‘CATS’ making a return engagement June 17
In 2003, Cumberland County Playhouse’s production joined the record books. Now in its 40th Anniversary Season the Playhouse is bringing CATS back by popular demand June 17 through September 4, for one summer only.
“We had to add more people, phones, and work stations in our box office,” said Jim Crabtree, producing director. “People literally came from all over the country and many foreign countries. Many came dressed as CATS. We made it a once in a lifetime chance to see CATS at an affordable price. Now we’re giving people one more once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see CATS,” he said.
In 2003, only four theaters held the honor of being the first to produce CATS in regional productions: Chicago, Sacramento, Boston?and Crossville.
“People need to call now and secure their tickets now if they want to see CATS—2005,” said Jim Crabtree, producing director of the Cumberland County Playhouse. “CATS is back for only eleven weeks this time, June 17 through September 4,” he said.
Playhouse performers are returning to lead the Tribe of Jellicle Cats in their annual “Jellicle Ball.” “Broadway veteran Jack Irvin returns, at an amazing age 77, as Old Deuteronomy, with his strong tenor resounding through the “abandoned theater” that is the setting of the Playhouse’s production,” said Crabtree. “Britt Hancock again yowls, flirts and struts as cat-about-town Rum Tum Tugger, complete with rock star radiance and dynamite dance moves. Weslie Webster recreates faded glamour cat Grizabella, whose song of “Memory” stops the show. Renee McKinney bounces back to center stage as class clown cat Rumbleteazer, and recreates the great Broadway dances of CCP’s production as director/choreographer. Lighting designer Josh Hamrick, now a rising star with Atlanta’s TPS Production, again weaves his colorful, electric magic,” he said.
“New to this CATS is Jason Ross, one of the theater’s top favorites, who takes on the pivotal role of old Gus, The Theater Cat. Michael Siktberg prowls and leads as Munkustrap, with stunning newcomer Jackie Sizemore as powerful dancer-vocalist Demeter,” said Crabtree. “The Playhouse’s amazing teens, trained in the theater’s Triple Threat Dance and Theater Education Program, sponsored by Hughes Real Estate Services, bring boundless joy and talent, pushing the Playhouse pros and making this CATS alive and passionate, fresh every time, never stale like road show versions sometimes get. 15 and 16 year-old veterans Chelsea Nye and Leila Nelson return as young White Cat Victoria and beltin’, tappin’ Jennyanydots. 18 year-old Blake Davis again brings power and style as McCavity, the young outlaw who threatens the Tribe,” he said.
“Designer Joe Varga’s “old theater” setting returns with its faded glory and antique showbiz posters, while New York costume designer Jim Halliday teams with Florida production company Costume World to bring Broadway-caliber costumes to the CCP stage,” he said.
“Part of the reason for our success with CATS is the small, intimate feel of our 484-seat theatre,” said Crabtree. “You see every CAT, every expression, notice every detail — unlike some of the larger theatres in major cities. The real success belongs to the players and creative team themselves. “Our version is played with such joy by every member of the cast,” he said. “And it is received with joy by our audiences,” he said. “Something utterly amazing is happening at every performance at the Playhouse,” he said.
Many credit Crabtree himself for figuring out that the CATS story line needs to be explained before a person sees the play. In 2003 Crabtree and New York Rockette Stephanie Lang collaborated on a wonderful explanation of the Story and Characters of CATS that appeared in every playbill and was posted in the lobby on large signs — and will again. “This adds immeasurably to the play going experience,” said Janet Kluender, business manager of the Playhouse. “We sometimes wonder why this has never been done before,” she said. “Our playgoers tell us what a difference it makes,” she said.
“This summer truly is one more once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity for people to see CATS at a reasonable price,” said Crabtree. On Broadway it cost $60 to $100 and more per ticket depending on how close to the stage you get. The National Tour production’s version is $40 to $80 and more per ticket — again, depending on how close to the stage you get. At the Playhouse you can see it for just $14 to $28 to $32 per ticket. “The power of the emotion that draws the younger CATS to learn to value age and heritage instead of rejecting the older CATS is a lifelong theme we all struggle with in different ways at one time or another,” said Crabtree. “The point that children, as well as adults, take away from this play is that it reminds us to respect all “cats”— even lonely, stray, outsiders,” he said. CATS has broadened the Playhouse’s audience even more, drawing many teens, young adults, and children, along with the Playhouse’s traditional audience of families, church and tour groups, retirees, and tourists.
For tickets and information, call the Playhouse box office at 931-484-5000. For more information, log on to www.ccplayhouse.com.