4/6/02
Once more into the breach, my friends! Jazzcat and I once more went up to spend a weekend with Cindy, and would you believe it? We didn’t get lost, yaaaaaay! This time we were going to see Cats Tour V, second time for me, first time for Jazz. Cindy’s son (Shawn), mother (Anne), and sister (Angela) went along with us. Shawn, Anne, Angela, and I found ourselves squeezed into the back seat of Cindy’s Buick, getting to know each other very well. Fortunately it wasn’t a long trip to the Lyric Opera House and *drum roll* we didn’t get lost! (We had Kyra to thank for that, as she had taken Cindy on a trial run of the trip the previous day.) Once there we walked to the front doors where we left Anne, Shawn, and Angela in the lobby. Then Cindy, Jazz, and I scouted out the stage door. We had goodies for the cast as usual; I had baked cookies and Cindy and Jazz had bought four dozen doughnuts. That should be enough to keep them going all night!
Inside we hooked up with our companions and found our seats. I had bought my ticket separately from Cindy and Co, and it seems a single ticket buyer has a better chance at a good seat than a largish group, especially when season subscribers are involved. I was sitting in row C on the extreme right aisle, five rows from the front. Cindy et al were in row M.
The Opera House was very beautiful, with box seats lining either side and paintings of various famous composers high on the walls. The familiar junkyard set seemed rather incongruous juxtaposed with this. I noted some specific pieces of junk with interest. There was a pearl necklace woven through the strings of an old tennis racquet, and a bra that had to be a D cup. There was also a rather nice (formerly) white ruffled shirt hanging in the upper left corner over the pipe. Seemed and odd place for such an item, but I discovered its purpose later.
The show started with the usual messages about recording equipment and cameras, but no swings were announced. I was a little disappointed as this meant I wouldn’t get to see Karl Warden, of whom I’d grown rather fond. Halfway through the overture the Cats came out. I saw movement out of the corner of my eye and heard a thump, and turned to see that Munkustrap had landed right next to the girl behind me, causing her to squeal. He grinned at me, obviously pleased with himself, and ran off.
This was my first time hearing Grant Turner as Munkustrap, and I thought his voice was every bit as good as Ronnie Nelson’s, perhaps deeper and richer. Ronnie was back in the Alonzo role and he was entrancing! There was no trapeze artist, but Tumblebrutus and Plato did tumbling runs at the appropriate time. My attention was then arrested by Plato’s size. Remember when I saw him as Macavity last January I was convinced that the costume was padded? Well, now that I had a closer view I could see that I was wrong. It’s all him and he is massive. Wow! *ahem* Sorry, going on. The high C was beautifully sung, though the Cats in front ducked down and pawed painfully at their ears. At the end of the song Gus scooted forward and saw the “man over there” whom he was looking at all bug-eyed. Then Munkustrap came up beside him and it was clear he was looking at a different man. A little coordination problem there.
During the latter part of Naming the Cats came down from the stage and Skimble came down on my side. He was cute as could be, coming to each aisle seat and making faces at each occupant. Following quickly behind him were Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, and after them came Mistoffelees. He stood just beyond my right shoulder, staring first at me then at the girl behind me. I noticed that his makeup gives him a permanently cocked eyebrow. On the first “of the thought” all the Cats stopped wherever they were and stared upward as if entranced. On the first “name” they all snapped out of it. Mistoff shivered, stared at the other girl and me as if seeing us for the first time, and then hurried back up to the stage. A moment later Skimble came back up the aisle, stopping next to each person and whispering “name” in his or her ear. Skimble was fast becoming my favourite cute kitty of the evening.
During Invitation and Gumbie I noticed that Grant does have something of an odd accent, particularly the way he says “sit”. But I have heard he is originally from Australia so I put it down to that. During the first verse I was watching Alonzo on top of the car (what a surprise) and saw him poking Teazer, who was sitting on the boot, in the back. She was trying to ignore him, but he was persistent and she swatted back at him a couple times until he finally lost interest. On cue the oven opened and showed Jenny inside snoozing away. As the ladies’ trio began she slumped forward and awoke with a start. The Beetles Tattoo was lively and cute. Mischievous Skimble gave Jenny a push as the kicking line went by then went after her with his fork only to be caught in the act. I found myself looking for Alonzo in the lineup, but eventually realized that he was still sitting back on the car. Gus was also sitting in the back. Since Mistoff was at the front and closest to me I watched him instead.
