FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT ANDREW LLOYD-WEBBER

BWW Reviews: There's Something About CATS at the Cadillac Palace Theatre

Forget “Rock Of Ages.” That 21st century musical about the 1980s has nothing on the real thing. “Cats,” the show that set much of the look and tone of musical theater for the next decade or so when it opened in London in 1981 and in New York in 1982 (and began continuous touring in 1984, a record unmatched in theater history) is on display for this week only (sorry, “Now And Forever”) at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. Forget “Rock Of Ages.” That 21st century musical about the 1980s has nothing on the real thing. “Cats,” the show that set much of the look and tone of musical theater for the next decade or so when it opened in London in 1981 and in New York in 1982 (and began continuous touring in 1984, a record unmatched in theater history) is on display for this week only (sorry, “Now And Forever”) at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. And I, who saw the original Broadway production twice during that heady decade and have not seen the show in any form since then, was eager to go and see what the fuss was, and is, all about. So I went, Tuesday night. If you’ve never seen this show, if you kids have never seen it, or if you want to experience the magic of this unique theatrical masterpiece one more time, then this is a great opportunity to do so, as this is the only remaining North American production to (somewhat) accurately replicate the award-winning, record-setting British musical that took America and the world by storm thirty years ago. This tour of non-Equity performers, with its usual orchestra of five beefed up to eight for a weeklong stand (May 1-6) in a major theatrical market, has enough going for it that I highly recommend it. It’s a little like entering a time machine, and there’s a lot of sleight of hand, but it works. Let me explain. What is “Cats?” Much maligned by insiders, derided as dated by visual artists, underrated by dance teachers and ignored by voice teachers (save for its megahit song, “Memory,” which is heard twice, but never in the sheet music version everything has heard and claims to know), it is in many ways a dichotomy. It’s a dance show (choreography by Gillian Lynne) written by a singer’s songwriter (Andrew Lloyd Webber), as well as a British song cycle based on poems written by a St. Louis-born English poet (T. S. Eliot) who never intended his work (“Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats,” and other snippets) to be either musicalized or staged. Its plot, slight though it is, is also the subject of much derision, but to this observer is very reminiscent of “A Chorus Line,” a universally revered work that does include dialogue and more depth of character, but also honors unity of time and place. However, there are indeed works that dispense with plot entirely, and which people unabashedly love (you know, revues--“Ain’t Misbehavin’” comes to mind), and even shows like “Forever Plaid” and Lloyd Webber’s “Starlight Express” feature heaven-going as a climax that is not entirely a surprise. So, enough complaining about there being no dramatic tension, already. But the spectacle! Is it a rock concert with dance, a dance concert with character, a makeup and hair extravaganza with arena-style lighting (still thrilling, the work of David Hersey, as recreated by Rick Belzer), a radio-friendly cast album with a decidedly British keyboard-rock spin, an intellectual set of inscrutable poems with earworm melodies, an environmental theater piece that’s fun for all ages (an unmistakeable set and costume design by the remarkable John Napier)--what exactly is going on? The answer, of course, is all of the above. Oh, and it owes a lot to the English music hall tradition and to contemporary classical music, too, not to mention Puccini. Name another show that encompasses so much. Not to mention that original marketing campaign. Aside from his immature works (the children’s show “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and others), Lloyd Webber’s previous shows written with Tim Rice (the two nominated for the Best Revival of a Musical Tony Award this year, “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Evita,”) were both introduced to the world via record albums and marketing campaigns that featured a logo rather than a star name and image. But “Cats” seemed to take that even further, dispensing with the concept album and zeroing in on the show AS the star. Indeed, this show has no leading roles. Really. But who can forget that moon/cats’ eyes/dancer silhouette logo, and the letters of the title in color-coordinated graffiti (echoing the oversized junkyard scene design). It was exciting and revolutionary at the time, and the only shows that have done it better since then (Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom Of The Opera” and director Trevor Nunn’s “Les Miserables,” all three produced by wunderkind Cameron Mackintosh) are the only ones that have run longer in London and New York, due to the lessons they learned from the feline juggernaut before us now. It was “the birth of the musical spectacular,” as Broadway In Chicago’s promotional materials tell us. This particular edition of the endless “Cats” tour, directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford and featuring mostly young, recent graduates of top U.S. musical theater and dance schools, is indeed “cut down” from the total makeover that the Winter Garden Theatre in New York displayed for the 18 years it played there (1982-2000). But the “Christmas lights” that once ringed the audience do indeed extend past the proscenium arch, and the cast makes several trips out into the aisles, a nice touch. The back wall of the set does not swing down to reveal the ship’s set needed for the “Growltiger’s Last Stand” sequence--they use drops and a false proscenium downstage center here, and I almost liked it better. The set as a whole is not as detailed and certainly not as deep as it once was, but if you haven’t seen the video of the London production, or the show as it played in the early ‘80s, you would be none the wiser. Sound-wise, I have to give credit to sound designer Duncan Robert Edwards, musical supervisor Kristen Blodgette and music director J. Michael Duff. I swear the show sounds better than ever, even with a smaller orchestra than originally employed. And I could understand the lyrics! The costumes and makeup design look simplified to me, though, but again, a newcomer to the proceedings wouldn’t know. And do I care of part of the set is inflatable, as rumor would have it? I don’t care how they get it from city to city, or how quickly they do it, but somebody does care, and they figured out a way to make it work! The floating tire and the thing that comes down from the fly space (spoiler alert?) look great, absolutely. Absolutely. The cast is led by Melissa Grohowski as Grizabella, the role made famous by Elaine Paige and Betty Buckley and carrying with it, shall we say, a certain expectation of a certain money note. Boy, does Ms. Grohowski deliver! Three people stood during the applause for the number. Bravo to Clemmons/Dewing Casting, I say! The two singing roles for the men, Old Deuteronomy and Gus/Growltiger/Bustopher Jones, are essayed here by Nathan Morgan and Christopher E. Sidori, who both acquitted themselves well and were very effective theatrically, whatever their actual ages. Among the dance roles, Daniel J. Self as the narrator Munkustrap, Chris Stevens as Rum Tum Tugger and especially Chaz Wolcott as Mistoffelees were crowd pleasers: Self with his movement detailing, Stevens with his Elvis impersonation and Wolcott with his amazing fouette turns. The cast of two dozen or so performers dances uniformly well, and sings very well, too, save for a few minor quibbles with single lines here. And there or some missing low notes that older performers would probably have no trouble with. But these are easily forgiven. Who cares if the leading lights of Broadway (Harry Groener, Terrence Mann, Anna McNeely and of course Ken Page) have been replaced in these roles by recent graduates of Wright State, SUNY-Purchase and Oklahoma City University? These energetic, disciplined performers are working their tails off (pun intended), singing like people who can’t dance a lick and are basking in the glow of theater history with every city they visit. Yes, the show has moments that seem a little longwinded, and sure, it doesn’t challenge your intellect as much as it challenges your wallet and your caffeine intake (it takes place at night, and everybody is dressed like a cat!). But I challenge you to remain unmoved when Grizabella begs for physical contact, when old Gus relives his moment of youthful theatrical triumph, when assorted junk becomes the train that Skimbleshanks loves, and when the sopranos of the ensemble soar on the words, “’Round the cathedral rang ‘Vivat!” Come on! It’s “Cats.” It’s eye and ear candy galore. I don’t even like cats, but I do like “Cats.” Very much. “Cats” plays this week only, Tuesday night through Sunday night, with additional matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph Street in Chicago. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago box offices, the Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place, all Ticketmaster retail outlets, by phone (800.775.2000) and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Photos: Melissa Grohowski; The Cast (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Donates to Help Local Theatres

