Theatre by the Sea Presents CATS, Now thru 7/13

Theatre by the Sea (TBTS) is ready to work its magic, once again, to transport audiences to a purrrr-fect evening at "The Jellicle Ball," in TBTS's premiere production of CATS, Broadway's long running musical. The show leaps onto the stage for a four week run starting tonight, June 19 and playing through Saturday, July 13.

"It is truly an honor to bring Cats to the stage of Theatre by the Sea for e very first time," said TBTS owner and producer Bill Hanney. "I always look forward to producing shows for the entire family to enjoy together, and audiences will be astounded by this production under the direction of Richard Stafford. Cast will be one evening in the theatre that will stay with you for a lifetime."

Based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," a collection of poems by T.S. Eliot, CATS, which contains no spoken dialogue, revolves around the antics of such feline characters as Old Deuteronomy, Jennyanydots, Mr. Mistoffelees, Rum Tum Tugger, Skimbleshanks and Grizabella who sings the crossover hit song "Memory."

Originally produced at the New London Theatre on May 11, 1981, CATS began its New York run at the Winter Garden Theatre on October 7, 1982. The show won seven 1983 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score for composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. On September 10, 2000 CATS, finally hung up its whiskers after nearly 18 years, and a record 7,485 performances. The show's appeal is clearly universal, as it has been translated into over 20 languages. As time has proven, CATS is truly now and forever.

Theatre by the Sea's production of CATS will feature Peter S. Adams (Old Deuteronomy), Felipe Barbosa Bombonato (Gus, Growltiger, Bustopher Jones),Jeremy Bensussan (Plato, Macavity), Katy Blake (Grizabella), Rachel Boone (Demeter), Craig Donnelly (Mistofelees), Jordan Dunlap (Victoria), Blayne Gregg-Miller (Bombalurina), Laura Elizabeth Henning (Cassandra), Lucy Horton (Jellylorum), Ian Parmenter (Munkustrap), Hillary Porter (Rumpleteazer), Amanda Pulcini (Jennyanydots), Arnie Rodriquez (Skimbleshanks), Jenna Nicole Schoen (Tantomile), Chris Stevens (Rum Tum Tugger), Alex Swift (Coricopat), Brad Trump (Tumblebrutus), and Sharrod Y. Williams (Mungojerrie).

Director/Choreographer Richard Stafford will bring CATS to life on Theatre by the Sea's stage. Mr. Stafford has extensive experience with CATS, having served as the dance supervisor on the Broadway production, and directing and choreographing touring productions of CATS. His work has been seen around the country and around the world in directing and/or choreographing productions of The Full Monty, Curtains, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 9 to 5 The Musical, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Dreamgirls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver!, The Who's Tommy, Phantom, Evita, Oklahoma!, On the Town, Camelot,My Fair Lady, Sweeney Todd, She Loves Me, Grand Hotel and The Goodbye Girl.

The CATS creative team will also include Milton Granger (Music Director), Anthony R. Phelps (Scenic Designer), Bailey Costa (Lighting Designer), Leon Rothenberg (Sound Designer), Gerard Kelly (Wig Designer), Myles C. Hatch (Production Stage Manager), and Travis Greene (Assistant Stage Manager). Costumes will be provided by Kansas City Costume Co.

CATS runs tonight, June 19 thru July 13. Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays. Show times are: Tuesday - Friday 8:00pm; Thursday 2:00pm; Saturday 4:00pm and 8:00pm; Sunday 3:00pm (first week only), 5:00pm, and 8:00pm (first week only). Tickets are $39, $49, & $59. Tickets are on sale now by calling (401) 782-8587, online at theatrebythesea.com, or in person at 364 Cards Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. The 2013 Season is sponsored by WJAR - NBC 10 News.

Theatre by the Sea will continue the 80th Anniversary 2013 Season with ANNIE (July 17 - August 10), and conclude with LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (August 14 - September 1).

Photo by Paul Lyden

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