Tugger came out loudly through the old shirt over the pipe, parting it like a curtain. (Ah, so that’s what it was there for.) Stan Stanley was his usual energetic self, and they got his name right in the program this time. When Munk and Lonz started to give the “terrible bore” line. Tugger was grinning, but the grin disappeared when he realized what they’d said. It could be just me, but it seems the queens aren’t quite falling all over themselves to be close to this Tugger, though they do appear to be having a good time. He doesn’t really have the raw sexual magnetism one expects from a Tugger, which could be why I like him. He came down from the stage on the side opposite from me, strutted along the front row, spoke to a lady in the approximate center, and she stood up and danced with him. When they were done he encouraged us to applaud, and I noticed that the group sitting next to me didn’t bother. In fact they gave a very blasé response throughout the show. I bet they were season subscribers.
When Grizabella showed up on the scene there was plenty of hissing from the adults and open curiosity from the kittens. What I noted with interest, though, was Demeter’s reaction. She was not the neurotically skittish Cat that I have become used to. Alonzo attempted to “protect” her from Grizabella, but she made it quite clear that she didn’t wish to be protected. She pushed roughly past him and moved toward the older female. Indeed they might have succeeded in touching if not for Bomba coming forcefully in between them. Demeter retreated then, submitting to Bomba as she had not done with Alonzo. Interesting little drama, no?
Then Bustopher arrived and brought a little levity to the scene. He was extremely comical the way he waddled across the stage, but very brusque with the other toms. He didn’t seem to like being steered around by Munkustrap and Skimble, and insisted on the top hat being dusted before he sat. Even when Mistoff and Skimble prevented him from pitching forward off the stage he shook them off disdainfully. Then the toms went to line up. I was rather startled when Munkustrap positioned himself near the head of the line only to be pushed down one space by Mistoffelees. Why that cheeky little upstart!
A crash, sirens, and a cry of Macavity caused the Cats to scatter from the stage, with Munk and Lonz off last. Then a charming little giggle heralded the arrival of the troublesome twosome. I am happy to say that Bryce went flat only once during this song. :~) But man, is he loud for a small guy, and so full of energy, too. The part of Mungojerrie is ideal for him, and he was perfectly complemented by Pamela Rainey as Rumpelteazer.
As the Cats became aware of Old Deuteronomy’s nearness, Munk indicated that he wanted Skimble to go and meet the Jellicle leader. Skimble moved at once to obey, but then saw all the people in the audience he’d have to pass and suddenly turned chicken. He looked back to Munk, who gave him an encouraging nod, and then screwing up his courage he came down from the stage on my side. He scurried past casting furtive glances with his paws half raised in a defensive attitude. He looked as if he expected someone to jump up and grab him. Then Munk and Tugger began singing and it was just beautiful. I was so entranced that I was startled when I noticed Old D coming past me, with Skimble close behind. To get to the main part of the stage they had to pass in front of one of the speakers, and from where I was sitting it looked very narrow. Old D didn’t seem to have a problem, though.
After the false start for P&P, interrupted by thunder and lightning, came Song of the Jellicles. Ronnie’s entrance on “Jellicle Cats are black and white,” while not quite the same as Lenny’s, was nevertheless enough to set me drooling. I simply loved his hip movements; they were quite satisfactory. :~) On the whole I would say Ronnie comes in a very close second behind Lenny Daniel as my favourite Alonzo. (Ronnie, if you’re reading this, that was a HUGE compliment.) Skimble came forward on his “cheerful faces” line and stood with one leg stretched out straight in front of him. As Pounce spoke the next line, he then executed a perfect half turn on one foot, without trembling at all, to face the kitten. (Bravo!) And here’s food for thought, as the Cats get into position for the Ball, some of their movements and poses remind me of the moves I’ve been learning in Tai Chi.
