Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of T. S. Eliot’s poetry collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats: Cats is a stalwart of late 20th Century Theatre. As fanciful and whimsical as its source material, Cats premiered in The West End and Broadway, from 1981-82. After a slow start, it realized huge commercial success. Having never before attended a production of Cats, I proceeded nonetheless undaunted to The Firehouse Theatre.
On the empty stage there was a garbage dump. There were massive, oversized components: an abandoned car, dryer, kitchen stove, tire, various sorts of vivid detritus. Despite the sprawling refuse (in blue moonlight) the set had an odd sense of the romantic. The mythical. As the orchestra cues up, cats of astonishing variety pop up, here and there, walking on all fours, some of them sniffing around audience members. They perch all over the mise en scene, each with its own demeanor and personalty. Some are shy, some curious, some assertive, some relaxed. With a cast of 30, we become aware of profusion and (despite distinct identities) a feeling that they often move as one. Not just physical but as if a particular attitude is shared. Make-up (Logan Coley Broker) and Costuming (Sydney Cornelius) were cunning, clever and beguiling, with ingenious attention to detail.
The best parts of Cats are the fresh touches. The Choreography (Christina Kudlicki Hoth) that, at first, seeks to emulate feline movement, that creates the illusion we are submerged in a world, known only to other cats. The idea of the “Jellicle” cat: perhaps the chosen recipient of a new life? Perhaps one that embodies the essence of “catness”? It’s never really explained, but again it contributes to the air of the clandestine. The enigma. Webber doesn’t necessarily avoid the obvious. Rum Tum Tugger, the cocky tomcat that exudes charm and blue collar bravado. (You haven’t lived till you’ve been flirted with by a cat.) The satirical sketches mocking dogs. The hissing and reference to cream. Gradually the dancing becomes less about catlife and more like traditional Broadway hoofing. All this being said, Cats has such playful energy, such authentically sad and solemn moments, we are captivated by pleasure and surprisingly touching moments.
I begin every day with a glass of Superfood and 1 of V8, but the cast of Cats must be downing rocket fuel. Where else could we see such daring, exuberant energy? The climbing and leaping and spinning and somersaults? I never cease to marvel at the precision, discipline, stamina and audacity it takes to orchestrate something as demanding as musical theatre. Kudos to Director Mark Mullino, the cast and crew, et al of Cats. This is a splendid evening of exhilarating theatre.
The Firehouse Theatre presents Cats, running September 5th-22nd, 2019. 2535 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234. (972) 620-3747. www.thefirehousetheatre.com