FEBRUARY 2001 (by Triskell)

February 12, 2001

February 13, 2001

February 14, 2001

February 15, 2001

February 16, 2001

February 17, 2001


go to Cast Lists February 2001

go to Stagedoor February 2001


February 12, 2001 (evening)

MOVING PLATFORM D 51, 50

Wow! *grins* That was my first reaction - it was such an exhilarating performance! It's been half a year since I last saw CATS and I'm still totally wild with joy... The energy and fun you get out of a life show are thrilling and much as I love the video - you just can't compare the two.

I was totally taken with Bill Bailey (Tumblebrutus) from the start - Nick (Crossley) must've studied cats for ages; his movements, meowing, prancing and arching of his back were perfect...and he's a real prankster on top of all that!
RTT - well, I still remember that I was very taken with Tom Lucas' voice in summer, now we had Neil Reynolds. He was good though, very funny, made jokes and funny faces in the background, but his performance as such didn't quite manage to convince me. He lacked a certain something that Tugger just has about him - yet I'd say he might only need practice. For not doing the role all that often he sure did a great job!

MJ and RT...whoa - I thought they'd fall off the stage after their double cartwheels - it's hard to believe how well the actors work on the coreography; if you see how small the stage is and see how close they come to its edge I guess you would too.
During Pekes and Pollicles Misto made faces at Bomba and he seemed quite fond of her...btw: she was the one chosen when he brought Old D back. And she wasn't all too happy, after all, trying to run away off the stage can't be interpreted as enthusiasm... *grins*
At the Jellicle Ball I finally got to see a Carbucketty (Pouncival) dancing - and wow, what a sight! Mark (Richardson) is a wonderful dancer - he was turning and jumping about with Misto - in fact, he was doing most of the stuff you see Tumble doing in the vid (and if you've noticed - every time Pounce and Misto dance in the vid, someone has just cut most of poor Pounci out of the picture... *grumbles*)

I loved Growltiger and the pirates - such a cool scene, unfortunately didn't make it on the video *sniffles*. The Siamese are just wonderful, esp when you get to see their costumes and weapons close-up.
Now Skimble, he's really cute and you can't but like him. Lovely interpretation. Such a cheerful, likable guy!!

Demeter and Bomba were just excellent - esp their interpretation of "Macavity" - the coreography is a little different than the one on the video. Emma (Woods) is an admirably skittish queen - though she didn't seem helpless to me, merely scared and nervous. It was a privilege to see her.
The catfight was superb - I admire Alonzo and Munku for still being able to stand after all that. In fact, Sebastian (Rose) is one of the best dancers I've ever seen.

Barbara (King) did Grizabella; she's an understudy, usually plays Demeter, but boy, she was haunting. I've heard memory so often that I couldn't connect to the song or to the character any more - until I heard her. I felt the depth of her despair and could see it in the expressions of her face, her gestures - she's exceptional!

Campbell (McKenzie) has gained a bit of weight since I last saw him in summer I'd say, and he didn't seem in top shape while dancing today. For all that - putting down 26/27 (I couldn't say for sure - he's spinning so fast at the end) pirouettes during his Misto number sure is something to be proud of... Lindsey (Wise) was a cute Jemima, though I found her voice really a bit too soft - but then, the singing was frequently drowned out a little by the music.

Now for some more comments: I must say that David (Ashley) for all that he's a good actor doesn't interpret Munku as I see the character (neither does Michael Gruber in the vid btw) - his tabby is a bit too much like Tugger, flirting and quite full of himself.
The "end credits" were comprised of a reprise of "Misto/Skimble" and the cast was running around the aisles...Rumple played with my bagpack - she got it out from under my seat and I didn't even notice until my friend nudged me...sure is a skilled burglar that one *grins*. Munku tapped my bagpack on his way back on stage once I had retrieved it and then everyone left the stage - expect for Griz and Misto who danced and sang "Magical Mr. Mistoffelees". Tugger kept singing along with them, until the lady walked off, leaving our two toms to take each others' arm and slink off after her...


