
By Cate Rees-Hessel
I have had the pleasure of seeing numerous productions of “Cats”, including the Broadway touring company some years ago, and I can confidently declare that Paramount Theater’s version is the best I have ever seen. This extravaganza is brilliantly directed by Paramount favorite Trent Stork – once again, his innovative vision and genius are clearly evident in this amazing production. As we left the theater, my husband commented that this show belongs on Broadway – I agree that Paramount has set the bar high for a true revival of this classic musical.
The show includes a bevy of fabulous circus arts, catapulting (pun intended) the cast through everything from juggling to trapeze and silk acrobatics. Old fashioned circus signage projections during the overture builds audience anticipation. A dramatic aerial during the show-stopping signature song “Memory” floats the glamour cat across the theater into the balcony. Emily Rohm as Grizabella has an absolutely powerful voice, especially while suspended high above the stage. The vocals overall are quite strong, the orchestration soaring, the music dreamlike, the production numbers tremendously choreographed, and the acting is fabulous. The entire cast are catlike with feline characteristics and movement, very similar to my pet kitty Prada stretching in the sun – these characters can hiss with the best of them. The costumes are very well done, especially the tails; I like the use of velvet and the very fluffy fur along the paws.
The set is spell binding, bringing the audience into a circus big top complete with a hazy cloud cover, the lighting design exquisite. Fun red balloons are used as props and tossed into the audience. The actors break the fourth wall with ease and precision, inviting the patrons into the Jellicle Cats ball. Bad boy Rum Tum Tugger (Donovan Hoffer) has a very energetic number, as do sneaky criminal cat Macavity (Matthew Weidenbener), and the Magical Mister Mistoffelees (Christopher Kelley). Gene Weygandt – Asparagus the Theatre Cat – and Lorenzo Rush Jr. – Old Deuteronomy – give very poignant and sincere characterizations of the older felines.
Paramount pulls out all the stops for a wonderful theater going experience. Specialty drinks include a yummy Strawberry Meow-garita, Mungo Cherry, and a budget friendly Kitty Cocktail. Don’t miss the excitement – join Jennyanydots, Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer, and the rest of the entire gang now until June 15. For tickets or more in-fur-mation, please see www.paramountaurora.com.
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