I’ve always considered myself a dog person.
Always.
But, I have to tell you – I have a new appreciation for cats.
Thanks to Cats.
Who knew a bunch of people dressed as felines, dancing and singing, moving as cats do, could be or would be so endearing.
Turns out – those lovable cats have quite a story to tell.
The musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make what is known as “the Jellicle choice” and decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. We gradually learn about the cats and the lives they’ve led – as, one by one, they step forward to audition for the role to be chosen to make the special journey to be reborn.
What’s interesting is most of the cats remain on stage the entire time. The set is a super cool junkyard – and that’s it. There’s really no set change – I don’t even think they dropped the curtain at all. It’s interesting. In fact, they leave the curtain up during intermission. My girls took this photo during intermission – one of the cats – Old Deuteronomy, stayed up on the stage sitting absolutely still.
The show was funny at times, heartfelt at times, and had you rooting for your favorites. The characters even make their way into the audience a few times – which was a blast.
I loved all of the characters and their storylines. But, yes, I do have a favorite.
Keri Rene’ Fuller, who plays Grizabella, stuns with a breathtaking version of ‘Memory’.
Memory is the most popular and well known song from the musical. The song is based on T. S. Eliot’s poems “Preludes” and “Rhapsody on a Windy Night”. In my opinion, it is a song everyone has in common. Seeking acceptance, looking back on better days, asking for a second chance, insecurities we don’t easily admit. Those days, our days in the sun. I’d imagine there comes a point in life, we long for those days. Grizabella puts that longing into the most beautiful song.
I definitely got choked up – especially sitting there with two of my daughters. It is a bittersweet ballad that captures your heart.
The cats in Cats are talented – the way they keep your attention, have you singing along and wondering what’s next. I wasn’t sure if my 7-year-old would like it – she did. She loved it. So did my 23-year-old and so did I. The costumes and makeup were fun and each cat really had their own personality.
This is one of those shows where I never knew what it was really about. I’ve heard about it and never gave it too much thought. I missed out. We really liked the show and highly recommend it.
Even if you are a dog person, too.
Tickets run $32-$92 and the show runs through Sunday, February 10, 2019. For tickets and showtimes visit sheas.org
Kids night on Broadway is Friday, February 8th. Kids, 17 and under, can see CATS for half off when accompanied by an adult who purchases a full-price ticket. First 100 kids will receive complimentary Cats ears. Visit a Buffalo area Wegmans location and pick up a discount voucher.
I thought I’d share the lyrics to Memory:
Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan
Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again
Every streetlamp
Seems to beat a fatalistic warning
Someone mutters
And the streetlamp gutters
And soon it will be morning
Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I musn’t give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin
Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale cold smell of morning
The streetlamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning
Touch me
It’s so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me
You’ll understand what happiness is
Look, a new day has begun.
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