CATS Leaps onto the Norris Theatre Stage, 4/24-5/10

Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary Broadway musical, "Cats," will be presented at the Norris Theatre in Rolling Hills Estates for 11 performances, April 24 - May 10. With its dazzling choreography, whimsical feline costumes and magnificent score "Cats" won seven Tony awards including Best Musical. The show has endured for more than 30 years as one of the most breathtaking theatrical experiences of all time, becoming the second-longest running show in Broadway history, as well as a world-wide sensation.

Produced by James Gruessing for Palos Verdes Performing Arts, "Cats" is directed and choreographed by Janet Renslow, with musical direction by Robert Hoyt. The 23-member Norris Theatre cast features: Gina D'Acciaro (Grizabella), Jake DuPree (Mr. Mistoffelees), Robert Hoyt (Deuteronomy), Bill Ledesma (Munkustrap) and Joel Abelson(Rum Tum Tugger).

Based on T.S. Eliot's collection of poems, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," the musical tells the imaginative story of the annual gathering of the Jellicle cats, where one of them will be chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn. Through song and dance, each cat tries to show the wise elder, Old Deuteronomy, that they are the most worthy of a new life.

"Cats" features Andrew Lloyd Webber's immortal ballad "Memory," sung by the character Grizabella as she reflects on her glamorous past. The song has been covered by over 150 artists, notably Barbra Streisand, whose version reached the top 10 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

A true musical theater phenomenon, "Cats" opened in London in 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. The production'sLondon success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran for 18 years, ushering in the era of the mega musical. Since its world premiere, "Cats" has captivated over 65 million people in 26 countries and 300 cities around the world, and has been performed in at least 20 different languages.

Continuing to live up to its motto of playing "Now and Forever," a new touring production of "Cats" premiered in London in 2013, and Andrew Lloyd Webber recently announced that he is working to bring the musical back to Broadway next year.

Performances for the April 24 - May 10 run of "Cats" are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday May 2 and 9. Ticket prices are $45-$55, and $25 for youth ages 17 and under. Discounted group sales tickets are available. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at (310) 544-0403, ext. 221, or visit www.palosverdesperformingarts.com. The Norris Theatre is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula at 27570 Norris Center Drive in Rolling Hills Estates. Free parking is available adjacent to the theatre, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

About Palos Verdes Performing Arts

Established in 1983, the nonprofit Palos Verdes Performing Arts (formerly named Norris Center for the Performing Arts) produces and presents a full season of professional, live theatre performances each year, from Broadway musicals to concerts and plays. The Norris Center is comprised of three facilities; the 450-seat Norris Theatre, the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, and a dedicated conservatory that houses its acclaimed performing arts education program. Palos Verdes Performing Arts is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.

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