February 13, 2001 (matinee)

MOVING PLATFORM B 40, 39

Performance was in many details like yesterday, but then, not quite *smiles*. The cast was vibrating with life esp during the Jellicle Ball - in fact, they added some parts of the choreography that we hadn't seen the day before (couldn't say why they left it out - maybe they needed to get comfortable with the many cast changes?). Anyway, have to admit that Tugger grows on you - Neil did much better during the "RTT" song today and his faces are just hilarious! When he did the "Misto" number he still wasn't convincing though - and it wasn't even all that easy to follow his performance, cause the spotlight let a HUGE shadow of his dance on the wall behind him and that will totally draw your attention and make you giggle *grins*.

Bill Bailey sat right in front of us during "Moments of Happiness" - he made the cutest faces - my friend told me he was aiming for the ice cream of a guy who sat two rows behind us. Made the poor man really uncomfortable - so much so that he was trying to hide his ice cream...even under the seat. This time I concentrated on Admetus/Mac as well - he sure is a fantastic dancer, impressed me!

I also thought that Misto was better. Might also be cause I was closer to the stage and could observe his facial expressions (which are really cute btw) much better. I counted 26/27 pirouettes again and he even jumped into Old D's arms this time - looks totally awesome when it's actually happening in front of your eyes... Campbell has a wonderful voice too, it comes out best during the pirate scene I'd say - just before Munku starts sobbing into his neckerchief at the mention of the "woe befalling the weak canary" (probably cause he's got one sitting on his shoulder...) Misto comes up to pat his shoulder soothingly...that is, before standing on his toes (literally!) to try and bite off the bird's head *grins*

Coming to this I ought to mention that I really think Peter (Bishop) is an excellent Gus/Growltiger and Bustopher. The pirate's aria - wow - he's got a truly awesome voice and his acting skills come out in the rapid change from old, brokenvoiced Gus to GT's "manly baritone". Jelly was great too - what a wonderful Griddlebone!


February 14, 2001 (evening)

MOVING PLATFORM A 01, 02

House was packed full, probably cause it was Valentine's Day - loads of couples. And another stunning performance (surprise! *lol*) Sat in the first row this time, just in front of the stage - view of the back of the set (and the car boot, mattress, pipe and tire) is pretty much hindered from here...but you can't really care when practically every cat passes you all the time, in fact, Carbucketty dashed out of a pipe at our feet twice - gave us quite a scare each time! *smiles*

Very good view of "Macavity" (best until now I'd say) - Dem and Bomb really got it going! Julie (Barnes) is not only slim but also slightly built - yet all you gotta do is wait till she gets on stage - she takes the limelight in a moment and when she dances her solo at the Jellicle Ball - beware! She sure knows how to get to the guys!!
It sure was great to have the actors right in front of you - they got the pieces for the train, the mice costumes (for Gumbie Cat) and the props for Pekes and Pollicles from right beside us. Carbucketty sulked sitting in front of us, dangling his feet (with the boxes on) when Munku went at him for messing up his part in the confrontation at the beginning of the song. Later on he lay on a little ramp near us and he played "catch-his-own-tail" during "Gus".

Skimble's number was a highlight - with Old D among those cats scampering madly about the stage. And Tugger - gosh that guy gets better and better! He does the funniest things even when he's not up front but sitting in the background. Campbell has an adorable grin - along with Mark and Nick he seems to be among the cheekiest of the cats. However - if you think you got any 'kittens' on the stage...wouldn't count on it! If you've seen the vid you'll notice a decided difference in that in the live show everyone's flirting and no one seems to be quite 'innocent' anymore *grins*.


February 15, 2001 (evening)

DRESS CIRCLE E 13, 14

Sat really high up this time, hard to see the faces, but we had a great overview of the stage and therefore both lighting and choreography. Makes the whole show seem a lot more mystical and there's a lot more visual impact and force for the audience.

I must admit that I liked Peter's (Bishop) interpretation of Gus better than Gareth's (Snook), though that's probably just me. Gareth's Gus is really senile, he croaks and totally stumbles over his own words - changing your voice like that is a great accomplishment! - and his Growltiger's more agile and boisterous. He's got a very good singing voice, but Peter makes the aria sound like in an opera house (since he's sung operas as well that shouldn't be surprising though :D).

