Broadway Training Center Of Westchester Presents CATS

Broadway Training Center of Westchester (BTC), one of the region's premier performing arts schools, will present "CATS" November 16 through November 18 at the Irvington Town Hall Theater in Irvington, N.Y.

Based on T.S. Eliot's 1939 collection of poems, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," this Tony Award-winner for Best Musical features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. BTC's stage is set for a celebrated night of the annual Jellicle Ball. During the ball Old Deuteronomy, their wise Cat leader, will select a singular cat to go to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn to a new Jellicle life - because cats really do have 9 lives! Over the course of the evening, the cats of our tribe step forward to introduce themselves and impress Old Deuteronomy for the chance to be selected. The show highlights each individual performer in a unique way and bridges the philosophy of BTC with a synergy not always found in Musical Theatre writing. Andrew Lloyd Webber's world of "CATS" cultivates a space where each individual gets a moment to share and shine; just like the collaborative community at BTC.

"CATS" originally opened on Broadway in 1982, winning seven Tony Awards, and running for a record-breaking 18 years. This iconic record was only surpassed in 2006 by another Andrew Lloyd Webber creation: "The Phantom of the Opera". To this day, "CATS" remains the fourth-longest-running show in history with iconic songs like "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats", "The Rum Tum Tugger ", "Magical Mr. Mistoffelees" and "Memory". Although "CATS" may have begun in 1982, Andrew Lloyd Webber continues to amaze audiences in 2018 with his work. Recently achieving an Emmy Award, Webber now holds the elite honor of being 1 of 15 people included in the EGOT club of legends. The EGOT is a rare achievement and an outstanding elevation reserved for industry icons who have individually won all 4 annual entertainment accolades known as the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. It's no wonder his creation of "CATS" stands the test of time and that this incredible show continues to leave a loving paw print on audience's hearts.

BTC's production will feature members of their Fall Combined Ensemble program, an award-winning educational theater-based experience in its own right, comprised of participants accepted only by Entrance Interview and Audition. These talented actors will use their voices and bodies to not only imitate our feline friends but to recreate a community of spirited individuals who each have a chance to share their different personalities. Under the leadership of Co-Artistic Directors, Fiona Santos and Jason Brantman since 2004, Broadway Training Center (BTC) and its students have won over 45 National Youth Arts Awards, including Outstanding Ensemble for seven years in a row. Westchester Magazine has lauded BTC theater classes as the best in Southern Westchester, and Westchester Family has named BTC "Best Children's Theater Company" and a "Top 5" dance studio. This 501c3 not for profit organization celebrates its 27th Anniversary this season. The school is dedicated to developing character both onstage and off; choosing theatrical pieces that expand our understanding of others and our imagination.

In addition to BTC faculty and artistic team, this magical production has an incredible group of production professionals. New to this production are:

Specialty make-up by Beth Hiney of CheekyFacePaint.net ! Together with the performers, Ms. Hiney will help craft and transform their unique stories as a professional make-up artist. Creativity and attention to imaginative details becomes key when creating the story and transporting the audience into a moonlit junkyard.

Majestic costumes by Mia Siegert and David Williamson of Siegert Creative. The performers will be wearing magnificent unitards and additional pieces designed by Siegert and Williamson to bring to life a variety of characters. It is essential to the story that each cat has their own crafted look and personality! Not only are Siegert Creative's designs beautiful, their costumes have been used in professional productions of "CATS" around the country. BTC is thrilled to be a part of the long list of stages where these costumes have danced on. Additionally, BTC's co-artistic directors were very excited to commission a few new original costume pieces for their junior cast members, bringing the experience of "CATS" to a whole new generation!

Tickets are available online at www.BroadwayTraining.com or via the box office, 914-591-6602. Advance sales are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors/students. Door sales are $22 for adults, $18 for senior/students. (Online tickets incur an ITHT facility & handling fee of $1.60 per ticket. Door sales incur an ITHT facility & handling fee of $2.00 per ticket.)

BTC's production of "CATS" will pounce onto the stage at 7pm on Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17, and at 3:00 on Sunday, November 18 at the Irvington Town Hall Theater (85 Main Street). There will be an Industry Talkback with cast members from Broadway and Touring productions of "CATS" at the end of Saturday evening's performance. This special event is free and open to all ticket holders.

For further information about the shows, including press passes, or how to audition for our upcoming productions, please call 914-478-7065 or visit www.BroadwayTraining.com.

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