First time to Cats
This was long time ago. I think I was around 6. I went to the show with my mother and her friend. My memory for this is quite blurred because it was such a long time. The clearest thing I can remember was Mistoffelees’ magic. With a great surprise, Cassandra came out from the door which was at the back of my seat. I was a bit scared but she then touched me softly. There is a strange reason; maybe because I was too small but the thing was, her costume was kind of orange colour. Maybe it was the lighting that changes the costume’s colour.
I went there on the 17/3 of 2004. This was because I was doing an Art exam on character. Therefore without any thought, I chose Cats (I am glad that my art teacher did not reject this topic). The show was played by the Cats UK tour in Nottingham. It was great, well, Cats is always great. It was quite different with the video and in my opinion; I think the live one is better. I was sitting on the 5th tier so everything was quite small to me. I could not remember every bits but the funniest bit was Tugger kissed Misto after the line ‘the Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore’. The other thing was Grizabella just walked away with Misto’s leading during the journey to the Heaviside layer instead of a stair coming down from the ceiling. Overall, the show was excellent. It was quite difficult to find out any mistakes. I think the best part is always for Mistoffelees’ dance. Of course the whole musical is perfect but Mr. Guy-Paul Ruolt de St Germain played the role Mistoffelees very well.
The third time to Cats
This time I watched Cats on the 29/5 of 2004. It was also played by the UK tour in Bristol. I think this time was the best because this trip was including going to the backstage of Cats. The reason that I could get this lucky chance was because my art teacher, whom is very kind to me knows a friend who is one of the crews of Cats. His name is Adam (I think I should not post his surname because he might not like it). He had explained the machines, the technique they used and costumes. The costumes which are used for a very short time such as Mungojerrie’s and Rumpleteazer’s vest and pearl, pollicles’ costume and cockroaches’ costumes are all laid out at the side of the stage where the actors go in so that they can change the costume quickly. There is a room for the orchestra. It is a small orchestra. I saw there are keyboard, a few brass instruments, a drum kit and maybe a few more other woodwind instruments. There is a screen inside the orchestra room for the conductor so that he can look when to start and when to stop. There is also a screen at the side of the stage so that the technicians can control the things on the stage. For example, the firework and the shoe which is dropping down from the ceiling. There are also machines for lighting and microphones’ control and they are very complicated (well, that’s what I think because Demi is not good at this sort of things> . <).
I saw the quick rehearsal for the ‘Jellicle songs for Jellicle Cats’. It is quite strange to see that the actors wearing tracksuit bottoms and vests but with their make-up on. I saw 2 of them very closely. They actually walked pass me. I think one of them is Demeter or Bombalurina, not so sure because they are hardly recognized without their costumes and I stared at her joyfully. The make-up colours are very complex! I think the other one is Admetus (he did smile to me^^ and I got to stop breathing at that moment because I will scream out if I don’t!!). I saw the costumes for different cats too and I just can’t believe it!!!
I enjoyed the trip very much to the backstage although it only lasted for about 15 minutes but I learnt a lot. A bit sad that I cannot take pictures or get any signatures from the actors but I should not be that fussy because I am very lucky!!! Many thanks for you, Adam, whether you see this or not!! Thank you so much!! ^^
I think I should talk about the show now. Is everybody still awake?? Ok, let’s go!!
Adam told me that one of the cast member had got hurt so they changed some understudy ones to some role. I remember they had changed Tugger, Skimble and Demeter. Anyway, I think the show is even better than in Nottingham, don’t know why, maybe because it is the final show in Bristol.
The songs are longer than the video one. They are more powerful than the video one because you can see how great the actors are.
The goodies, funny and strange bits: Tugger is always funny. This time he didn’t kiss Misto but instead of that, he hit Misto’s bum! And he stuck his tail in Rumple’s mouth when she is screaming at the end of the song. He loves to play tricks on Munkustrap as well because he imitates Munku during the Pollicles’ song. Also he is a very good partner of Misto, you can feel how close they are!
