William Chong

Aucklanders, forget your staid TV shows and fireside novels this winter. The preeminent show in town this month is undoubtedly Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash-hit musical, “CATS”. I took the opportunity during the week to see the Auckland production of the musical that arguably sparked the ongoing West End/Broadway revival.

Staged as part of the Harlequin Musical Theatre’s 50th year anniversary show, this Howick-based group takes temporary residence at the Auckland Civic Theatre from 6-27 June 2009. “CATS” is an impressive performance full of wit, personality and athleticism that elevates the cast well above suburban-production status.

Featuring Kiwi singing legend Tina Cross in the role of Grizabella and Dancing with the Star finalist Shane Cortese as Rum Tum Tugger, there was definitely an air of professionalism as a motivated motley of singers, dancers and musicians played their part in bringing T.S Eliot’s jellicle cats to life.

After getting over musically-hesitant opening, the show pounced into action with much song and dance. The opening number “Jellicle Cats” startled the senses as cats appeared from the nooks and crannies of a larger-than-life rooftop set, bursting into impressive melodies and impeccably choreographed movements. The plot revolves around a single night when the tribe of Jellicle cats unite to celebrate who they are, and to select one of them to be reborn in “cat heaven” – though one was left bemused as to the peculiar nature of this transformation (hint: it involves a flying chimney).

The audience were treated to plenty of outstanding feline personifications throughout. There was Shane Cortese and his Elvis-like interpretation of Rum Tum Tugger (probably fortunate to fit into his gasp-for-air PVC pants). Cat-burglars Mungojerry (Clinton Meneses) and Rumpleteaser (Andrea Grant) impressed with their paired choreography and a number of spectacular lifts. Skimbleshank (Tom Webster) with his railway-cat number was a notable delight, particularly when the resourceful cat chorus spontaneously crafted a full-blown steam engine out of back-alley junk pieces. Tina Cross drew lengthy applause with her spirited treatment of the stirring theatre classic “Memory”; it was a joy to hear it in context as opposed to the much-hyped, Susan Boyle rendition.

Perhaps the best reason for going to see “CATS” is that it’s engaging enough for the everyday punter. The high production values, stunning pyrotechnics and well-rehearsed numbers will impress anyone from the musically-vacant to the seasoned theatre-goer. You probably won’t understand everything the cast are singing and dancing about, but they’ll still convince you in a riposte of musical delight that there’s more to cats than meets the eye.

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