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation just announced a donation to The Theatres Trust to help launch its Theatres Protection Fund. The Foundation will award a grant of £125,000, to be paid over the next five years, in order to help create a new Small Grants Scheme providing grants of under £5000 from the Theatres Protection Fund. The Foundation hopes its donation will encourage other organisations and individuals to give to the Scheme which will help protect theatres across the country that have significant value within their communities. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber to Visit Steve Wright Tomorrow

Tomorrow, March 7 Andrew Lloyd Webber will appear on ITV’s Daybreak (8:20am) and BBC Radio 4’s Front Row(7:15am) to chat about the Love Never Dies film, which is set to be released on DVD in the UK on March 12. (more...)

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 7th, 2012

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. "Bring It On," season announcements from Broadway In Chicago, Porchlight and Paramount, Idina and Kristin tour dates, Andrew Lloyd Webber in movie theaters and more.... (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Continues SUPERSTAR Search in UK; Women in the Running

Last month, ITV1 and Andrew Lloyd Webber announced 'Superstar,' described as "a brand new show that will give the British public the chance to choose the country’s next major rock star." The show seeks the new lead in an arena tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, to kick of at the O2 Arena in London. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber to Visit DAYBREAK & FRONT ROW Tomorrow

Tomorrow, March 7 Andrew Lloyd Webber will appear on ITV’s Daybreak (8:20am) and BBC Radio 4’s Front Row(7:15am) to chat about the Love Never Dies film, which is set to be released on DVD in the UK on March 12. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Working on New Profumo Affair Musical?

Musical theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed today that he is thinking about basing his next musical project on the Profumo affair, which went down almost 50 years ago. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber to Make Announcement on CHRIS EVANS SHOW Tomorrow

On Thursday, February 16, Andrew Lloyd Webber will be featured on PBS’s NYC Arts, airing on THIRTEEN from 8-8.30pm EST, and again on Sunday 19th February from 12-12.30pm EST. The interview will also air on WLIW/Long Island Channel 21 on Friday 17th February at 7pm EST, and on NJTV on Sunday 19th February at 8.30pm EST. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd-Webber Looks to Sell Palace Theatre

Andrew Lloyd-Webber has confirmed he is looking for a buyer or partner to take possession of the Palace Theatre, the first theatre he bought outright in 1983 for £1.3million, according to the UK's Daily Express. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Charity Awards £100,000 Grant to Beacon Arts Centre

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's foundation has donated a £100,000 grant to the Beacon Arts Centre. (more...)