I did, however, get a glimpse of the tire being lifted, saw it properly for the first time - even caught sight of that hole in the stage - the cast have to learn their footing very carefully since they can't truly see where that hole starts with the fog about their feet and their eyes turned upwards. In our backstage tour we heard that in rehearsals a net is placed there, cause a couple of people fall in every time - and since there's a thick iron pillar just beneath the stage at this place... OUCH!

Misto's number is more dazzling from such a point of view of course - you get to see the whole range of his talent! Campbell's getting better and better - was up to 29/30 pirouettes today! Well, Neil's coming steadily closer to perfection as well - in case I never mentioned it before - he sure knows how to sway his hips!! *grins*. Still not tops when singing "Misto", but during "RTT" and "Old D" he really gets to me! Can't wait to see what he'll be up to tomorrow!

Grizabella was sparkling as usual - Barbara gives an incredible interpretation, now I must say that it's the best I've ever seen, apart from Elaine Page's. Yet I'm reluctant to really compare the vid to the life show...it just isn't the same. And then there's that thing with breathing - on the vid you have the whole singing recorded in the studio, on stage you hear the actors huffing and puffing after doing the umpteenth jump and turn - it adds to the atmosphere though imo. After all, it goes to show just how much hard work goes into actually making the music come alive - and how well trained and professional the cast has got to be.


February 16, 2001 (evening)

MOVING PLATFORM D 51, 50

Today I just gotta say that Tanto and Cori are always awesome. No matter which of the cast work together, they really do a great job - keeping in synch and all. It's not in every movement of course, and I must say I like that too. Most movements (as when they get on stage) are in total harmony, and so is most of their walking about together - but they split up too and don't just seem as extensions of each other, more like two different cats with a very close connection; an interpretation of their relationship that I, personally, like a lot.
Chris (Houston) is back as Cori today, he's a really cute Ghenghis too, though I must say Thomas (Paton) did remarkably well too. Yet, I like Chris' Siamese accent so much, it sounds really great!

Campbell was tops, another 29/30 pirouettes and that guy didn't really seem to be out of breath, he just breathed more deeply...wow! Guess he'll blow up the house tomorrow then... And as for Neil - boy, he is so funny, esp when he grimaces and makes dance movements shaking his mane while he sits on the pipe. But what I like best is that sort of giggling chuckle he 'lets loose' when he's surrounded by the screaming kittens.
His Tugger is fun-loving, cheeky, and not at all arrogant. I can't describe him as other than a lovable clown - very far from John Partridge's interpretation - but I must say Neil sure has a fan now! *grins* Still, his hand movements during the "Misto" number could be better, yet he's getting there!

Emma did Jenny today - she's so slim she hardly seems there; it's a far cry from Kerry (Washington) and really, she just doesn't fit the whole 'motherly' type role description. Emma's voice is good, but it doesn't carry as much as it could and well, as I said, for all her facial expressions (which were adorable!) I prefer seeing her as Demeter - that's more her kind of part. Still, it goes to show that she's extremely versatile changing so quickly and adapting to a different choreography and all...

Helen (Baker) however, was stunning. She's an excellent Demeter - her voice is much deeper than Emma's, but it's also stronger, which is good since she gets the better of the music (which sometimes seems to be a bit too loud). Her dancing was great, needing a little refinement maybe, but then, a complete change of role and all takes time to adjust for the best actors. If she keeps doing this for another day or two she'll have mastered every particular, I'm sure.

I haven't yet said a thing about Deuteronomy - he was tops today - I mean, I do like his voice and all, but I usually don't pay too much attention to him since he sits there most of the time, doesn't dance (though you should see him at "Jellicle Songs" - for all his looks he knows how to dance!) and doesn't really have as much interaction with the other cats. Though I must say that he gets more active each night...racing after Skimble's train, jumping about with the younger cats...

