Even after 35 years, there is nothing shabby about these tabbies.
Humanity has always adored cats. The ancient Egyptians revered them as gods and carved enormous tributes into the desert sand. In the modern digital age, we scour the internet for amusing videos and memes of cats doing all manner of thing: wearing leggings, looking grumpy, sitting where they fit or being frightened by zucchinis. When you take our undeniable love of cats and combine that with the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the words of T.S. Elliot, you have the recipe for one of the longest running shows in Broadway history.
As a show, ‘Cats’ is a series of vignettes rather than a coherent narrative. While some argue that the absence of dialogue hinders the story-telling, this concern is unfounded because the immensely talented Australian cast imbues every movement and note with the essence of the tale; they even imbue their tails with the tale. Each cat within the enormous ensemble cast comes with their own unique appearance and personality. You could attend every night and adopt a different cat to watch. Every one simultaneously reminds you of a cat you have known and a person you have known. While it is a show where the entire cast shines, some felines are simply dazzling in their splendour.Rum Tum Tugger has been re-imagined as a bling-rocking, hip-hopping Kanye kitty. Daniel Assetta demonstrates vast versatility, spitting rhymes and break dancing one minute, then singing angelically the next. Christopher Favaloro’s spellbinding as the magical Mr Mistoffelees, enchanting the crowd with his ballet. Jason Wasley’s Old Deuteronomy exudes gravitas. There are too many others to mention. While many say this current cast is one of the best ever assembled, the success of the show often hinges upon the audience’s emotional connection to Grizabella. This pivotal role is in fine paws, with acclaimed diva Delia Hannah again applying the face paint for one of her favourite roles.
Grizabella is an outcast. Her social status has declined to such an extent that the other cats can no longer bear to look at her. They avert their gaze in the way that busy commuters do when confronted with the poverty and despair of a homeless beggar. Starved of affection, she simply wants to be touched. When Hannah emits the plaintive cry of “touch me” during the crescendo of the famed song ‘Memories’, the goose bumps will emerge upon the skin of anyone with a pulse and a soul. 'Cats' may have nine lives, but when it is performed like this, it will live forever.'Cats' performs Adelaide Festival Centre until 10 April before purring into Perth.