STAGE TUBE: Andrew Lloyd Webber Explains JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR to Piers Morgan

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's successful career thus far includes Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Even among those hits, however, The Phantom of the Opera stands out as one of his most successful productions. Last week, Piers Morgan interviewed Webber on the origins of Phantom, its sequel Love Never Dies, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. (more...)

STAGE TUBE: Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks PHANTOM OF THE OPERA's 25th Anniversary & Career with Piers Morgan Tonight - Sneak Peek!

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's successful career thus far includes Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Even among those hits, however, The Phantom of the Opera stands out as one of his most successful productions. Tonight, Piers Morgan interviews Webber on the origins of Phantom, its sequel Love Never Dies, and more. Get a sneak peek of the interview, which airs tonight at 9pm ET/PT, below! (more...)

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE WIZARD OF OZ & LOVE NEVER DIES to Broadway? CATS Back to London?

There's lots of news (and potential news) for Andrew Lloyd Webber fans on both sides of the pond this morning, with news reports coming out of both Variety and the UK Express. (more...)

Recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber's WIZARD OF OZ Available for Pre-Order

Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ was recorded and will be released later this year on 2nd May. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks OZ, New JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR & More

Celebrated theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber recently spoke with The Telegraph about THE WIZARD OF OZ, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and life after his battle with cancer. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Attends A Night of Heroes

Andrew Lloyd Webber was in attendance at A Night Of Heroes: The Sun Military Awards 2010 held last night at the Imperial War Museum. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Keeps Ownership of West End Theatres

According to TheStage.com, Andrew Lloyd Webber will not be selling his West End Theatres after all. Webber has pulled out of a deal to sell the Palace, Her Majesty's, the Cambridge, and the New Lincoln Theatres to GradeLinnit for the price of around £50 million. (more...)

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for November 10th, 2010

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. "Traces," "Departure Lounge," "The Story Of My Life," two productions of "Cats," Stew in concert, "Kiss Me, Kate," more.... (more...)

Photo Coverage: Webber & Brightman at Phantom Tour Closing

The third national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, known as the Music Box Company, played its final performance on Halloween, October 31, 2010, at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles - appearing at the show's curtain call were none other than composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and the show's original Christine, Sarah Brightman. (more...)

TV: London's PHANTOM Celebrates 10,000 Shows

On Saturday 23rd October, the cast of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA celebrated the show's 10,000th performance in the West End. The audience at today's matinee performance were treated to a special appearance from Andrew Lloyd Webber during the curtain call. Andrew said a few words thanking the audience for their support over the last 10,000 performances before introducing the original Phantom, Michael Crawford. Michael's appearance was accompanied by the familiar strains of The Music of the Night. Andrew and Michael were then presented with a cake to celebrate the landmark performance. Crawford will next be see starring as 'The Wizard' in Andrew Lloyd Webber's upcoming THE WIZARD OF OZ. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber to Perform for Julian Lloyd Webber's 60th Anniversary Gala

Andrew Lloyd Webber will give a rare public performance when he joins his brother Julian at the Royal Festival Hall on April 14th next year at a Gala Concert to celebrate Julian's sixtieth birthday. (more...)

Music Takes Center Stage At Munster's 'Superstar'

Onstage now in Munster, Indiana’s Theatre At The Center is a remarkable and fascinating (and seemingly rare) production of one of the first masterpieces of what is now known as the “rock musical,” Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s youthful flash of brilliance, “Jesus Christ Superstar.” (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Son Pens THE LITTLE PRINCE Musical; Aims for Winter Premiere in London

According to whatsonstage.com, Andrew Lloyd Webber's son, Nick Lloyd Webber, has recently completed writing a new, high-scale musical entitled THE LITTLE PRINCE. Based on the classic French book, THE LITTLE PRINCE will be an English interpretation of the well-known story. The younger Lloyd Webber is hoping to premiere the project in the of Winter 2010/11 and is cureently seeking a venue. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Dishes on His Ideal Dorothy for Upcoming WIZARD OF OZ

Andrew Lloyd Webber recently sat down with unrealitytv.co.uk to chat about his new BBC television talent program "Over the Rainbow" and talk about what qualities his ideal Dorothy should have. (more...)

Andrew Lloyd Webber Plans to Save Abbey Road Studios

Since news broke that EMI Group placed the iconic Abbey Road Studios up for sale, many prominent figures in the entertainment industry are stepping forward in a plea to save the studios - including composer Andrew Lloyd Webber who has vowed to save the studios at any cost, reports the Daily Mail. (more...)