Rumple and Mungo did a very great job! They are really good because they did all the difficult actions and they can still sing out clearly and lively.
Rumpus is trying to flatten his hair and of course everyone laugh when they saw his costume. And I can see he is pressing the button for raising his hair up!
The Jellicle Dance is longer than the video. The music and lighting are wonderful and much better than the video because the feeling is very different! Also one thing is before the Jellicle dance, the crash that scared the cats away, Misto hide behind Old D very quickly and you won’t realize it!
Demeter and Bombalurina are very good. They can dance robotic but also very softly. They are very sexy and the dancing and singing in Macavity are marvelous!
For Misto…he is just amazing!! I think Guy-Paul did even better than in Nottingham. His dancing is very powerful and strong, but also he can do the turns very soft and light. It is difficult to describe and the thing is, I just completely fall in love with his dancing!!! >o<
Grizabella’s sadness is fully expressed by Chrissie Hammond. I feel the hesitation of Griza but also the courage of her. Chrissie is a very good Grizabella. This time there is a stair from the ceiling to the Heaviside layer and the black thing (don’t know what it calls, what a shame~_~) had risen to quite a high level.
The strange bit is Tanto and Corico are played by 2 men because the girl who is playing Tanto had changed to play Demeter. Well, it’s a bit strange…anyway~
After the ending, which the actors come out and bow to the audience, I saw Misto dancing with Griza. Surprisingly, Chrissie is quite flexible too!! Gus did give a little dance as well and it is really funny!!
Personal opinions and comparisons for the show on 29/5: these are my own comments, if there are any offensive comments, please forgive me><! Personally, I think this Tugger is better than the Tugger which is played by John Partridge. John looks a bit serious sometime but Richard (Tugger in the show) is more lively and funny. There are more body expressions.
Guy-Paul I think is a better Misto than Jacob Brent. Well, maybe because Guy-Paul is playing in theatre and there are more difficult steps whereas the video had missed out a lot of dancing steps. However, Guy-Paul’s voice is more like an adult rather than a young cat, a bit too mature because the impression of Misto for me is quite playful and young. But both of them are cute=^^=!!
The fight between Munku and Macavity is not that exciting because they got to be careful that not to hurt each other. There are hesitations but it’s still successful. You can’t expect it to be the same as the video, right?
I discover some mistakes, it’s hard to find out but I really do. There is one really obvious. Jellylorum is coughing on the stage and they didn’t switch off the microphone at once so…you know what. Victoria cannot balance very well and she almost falls during the invitation to the Jellicle ball and also the Jellicle dance after the mating dance. She is not as flexible as the Victoria in the video. Tugger didn’t kick the ball accurately and the ball has jumped back on stage, 2 cats have stepped on it and it has to be picked up by Misto. Munku almost falls when Skimble steps on his shoulder. Quite a lot of mistakes right?? However, these didn’t affect me at all. Everyone will make a mistake. And I know clearly that performing a not an easy job (like me, I did lots of mistakes during piano performances><) so I won’t care how many mistakes they have made! ^^
~ The End ~
Hey, are you guys still alright? Do you enjoy that or you just think it’s just a whole lot of boring English? Can’t believe I write that much about my experience!! I wish this were one of my English essays because I might get an A for this, haha~
Thanks to my art teacher Miss Herd who gives me this chance to the backstage!
Thanks to Adam who is giving me this wonderful trip and the catalogue!
Thanks to the cast members in the UK tour for the excellent show especially Mr. Simon Adkins (the actor who plays Macavity and Admetus) who had sent me his autographs for the use in my art sketchbook!
Thanks to Smart who post this passage up in the web!
Thanks to my mum and my host family who take me to the show!
Thanks to people who enjoy my ESSAY!
Please give me some comments if you wish to. You can either leave them on the message board or e-mail to me (ayaka_jasmine@yahoo.co.uk)
Written by Jasmine (Demiluna)