Much as I love the Jellicle Ball I sometimes find it frustrating to watch because I never know where to look; there’s so much going on at once. But not unexpectedly I found my eyes irresistibly drawn to Alonzo. I eagerly watched his advances to Bomba, and their lift later on. I had to force myself to watch Mistoffelees and Pouncival dance while Alonzo was in the background. Really the only other Cat to whom I devoted anywhere near the same attention was Skimble. I had quickly become enamoured of Warren Freeman’s interpretation of the orange tabby and would glance at him every now and then to see if he was doing anything cute or silly. And I was also doing my best to note the places where C&T are usually prominent and who was doing their bits. I think that for the most part M&R had taken over whatever parts they had.
With the end of the Ball came the return of Grizabella. Again I noticed that Demeter shook off Alonzo’s restraining paws, but still allowed Bomba to lead her away. Just as Jellylorum sings “you see” there is always a chord from the French horns. On this night one of the horns was off, causing a slight discord. But under the circumstances it fit in pretty well and only caused me a momentary twinge. As Grizabella sang I couldn’t help noticing that she’s done something with her hair. Instead of hanging in limp, grey curls it had been put up in a tasteful bun. How nice to see that she’s still got some self-respect.
Intermission then back in for Moments. I’m afraid I didn’t get to see any kitty antics due to people returning to their seats late. There are distinct disadvantages to sitting on the aisle. I did, however, get a nice view of Munk and Mistoff as they sat nearby. Pounce and Cass took the place of Cori and Tant during Sillabub’s solo. I am happy to say that she stayed on pitch this time, but her voice still sounds…well, underdeveloped is the best way I can think to describe it. But I see from her bio that she came to the show straight out of school, so that could well be the case.
Now what can I say about William Hartery as Gus? Well, for one thing he doesn’t quite fit the description “he’s thin as a rake.” As a matter of fact he’s rather hefty. (Fits the Bustopher Jones role well enough.) But he is such a ham I was willing to overlook the fact that he is *ahem* better fed than Gus is supposed to be. He spoke in a very grandiose voice about “when I took the lead,” then Jellylorum gave him a reminding poke. He gave her a look and said “or in character parts?” in a manner to suggest that he couldn’t believe he’d ever done them. But more than him I was enjoying watching Mungojerrie back on the tire next to Old D. He was ever so playful and cute I had trouble believing that he was paying attention to the song at all. But when Gus sang, “I say that these kittens…” Mungo sat up straight, his mouth wide open in a grin of delight. Yet as Gus continued his derogatory statement Mungo’s expression froze and slowly the corners of his mouth turned down. When Gus sang, “they think they are smart just to jump through a hoop,” Mungo looked utterly crushed by the rejection and turned away, poor dear. Meanwhile on Old D’s other side, Victoria had a similar reaction, but more subdued.
Being closer to the stage this time I was able to observe more detail. For instance, most of the crew had their little pirate caps with ears mashed down over their own wigs, but Mistoffelees had a whole cap and wig deal with stringy black hair peeking out from under the scarf. There was much pushing and shoving to meet Griddlebone and poor Mistoff, determined though he was, got pushed away entirely. Griddlebone flirted with each pirate as she passed him. Alonzo put his arms around her in a fervent embrace, but his hook ended up right in her face and she quickly pulled away. She avoided Tugger as he made a grab for her, but he got her in the end (no pun intended) as she swooned back into his waiting arms on sight of Growltiger. The crew fanned her face, Alonzo with his hook. They began settling down for the Lovers’ Last Duet and the Siamese sang in the background, “And closer still, and closer the sampans circled round-ah, and yet from all the enemy there was not heard a sound-ah!” Hmm, odd. The Duet was hysterical, with Griddlebone seeking attention from Growltiger who was too wrapped up in his singing to notice. All culminating to when she scratched him. He screamed beautifully and grabbed her paws, pulling her to her feet so they could sing together. They stood back to front, Griddlebone in front, and Growltiger put his paw on her hip. She smacked it away and he put the other under her breast. She smacked that away as well and his first paw returned to its place on her hip. In a moment there was a flurry of motion as Griddlebone had to keep slapping his groping paws. Then the Siamese showed up, ushered first Munkustrap then Griddlebone off the stage, and then turned their attention to Growltiger.
“She probably escaped with ease,” the pirate declared, “I’m sure she was not drowned-ah!”
