Melbourne Reviews

Photo – Hagen Hopkins

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning show Cats, was first staged over 30 years ago. This latest incarnation, is brought to us by the original 1981 creative team, showcasing the magnificent domestic feline in every shape and form, prancing, dancing and singing on the grand Regent Theatre stage.
 
The last time Cats was in our neck of the woods (2010), the production was regarded by some as a bit stale. The slight updates which have been made since, such as Rum Tum Tugger’s (Daniel Assetta) song, and his rap rendition in the middle of it, as well as ‘Growltiger’s Last Stand’ revision, with a swing/soft shoe feel, and an Italianate operatic duet in the sequence, have helped make the Cats experience a little more energised.
 
Delta Goodrem’s casting as Grizabella, may have seemed as an unusual choice to some, but she was surprisingly lovely as the ageing glamourpuss. Her rendition of ‘Memory’ evoked an emotion-laden roaring cheer from the audience, on the night of my attendance, and on a personal level, I must admit that I felt shivers when I heard it.
 
Associate director/choreographer Joanne Robinson has recreated Trevor Nunn and Gillian Lynne’s choreography with such precision that, the dance sequences performed by the local cast are simply awe inspiring. The highpoint of the night was Christopher Favaloro’s acrobatic and balletic performance as magical Mr Mistoffelees.
 
John Napier’s design of the stylised junkyard is cleverly executed, drawing one’s eye into the various nooks and crannies, without distracting from the storyline or the performers.
 
There is so much to see and experience at a Cats performance, that one might go into sensory overload, but one thing is for sure, there will never be any shortness of smiles and cheers. Cats is an absolute must see.


Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises and BASE Entertainment Asia in association with The Really Useful Group present
CATS
Andrew Lloyd Webber

Director Trevor Nunn

2015–6 Australian Tour

SYDNEY
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Dates: Season ended


HOBART
Venue: Derwent Entertainment Centre
Dates: Season ended


MELBOURNE
Venue: Regent Theatre
Dates: From Friday 18 December 2015
Tickets: from $74.90 (transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 | ticketmaster.com.au


BRISBANE
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Dates: From Friday 29 January 2016
Tickets: from $74.90 (transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: QPAC 136 246 | qpac.com.au


ADELAIDE
Venue: Festival Centre
Dates: Friday 18 March to Sunday 10 April, 2016
Tickets: from $69.90 (transaction fees will apply)
Bookings: BASS 131 246 | bass.net.au


PERTH
Venue: Crown Theatre
Dates: Saturday, 16 April to Sunday, 8 May 2016
Tickets:from $74.90 (transaction fees may apply)
Bookings: Ticketmaster 136 100 | ticketmaster.com.au