The following is a report of the September 16, 2001 Matinee (2 P.M.) performance of the US TOUR at the California Theatre on 4th Street in San Bernardino in California.
CAST (In alphabetical order by character)
ALONZO
ASPARAGUS (Gus)
BOMBALURINA
BUSTOPHER JONES
CASSANDRA
DEMETER
GENGHIS
GRIDDLEBONE
GRIZABELLA
GROWLTIGER
JELLYLORUM
JENNYANYDOTS
MACAVITY
MISTOFFELEES
MUNGOJERRIE
MUNKUSTRAP
OLD DEUTERONOMY
PLATO
POUNCIVAL
RUMPELTEAZER
RUM TUM TUGGER
SILLABUB
SKIMBLESHANKS
TUMBLEBRUTUS
VICTORIA
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Michael Ericson (Swing) [Ronnie Nelson]
William Hartery
Sharon Huneycutt
William Hartery
Tina Moya
Erin Braithwaite (Swing) [Jessica Lea Patty]
Bryce Bermingham
Wendi Bergamini
Gretchen Goldsworthy
William Hartery
Wendi Bergamini
Julie Garnye
Everett Taylor
McCree O’Kelley
Bryce Bermingham
Grant Turner
Don Adkins (Swing) [Jarrett Ali Boyd]
Everett Taylor
David A. Blonn
Emily Haag
Stan Stanley
Sara Schudde
John Sechrist
Brad Barnes
Susanna Hirst (Swing) [Shylo Smith]
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SWINGS: (Grizabella) Julie Garnye; (Mistoffelees) Brad Barnes, David A. Blonn; (Singer Female) Nicole Johndrow; (Big Boy II) Colin Cunliffe; and (Male Kitten) A. Ross Cornell.
COMMENTARY
First, let me get whatever prejudices I have out… My only other live performance of CATS was in Los Angeles back in the mid-80s, I do not remember much of except the set. That particular set was “huge” and impressive. My other viewing is, of course, the video.
At the California Theatre, the set is the first thing you see (naturally). This set seemed small when I look back to the one in LA, because this set was completely behind the proscenium arch. Our seats were in the back and center-right of midline, so I could not see the extreme stage left. The “mobile” Junkyard had the old oven, a drain pipe, the tire, the old car (NAP-11) and I lost whatever was to stage left. However, there were at least two entry holes for the cats on each side. The orchestra had a pit downstage center. The only item to break the arch was the huge string of lights… First impression - okay, let’s get to the show! Having written a couple of stories about the fictional 20th Anniversary Tour with Ahdeya (AKL), this set was somewhat what I expected. Still good, though…
At the beginning of the show, there was an announcement that asked for a moment of silence for those affected by the disaster of Tuesday (Sept. 11) attack on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. They also dedicated the show.
The overture had an interesting light show with the cats-eyes, fog and strobes, and the light string. The only time the characters actually came into the audience here was to do “Green Eyes” (For those who do not know what this is, the characters have on glasses that flash green.) For the “light” that hits Demeter, it was a motorcycle this time - one spot that swung around. As the characters came on, I had to remind myself that this is not the UK version, although some colors did match… Sillabub, Munkustrap, RTT, Victoria, Misto (as Quaxo) and Cassandra to name a few. In some ways, they may be standard design by now. I had to really think about Alonzo when he appeared - he was not white and black! And Mungo and Teazer only had their stripes when they did their number… Oh well… Bomba was definitely red, Demeter was orange in the light and Jellylorum was yellow… The first priceless moment came when we, the audience, gets noticed with “What’s a Jellicle Cat?” All the cats gather around Munk and look out at the “man” - then turn away for a couple of steps, and then coming back for a second look before hissing…
Susanna Hirst had the part of Victoria this show, and seeing the Invitation dance done “live” was definitely a thrill. What made Susanna nice to watch was not only did she go through those wonderful moves, but she looked as though she enjoyed the part! Her split still makes me hurt, but then that is a guy’s reaction… I did read the review (attached), but Victoria was not mentioned at all. I did not get a chance to see Shylo Smith do the part (I could only afford 1 show!) but the White Cat deserves something!
Gumbie (Jenny) does not come out of the boot (trunk) of the car here - but literally rolls out of the oven… It was extremely nice to see Jenny’s number from start to finish with out the “cuts”… Hers was another standard costume design - Gumbie is US and UK. Julie Garnye played the tap-dancing cat. At least she got a little mention in the review.