“But a serried ring of flashing steel,” the Siamese answered, “Growltiger did surround-ah!”
Then came the abbreviated fight which Growltiger inevitably lost. Forced up onto the railing of the ship he made a great show of crossing himself, held his nose, and jumped. The Siamese finished off the number, Genghis doing some fancy juggling with his sword.
As Genghis bowed to Gus, Skimble very quietly came out of the wings dragging BJ’s top hat with him. He positioned it carefully downstage left, then curled up on it and feigned sleep. There he stayed, stretching and yawning a couple times before the kittens came over and yelled, “Where is Skimble?” and he started and fell off. Hee hee! There was the usual place switching in the train-riding scene, Victoria urging Sillabub to bump Jellylorum down a space. But Skimble came along and put them back where they started. While that was going on Mungo and Pounce were getting on each other’s nerves, very similar to what Cori and Pounce would do on Broadway. (Ah, the memories…) Mungo reached over and tapped Pounce on the shoulder and Pounce, no one’s fool, reached over and tapped him back. Mungo looked startled, but he tapped Pounce again and got tapped back. Then he suddenly went crazy, jumping up and down and swatting his paws while Pounce assumed a defensive crouch and swatted back. Then Skimble came over and made them both behave. Later when Skimble caught his mouse he tossed it to Mungo who eagerly caught it and began to share it with Teazer. Nothing much different till the end when I noticed that the pyramid of sorts was the same as on the video rather than Broadway.
Next came Macavity, with beautiful singing from Jessica Lea Patty as Demeter and Sharon Huneycutt as Bombalurina. Ronnie’s shadow dancing at the beginning of the number was lovely to watch. Then came the fight.
I was glad to have a close seat to observe all the details because this is how the drama unfolded. Macavity charged forward to grab Demeter. Alonzo started to block his path, but seemed to lose heart as that huge ginger Cat bore down on him and scrambled to get out of the way. (Alonzo’s turning chicken? Say it isn’t so!) Mac grabbed Demi and started to carry her off, Munk grabbed her leg and they played tug-of-war, then Alonzo jumped in and carried Demi out of the fray. Her tail was hanging down in his face the whole way, poor guy. The fight began in the usual way, Mac and Munk circling and swiping. I noticed Alonzo in the background, pacing and fidgeting nervously as he awaited the outcome. When Munkus went down, Lonz immediately jumped into his place. (Munk lay on the stage milking the poor wounded kitty bit for all he was worth while some of the kittens ministered to him.) I must say Ronnie has a very expressive face; he looked like he was in agony as he fought. At one point he turned to Munk with a look that clearly said, “Please, get up and help me!” But Munk just waved him off, not yet ready to re-join the fight. Finally Mac knocked Alonzo down and Munk jumped up to take his place. Mac knocked him down and Lonz got back up. Mac swiped him aside…and then he left. No clutching of the side appearing to be hurt, he just decided he was tired of fighting. I guess he was bored. He jumped up on the car and held out the jumper cables for the other Cats to see. There were sparks and loud crackling then a bang…and a yell. When the headlamp showed us the place where he had been there was only smoke. I think they’re being a little too obvious here that Macavity probably didn’t survive. The Cats milled about the stage in confusion and I saw Demeter approaching Alonzo. (Now Ronnie was doing his best poor wounded kitty impression.) From where I was sitting the light fell full on his face and I saw him draw back as he first sensed her, terror still evident in his eyes. But then he recognized her and they began some relieved snuggling.
Mistoffelees was nothing short of cute. His dancing to me seemed to lack something, but he did it with such flair that it didn’t matter much. He got in 24 turns and he seemed to be timing them to the beat instead of just spinning like a top. Very nice.
When Grizabella came out this time, even Demeter didn’t seem to want to approach her. She stared at the old Cat for a moment then hissed and retreated to the car where Alonzo was. Grizabella sang her ditty and was accepted, and up she went to the Heaviside Layer.
For Ad-dressing I had Mistoff and Mungo close to hand so I watched them. They held themselves aloof until food was mentioned then their eyes got big and there was much lip smacking. But they gradually composed themselves for the final chorus. For bows I found myself to be nearly the only enthusiastic clapper in my area, apart from the girls behind me. I think some of the male kittens were doing back flips on the stage, but I was distracted from watching that by Skimble who was out in the audience being cute.
