Interview: Stephen Martin Allan of CATS at RONACHER

A Cats Life!

Andrew Lloyd Webbers show based on T.S. Elliotts Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is still a record-breaker. The current Viennese production is playing in front of a full house seven times a week. We got the chance to sit down and talk about the show with Stephen Martin Allan Broadwayworld Austria Award Winner ( Best Supporting Actor in a Musical) who is giving his musical debut as the sparkling Mr. Mistoffelees.

BWW: First things first, what's a Jellicle Cat?

SMA: Hmmm... What is a Jellicle Cat? The reason what makes a Jellicle Cat different to a "Normal" Cat is that there is so much detail to one's name. There are 54 Cat names given in T.S. Eliot's, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The Jellicle Cats names are difficult to understand and it only takes one to explain. The diversity within the tribe creates a magic atmosphere as shown in the Jellicle Ball. The individual talent that each cat has is what defines a Jellicle.

BWW: You are giving your musical debut with Mr. Misoffelees in this spectacular production. It couldn't get any better than this, right?

SMA: It truly is amazing to be in this production as the youngest first cast Mr. Mistoffelees. I have learned so much from everyone in the room, all the different types of talent and experience everyone has is truly inspiring. I am definitely looking forward to playing more roles that are mainly singing and acting based and exploring the world out with dance.

BWW: You are surrounded by many people who have done the show. How helpful was it for you, to get to work with a Tugger (Dominik Hees) who already played his part before?

SMA: Luckily I developed a great relationship with Dominik Hees during the rehearsal process. This allowed us to be open with each other's work when working on "Mistoffelees" together. It is very helpful having someone who has done the show before telling you the tricks of the trade not only as a colleague but as a friend.

BWW: Stephen, something, everyone is curious about. How many conjuring turns are you doing in Mr. Mistoffelees?

SMA: I do 32 turns in total including the turns in second and pirouettes during the turning section of the solo.

BWW: Which another cat would you love to play?

SMA: I would love to play the Rum Tum Tugger.

BWW: Some say that Velma Kelly's Entrance is one of the best female entrances ever staged in a musical. Your entrance from the gridiron might be the male counterpart. What do you think?

SMA: I have to say it is quite an entrance. At the beginning of the contract I had an extreme fear of heights, but coming down in a light-up jacket in the Ronacher Theatre instantly took my fears away.

BWW: Cats is the hottest ticket in town, 7 shows a week sold-out performances, is there still some time for you to explore the city?

SMA: Of course, it can get very tiring doing Mr. Mistoffelees 7 shows a week, but I have always find time to see the beautiful city of Vienna.

Thank you for your time. Enjoy Vienna and your light-up jacket, all the best for your career and all the future engagements.

You can follow Stephen Martin Allan on instagram.

Photo credits: ©Sandra Kosel ( headshot) and ©Deen Van Meer (Mr. Mistoffelees)