All Canadian Cast Announced for CATS at Panasonic Theatre; Ma-Anne Dionisio, Martin Samuel & More to Star

An all Canadian cast has been announced for the new production of Cats, which begins performances on May 28 at the Panasonic Theatre.

The production will star Ma-Anne Dionisio as the former glamour cat, "Grizabella". Dionisio is known for originating the role of Kim in the original Toronto production of Miss Saigon, and later reprising the role in various other productions, including the most recent Toronto production.

The production will also feature Eric Abel as "Alozo/Coricopat," Charles Azulay as "Old Deuteronomy," original Canadian company member Susan Cuthbert as "Jennyanydots/Griddlebone/Jellylorum," Michael Donald as "Mungojerrie," Marisa Falcone as "Demeter," Kalie Hunter as "Tantomile," Neesa Kenemy as "Rumpleteazer," Judy Kovacs as "Bombalurina," Michel LaFleche as "Munkustrap," Lily McEvenue as "Victoria," Cory O'Brien as "Gus/Bustopher Jones/Growltiger," Phillip Payne as "Plato/Macavity," Jaime Reid as "Cassandra," Martin Samuel as "Rum Tum Tugger," Jay T. Schramek as "Skimbleshanks," Ashley St. John as "Sillibub," and Devon Tullock as "Mr. Mistoffelees."

The production will also have two swings, Robert Yeretch and Christy Adamson. Adamson will also be the Dance Captain for the production.

This production of Cats is being produced by the same producers as the now famous 1985 production, which played the Elgin Theatre. Dave Campbell will direct the production with musical direction by Lona Davis, and Gino Berti will remount Gillian Lynne's brilliant original choreography. The show will also feature production design by Tim Webb, sound design by Peter McBoyle, and lighting design by Brad Trenaman.

Cats, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' and other poems" by T. S. Eliot, opened in London in 1981 where it ran for twenty-one years. The Broadway production, which opened in 1982, ran for eighteen years. Both set long-run records: Cats is the second-longest-running show in Broadway history, and the fourth longest-running West End musical. The show has been performed around the world many times and has been translated into more than 20 languages.

The Toronto production of Cats was recently extended with a new block of tickets now available through July. For more information and tickets please visit www.mirvish.com.

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