Review: CATS Opens In Sydney To Share The Whimsy of T.S Elliot's Poems and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Music With A New Generation

Sunday 1 November 2015, 6pm, Capitol Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS reconnects audiences with their inner child as T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is bought to life in the revival of the all singing, all dancing, feline feast. With new orchestrations and staging, this latest production gives new life to the iconic work that debuted in London's West End over 3 decades ago.

The audience is drawn into John Napier's (Design) junkyard world that the cats inhabit from the moment they enter the historic Capital Theatre. Garbage spills out onto the apron of the stage and down into the stalls, an indication that the audience is not going to be merely watching on, but be immersed in the experience. The original creative team of Trevor Nunn (Director), John Napier (Design), and David Hersey (Lighting), have thankfully resisted the temptation to make the use of new technology as obvious as other musical revivals that rely on LED screens for their backdrops. Napier's set is detailed, textured and tangible and his costumes and makeup designs for each cat are amazing. Costumes utilise elements from traditional dance attire along with amazing wigs, feathers and additional items from 'found' items to help act out the stories.

The premise of the story is that the audience is allowed to witness the Jellicle cats as they gather for the "Jellicle Ball". As the tribe of cats wait for Old Deuteronomy (Jason Wasley) to decide which cat will be admitted to the 'Heaviside Layer', they give an insight into the members of their clowder through individual stories, drawn from T.S. Eliot's poems, written for his godchildren in the 1930's. Woven through the tales, we are introduced to the aging Grizabella, The Glamour Cat (Delta Goodrem), who wants to return to the tribe but is repeatedly shunned by the younger cats.

Lloyd Webber has set the poems to music, drawing on a variety of styles and has also updated some of the songs, including bringing Rum Tum Tugger (Daniel Assetta) into the 21's century, losing his rock and roll persona in favour of a hip hop rap style. The new orchestrations give freshness to the work whilst still retaining the iconic melodies so fans are not disappointed. The interpretations include more expression through the clear vocals with phrases almost whispered or spoken, providing greater contrast in the moods.

Gillian Lynne's choreography captures the sinuous feline energy from the big dance numbers and beautiful solos and duets to the little nuanced mannerisms the onlooking Cats take on. As with the family pet, these Cats can be spotted slinking in the shadows to watch what is going on and demonstrate little mannerisms, common to their breeds. The Siamese Cassandra (Emily Keane) is reserved and regal while the little fluffy white Victoria (Jade Hui-Wen Coutts) is playful and innocent and the large Tabby Munkustrap (Mat McFarlane) is bold and confident but friendly.

Lynne has created a diverse range of dances including ballet, hip hop, acrobatics and physical comedy. Jennyanydots (Holly Meegan) and the Beetles display an energetic Gumbie Cat Tap (Choreographed by Bill Deamer) and Skimbleshanks (Ross Hannaford) has a cheeky, spirited physical comedy. Mungojerrie (Brent Osborne) and Rumpleteazer (Dominique Hamilton) demonstrate delightful acrobatics and Mr Mistoffelees (Christopher Favaloro) has a mesmerising ballet.

The fabulous movement from the troupe does however highlight Goodrem's unease with movement. In ensemble numbers before she takes on Grizabella's shabby coat and long locks, she is noticeable as her movements are more pronounced against the delicate movements of the troupe. As Grizabella, whilst The Glamour Cat is meant to be seen to be trying to dance but age and wearying bones restrict her, the cat like manner isn't quite on point. The minimal makeup design also doesn't fully create the image of an old world weary cat. Goodrem does however soar on the iconic Memory despite wandering a little with the accent with hints of American and Australian creeping in to the British setting of the story.

Overall, this is a magical performance that allows the audience to be transported to another world and possibly think differently about the humble moggie at home. For those that have seen CATS before, this is performance is well worth seeing, both for the nostalgia of the wonderful songs and stories but also the new interpretations. T.S. Eliot's poems are amazingly clever and creative and paired with Lloyd Webber's music, they cannot help but capture the imagination and as they were written for children, this work is suitable for all ages.

CATS

Capitol Theatre, Sydney NSW

30 October - 29 November 2015

Derwent Theatre, Hobart TAS

10 December - 13 December 2015

Regent Theatre, Melbourne VIC

18 December - 17 January 2016

Lyric Theatre, Brisbane QLD

29 January - 14 February 2016

Festival Theatre, Adelaide SA

18 March 2016 - 10 April 2016

Crown Theatre, Perth WA

16 April - 8 May 2016

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