Munkustrap, played by Grant Turner, did not even get a mention in the review in PE. For Silver Tabby Fans, that is a slap in the face, I know. Grant has a superb baritone voice and stage presence. Being the narrator most of the time, he deserved a lot more than he got from the review…
RTT? Stan Stanley did the Elvis number very good - I never knew that the RTT costume came equipped with a microphone in the tip of the tail… Stan does a good RTT and got a good review… I am almost convinced that either the right actor gets this part, or the part creates them. Either way, you notice Tugger. Sharon Huneycutt did an excellent job as Bombalurina - red is definitely her color… Her job confronting Grizabella made it seem like you could hear the growl from the back of the house. Getting dumped by Stan’s Tugger is a good set-up for later on…
Grizabella - a crystal clear voice from Gretchen Goldsworthy. Her costume also was familiar, and is US/UK. Naturally, she gets the good review because of “Memory” - but she deserves it for her portrayal of the “Glamour Cat” as well.
Bustopher played by William Hartery was great. The “Spoon” was not as good, but it is the stout tuxedo cat we want… William also did a super “Gus” and Growltiger… I finally got to see this “missing” part of the show, even though PEKES did not make it. His interplay with Griddlebone (Wendi Bergamini) was hilarious. I finally understood why Growltiger howls during the aria - Griddlebone gets tired of fussing around and digs claws in… I also loved his GUS, who got applause and went for it (“Oh? For me?”)
By now, you should have read good things about Bryce Bermingham and Emily Haag as Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer. During this number Bryce gets his stripes, but it was Emily’s costume that got me… Striped bustier and garters to striped hose… Okay… And yes - the double cartwheel. They got a good mention in the review, but that does not do them justice. 14 inches of copy, so be brief, I guess. All during the show, these two are the “sideshows.” I wish I had a couple of more shows to watch these two…
Old D… Don Adkins came in to play the Jellicle Leader from his Assistant Stage Manager slot, as well as being a swing and chorus… Excellent voice. This show was testimony to a good cast - when the “understudies” (Swing) can step in and give the audience a good show.
Throughout the first act, I noticed that some of the choreography seemed familiar from the video, but then CATS probably keeps a lot of its choreography moves as standard. During the Jellicle Ball, however, I spotted a change that had to be done by the Tour choreographer, or maybe by Broadway… [I never got to see the Broadway version, and I am not a dancer (or even close…)] After Quaxo and Skimble do “We know how to dance a gavotte and a jig,” the dance goes that route - pairs in hands up “gavotte” style. Loved it! Credit Richard Stafford for this, I hope…
At intermission, Old D sat out on the tire, and that was it - no other cats appeared, or even played around, and no entr’acte either. Poor Don had to sit on the tire all thru intermission, and he did so very stoically. Hmmm! Old D does like to snooze a lot…
Second act started when cats came out of every nook and cranny in the set. I am glad I was looking at the set when it did. For Sillabub fans? Sara Schudde did her part of “Moments” and later in “Memory” - she definitely did not disappoint me. A very good voice. For those interested in a bit of “gossip” - Mungojerrie plays around with Bomba! (Yes. I saw that, Bryce!)
I know I already mentioned Growltiger, but I finally got to see the “missing part” even if it was done before “vaudeville” Curtains. The “crew” was priceless - especially Munk having a parrot on his shoulder… Wendi’s Griddlebone wanted some romance while Growltiger wanted to sing… excellent interplay and comedy here… Wendi not only did a wonderful Griddlebone, but her Jellylorum was bright and cheery. William’s Growltiger’s “end” was great off the plank (“There? Surely you don’t mean…”) Bryce did a great Genghis, especially at the end where William comes back as Gus, and receives the Bow of Gratitude. Thanks US Tour!
John Sechrist as Skimbleshanks got his review mention, and earned more than just that. In fact the whole cast deserved more… The highlight of the number was the building of the “train” - this one had the lampshade “smokestack” and a very ingenious rack with roll-down sides and a tea-kettle “whistle” for the train body. John played Skimble very well - capturing the little things - such as getting his “pajamas” on - that makes the part work. BTW Sillabub catches the mouse thrown to her…
The Macavity number was interesting from start to last… The capture of Old D was what I expected, but when Demeter and Bombalurina (Erin Braithwaite played Deme this show) started, Alonzo was mirroring Deme’s dance. Erin played Deme hyper but consistent every time “Macavity” came up, and did a good job of stepping into the role. And Bomba? Guess which cat is my favorite… After the dance and into the fight scene, I wondered which way the show would play it. In the UK version, Munk gets Deme. In the Broadway version, Alonzo gets Deme… Well, this was Alonzo’s time… I will credit Munk on this, he took a few really good “swats” and stayed standing… The audience seemed to enjoy the aftermath when the light shone around and “Macavity was not there…” Michael Ericson had the part of Alonzo this show, and was great even if he does not have his own number… Again, a swing part filling in - good cast! Doubling as Macavity and Plato - Everett Taylor. During the Courtship dance, he really lifted Susanna to full arm extension, and he is tall to begin with… The program listed a Rumpus (played by the actor who is Alonzo) but without PEKES, I never saw him.
