BWW Reviews: CATS at Alpha/Omega Players is Memorable

"Jellicle cats come out tonight . . . Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball." This is the premise for the current show at Alpha/Omega Players version of CATS. The show is based on T.S. Eliot's collection of poems entitled, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the musical. The show tells the story of a group of cats called "jellicles," and they come out once a year to the Jellicle Ball. At the ball, the jellicle cats decide which cat will ascend to the "Heavenside Layer" and come back in a new life. The cast of the Alpha/Omega Players production of CATS radiates with enthusiasm and energy, which makes this show enjoyable and entertaining.

The Alpha/Omega Players production of CATS uses the junkyard motif for the scenery, and it was nicely done, every aspect of the set was utilized well. The creative team deserves recognition for this production. Melissa Kaufmann is the director and choreographer for this production, and the choreography for CATS is strong. In addition, Mark A. Drey serves as the assistant director. The musical director for this show is Nathan Patton. The set and light design for this production were done by Mark Drey, William Eschbach and Gordon Joyner. Lastly, Lori Wisser, Missie Flannery and Nettie Clark all assisted with the costumes.

The entire cast of this production of CATS is lively and full of zeal. This is a solid production of CATS, and one of the best productions I have seen of this show. One of my favorite characters in this production was the Rum Tum Tugger. Stephen Barszowski is strong vocally and lively to watch. His vocals throughout the show are fantastic. Furthermore, another actor who is strong vocally is Maria Damore who plays Grizabella. Her rendition of "Memory" is passionate and powerful. One of the more creative numbers in the show is "The Awful Battle of the Pekes and Pollicles." This song is creative and animated, and probably my favorite version of this song I have seen. Another song that stands out in this production is "Mr. Mistoffelees." Josh Bellamy portrays Mr. Mistoffelees, and his dancing in this number, and throughout the show, is breathtaking. He is a talented individual and his dancing received applause throughout the entire show. Besides Mr. Mistoffelees, another scene that has strong choreography was "The Old Gumbie Cat." The tap dancing in the number was fabulous. Two other characters that need mentioning are Chris Weiss as Bustopher Jones and Gordon Joyner who plays Asparagus. Both these actors are charismatic in their parts, and at times add humor. Rounding out this remarkable cast is Mark A. Drey as Old Deuteronomy. Drey is a strong presence onstage and is perfect for the role of the "wise cat."

Any fan of CATS will treasure this production, and this is a great production for anyone who has yet to experience Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS. CATS is playing at Alpha/Omega Players through August 11, 2013. For more information and tickets call their box office at 610-404-4844.

Photos courtesy of Alpha/Omega Players

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