You know the drill by now; show’s over so we go out to the stage door. We weren’t the only ones waiting. Among others we saw a group made up of two women and a man, and one of the women was wearing the makeup and tail of Bombalurina. There was also a large group that turned out to be the extended family of Melissa Emrico (Cassandra).
Now we found we had a problem. Cindy had only seen the show once when it opened in Atlantic City nearly a year ago. I had seen it more recently, but hadn’t really talked with any of the cast. So we were standing at the stage door wondering if we’d even be able to recognize any of them. The program photos are often very misleading after all.
There was a bus waiting at the curb to take the cast back to their hotel. As we waited a young man came out the door and went straight to the bus, looking neither right nor left. We later discovered that this was Grant Turner. The bus left soon after. Another man poked his head out the door, glanced around, then pulled back. I thought he looked like Warren Freeman in the face, but his hair was a different colour.
A little while later a man in a ball cap came out talking on his cell phone. He walked off a little ways and leaned against the building. Cindy and I looked at each other and wondered aloud if that was Ronnie. I had been studying his face during the show and was pretty sure I recognized the chiseled features. Just then Bryce came out (he was easy to recognize), and seeing Cindy and me with our cameras asked, “Oh, should I pose?” He did, and as he signed our brochures we asked him if the other guy was Ronnie. Bryce glanced at him and nodded, “Yeah, that’s Ronnie; he’s pretending to have a phone call.”
Anne, who was standing back with Shawn and watching, told us later that Ronnie had eventually ended his imaginary phone call and stood waiting until the next bus arrived. Unfortunately I never did catch him. After we finished talking to Bryce, Dave came out, and by the time I was done with him Ronnie had gone. Maybe it’s just as well, I would have been hard pressed to tell him how good he was without soaking his shoes with drool.
But getting back to Dave, Cindy had our pictures taken together with him. The lady who was taking them had a little trouble with Cindy’s camera, and Cindy left Dave’s side to see what the problem was. I stayed where I was, enjoying my prolonged embrace. While we waited I asked Dave if the tour was ever going to get to Richmond, Va. He said he thought it would, but probably not till after the cast turnover. Drat, I thought, I’ll never get to see these guys again.
Cindy came back then and we took the picture. As Dave signed my brochure I told him that I had seen and spoken with him in Georgia. “Okay, Georgia,” he said thoughtfully, “that would have been at Atlanta, in November?”
“January,” I corrected him.
“Okay,” he murmured, and I could see the wheels turning in his head as he tried to remember me.
“It’s okay,” I laughed, “don’t strain yourself.” He was apologetic, but he needn’t be. I know they meet scads of fans in dozens of cities, and I’m not exactly the most memorable of them.
After parting from Dave I pushed my way through the crowd to where I had last seen Ronnie, but he was already gone. I think I also spotted McCree at about that time, but he was also talking on a cell phone. (I hate those things.) Feeling a bit disappointed I consoled myself by joining Jazz in talking to Everett. It was from him that we learned that the guy with bleached hair who had poked his nose out briefly before pulling it back had indeed been Warren, and he had already made his escape. Note to the performers: We don’t bite! We just want to tell you how good you are.
Cindy talked to Jarrett but I missed him. I was standing with Jazz and Angela when we noticed a young man talking to some other fans. We wondered who he was, then Jazz finally faced him and said, “And you are…?”
“Tugger,” he answered promptly. (Ah, than would be Stan.)
I heard a schoolgirl giggle behind me and turned to see Angela with a big grin on her face. “Are you okay?” I asked bemusedly.
“Tugger’s my favourite!” she told me.
Ah, that explains it. We chatted with Stan and took pictures then headed on. As we were making for the car we heard voices behind us. We turned and saw Dave walking along with two girls who had met him at the stage door. (I gather that they are friends of his.) It was kind of amusing to find Pouncival seeming to be following us home.
Amazingly the rest of our trip was uneventful and Jazz and I returned to our respective homes on Monday. I would like to see the tour again, but I doubt it will get to another convenient spot. We’ll have to wait and see.