Macavity was a surprise though - no cast change was announced in the break, but when dear Mac appeared to catnap the Jellicle leader his voice was booming and very, very deep all of a sudden (sounded really good though *smiles*) and he was suddenly more strongly built than Philip. Clinton (Brown) did a fantastic job though - and he was grinning madly when he got back as Admetus, so I suppose he enjoyed himself thoroughly! He also managed to tease a couple of people in the audience just before the 'end credits'...

Now I really gotta mention that - Tugger uses his tail as a rattle during most of "Skimble" and shakes his mane wildly. He also jumps on stage when Munku has his grand moment (all alone in the limelight) before beginning to sing "Pekes and Pollicles" and walks off briskly twirling his tail (not without a little shake of his hips before finally clearing the field *grins*). And, my absolute fave scene is when he blows a kiss to a very exasperated Munk during "RTT" - though that one must share first place with "Old D" where Tug and Munk touch their knuckles together (very slowly) after having begun singing the refrain together...

Another thought at the end. I've seen David so often now that I just can't help but notice that much as I like his voice he isn't as good a dancer as most of the others - or at least he doesn't seem to be - he's so tall and lanky, he lacks elegance and his movements often seem edgy. He's also putting up a bit too much of an act for my taste - I mean, his hiss is always the loudest - that is, unless he's doing the catfight with Clinton - they get up a hissing contest there *grins*. And where Neil doesn't seem in the least arrogant as Tugger, David's Munkustrap is a bit of a playboy (or so it seems to me)...


February 17, 2001 (evening)

STALLS N 43, O 39

BIG SNIFFLE. This is the last performance of CATS I'm gonna see - tomorrow's Sunday and we're going back home.

So we've got Kerry back as Jenny - which leaves Demeter to Emma. Poor thing, she's got a dreadful cold, can hear it in her singing, esp during "Macavity" - she sounds a bit hoarse at times - yet she performs admirably; you gotta hand it to her, she's a professional!

Clinton had a blast, he was either laughing or grinning openly throughout the whole performance and he sure is a great dancer. As for Neil - he was superb - in each and every particular. This time he thoroughly got to me - even as he sang "Misto" - his hand movements ("pick any card from the pack" etc) were well-rounded and flawless. And I've really fallen for his Tugger interpretation - and esp for that giggling chuckle of his - I'm really gonna miss that *sniffles*. Today he pretended his hand was broken after having 'knocked knuckles' with Munk during "Old D". And he also made a show of having hoisted one after lifting Bomba during the Jellicle Ball - he held his back and stumbled to sit down on the tire, shooting accusing glances at her all the time - he's just so adorably mischievous *grins*.

We had a Misto understudy today - Thomas (Paton). He's really different to Campbell - both in looks and voice; and he seemed pretty clueless as to where he was supposed to be in the choreography, though he is a very good dancer. He seemed a bit tense to me, probably had to jump in at the last minute or something - he definitely wasn't in his best form imo. He made a couple of adorable faces - he's more kittenish than Campbell at that - very slim too, seems smaller in a way.
However, dancing the "big one", that is, doing the "Misto" number proved quite a challenge - the poor guy was dangling and swaying about as he was lowered, so he had to cling to the rope and keep his back totally straight. I suppose his legs were shaking by the time he got firm ground under his feet again - it didn't show and I'm sure that just about no one in the audience (except my friend and me) really noticed. I mean, I really was afraid he'd fall down or something and I thought I'd just about excuse any adverse effect that dangling had on his performance - if I only imagine what he must've felt like...

He came up to 25/26 pirouettes though and he was a real cocky Misto once he had finally gotten through his routine...and was "relieved of duty" *smiles*. While he was turning, he always had his leg stretched out and he put his foot up now and then (maybe he had a cramp?) - looked funny and not at all elegant imo. Thomas' voice is also not as soft and melodious as Campbell's - once again, comes out best when you hear his solo in the pirate scene. Yet I guess that, since I've seen quite a few 'transformations' this week that he just needs some practice at the role again. Probably wasn't his best day.

And that was, in fact, it. The last cat to be on stage today was Tugger - and once he realized he was alone he stopped singing and jumped off stage... *SNIFFLES* Now I gotta wait for at least four months... *grabs a hanky and the CATS vid*