Mistoffelees - you know? I still did not see Tugger during the fight scene - and here he is… The interplay between Stan’s Tugger and McCree O’Kelley was priceless. Somehow, I expected Misto’s entrance via the fly rope, but I did not really expect the flash-pots. For those wishing to know McCree did 24 “Conjuring Turns” here and the audience loved it. His turns played to the music, so no arguments, please… He also did a split during his dance, and that really made me feel hurt… (Thanks McCree - I will not walk right for a couple of days now, just thinking of that…)
The Jellicle Choice and Memory had its moment, and I enjoyed getting my field glasses out here. Each character reacts to Griz during the number, and Sara’s Sillabub. Each character had a sadness that made the number touching, and the “turnaround” to show respect to Griz gave it a nice mood.
The ending had its special effect - a small saucer for Grizabella to step into and fly off to the Heavyside Layer. In this set, the tire not only raises, but it also comes forward. The Saucer comes down out of the fly, and settles down on the tire. Exit Griz… I was also fascinated to see some of the lighting incorporated in the set pieces…
All through the show, there are other characters that added to the action, and sometimes steal the show as well. Pouncival and Tumblebrutus (David Blonn and Brad Barnes) along with Cassandra (Tina Moya) were the ones to watch if tumbling and athleticism is what you want. David was a very cute kitten at times. (Really! Just look for mischief and he’s there!) Tina was a wonderful Cassie… Are all dancers of Cassie tall and slender? I wonder…
The show’s closer was one I heard of on the Forum - Remember Bomba getting the raw deal with Tugger? Sharon rejects Stan, pushes him down, stomps over him and starts off. Those of the audience still watching cheered that move, even when Stan got up and charged after her. Listened for it, but did not hear any Tugger comment…
Did I enjoy the show? A satisfied YES! This show has all the magic of the Jellicle Moon. Of course, I was going to enjoy it - one way or the other. I wished I could have had better seats, but this was CATS and on stage, not just Memorex. I just wish I could have had THIS show on video, so I could watch it again, and see everything I am sure I missed. The only sad thing about watching CATS “live” is that you have to go to another show to see it again (no rewind here). But then, that might also be the good part of it, too. This cast and their crew definitely will make it worthwhile to see the show. So, if you have not seen it yet, look for it to come somewhere near you!
Press Enterprise Theatre Review
The following is the review from Saturday, September 16, 2001, edition of the Press Enterprise. Photo is from the article - credit Theatrical Arts International.
NEW LIVES FOR 'CATS' ON TOUR
MUSICAL: After record-setting run on Broadway, a talented cast brings hit show to San Bernardino. By Rebecca Foreman
Special to the Press Enterprise
San Bernardino - It has been 20 years since Andrew Lloyd Webber transformed T.S. Eliot’s charming collection of poems, “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” into the monster hit musical “CATS.”
After a record setting run, the musical finally closed on Broadway last year, but it promises to enjoy at least of a few more lives. The show’s continuing popularity was evident at Thursday’s sold-out national touring company performance, presented by Theatrical Arts International at San Bernardino’s California Theatre of Performing Arts.
When a show has been around for a long time there is always the danger that it will begin to show its age and become stale. But new generations of performers and audience members also bring new life , and the talented young touring cast (most of whom were mere kittens when the show debuted) kept an enthusiastic opening-night audience enthralled.
Webber remained faithful to Eliot’s poetry in his musical adaptation, and the songs were cleverly stung together to create an engaging story. But it’s the stunning choreography (originally by Gillian Lynne, and choreographed for this tour by Richard Stafford) that elevates the material into another realm and has been responsible for the enduring success of the show.
All of the musical’s trademark elements - striking costumes, flashy special effects, strong singing and incredibly athletic dancing - were well represented in this production.
Particularly notable among the many fine performers were McCree O’Kelley, who provided some dazzlingly gravity defying moments as the magical Mistoffelees, and Stan Stanley, who was delightfully sensuous as Rum Tum Tugger - the arrogant cat who “will do as he do do.”
John Sechrist as Skimbleshanks, Julie Garnye as Jennyanydots, Bryce Bermingham as Mungojerrie and Emily Haag as Rumpelteazer all added nice moments while performing their amusing routines with lighthearted - and light-footed skill.
Gretchen Goldsworthy as Grizabella, the “glamour cat” whose day has passed, delivered the show’s best song - “Memory” - with lovely poignancy. William Hartley and Wendi Bergamini also provided a vocal highlight in the amusing, if overly long comic opera, “Growltiger’s Last Stand.”
Everett Taylor was appropriately menacing as the evil Macavity and Jarret Ali Boyd added a strong performance as the wisest of cats - Old Deuteronomy.
The chorus of feline dancers were uniformly wonderful, all exhibiting an athletic grace that made it possible to temporarily forget that they were operating und the constraints of human physiognomy.
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