CATS

Centre Stage Youth Theatre opened their 2019 season this week with their production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical CATS.  It’s not hard to see why Centre Stage won best musical last year for their 2018 production of Les Miserables.  They have produced yet another brilliant piece of theatre.

Directed by Jill Mason and Vicki Lee, this musical was visually and vocally stunning.  Despite their being no through story, at times it was hard to follow what was going on, but this is down to the composer – not the society.  What I did notice was the clear direction that was brilliantly carried off by the vast youth cast.  Each member was extremely well rehearsed and able to enter and exit at times without being noticed (cat like).  The mannerisms and characteristics that each individual member had was outstanding and It enabled the audience to quickly get to grips with the characters and the overall visuals.  The set and lights reflected the location and were sympathetic to each other.  I loved the use of darkness and shadows which helped create atmosphere and tension.  I also really liked the use of the screen in the centre of the stage which added to the visuals and helped establish location.  Overall, there was a clear idea and a clear vision that was carried off perfectly.

Because CATS is predominantly a ‘dance show’, having a strong choreographer is vital.  Centre Stage were in perfect hands with Kim Woodall’s brilliant choreography.  I loved the varying styles that were incorporated within this production, from the tap routines to the balletic portrayals – the choreography was inventive and captivating from time to time.  A particular special mention must go to the young girl who played Victoria (The White Cat).  Freya Rohimun was simply outstanding!  I couldn’t take my eyes off her all night! 

Louise Bours was Musical Director for this production and worked hard on the night to conduct from the front of the stage.  I could clearly see all of the hard work from the cast.  Each cast member was under the control of Louise who was commanding in her direction.  It was a pleasure to see you conducting.  I always think of CATS as a dance show but this is the first time I’ve thought of it as a singing show with dance.  The vocals were outstanding.  A special tip of the hat must go to the sopranos for their vocal skills!

Another special mention must go to the costume, wigs and make-up teams.  There is nothing more to say, other than, I can see the hard work that has gone into this production and your work was outstanding! Well done to all involved!

The lighting and sound were both very strong and it enabled the audience to be drawn into the action.  The lighting was particularly strong in that it helped create atmosphere and tension.  All sound cues were excellent and the blend between the tracks, piano and mics were equally great.

The set was very minimalistic but apt.  It enabled there to be multiple entrances and exits for this large cast.  The exits and entrances were used very well throughout which meant there were no awkward moments when actors were leave the stage as a large group.  If I was to be very picky, I would’ve liked to have seen more use of the downstage wings (sides of the stage near the audience) but this is just an observation.

Grizabella was played by Jenny Perry.  Jenny commanded the stage every time she came on.  She had a great status and a great stage presence.  Jenny’s vocals were outstanding!  Her rendition of ‘Memory’ gave me goosebumps!

Old Deuteronomy was played by NODA Award winner Ewan Ling.  Ewan was great in this role which showcased his vocals throughout.  Ewan had great diction and storytelling which can be hard as some of the songs are very wordy.

Oliver Davenport was great as Munkustrap.  Oliver brought this role to life early on and captivated the audience with his lovely vocals and brilliant dance ability.  He also told the story well and had a great rapport with others.

Will Bours was brilliant as Rum Tum Tugger.  Giving his hips an excellent workout, Will was brilliantly cast in this role.  There were times when Will dropped diction in some of his songs, but I could forgive this as he had lovely vocals and a brilliant energy on stage.  He was very entertaining throughout.

Joe Burns did well as Gus and McCavity.  He was a good little actor with nice vocals too. 

Elliot Pieczarka-Copeland was great as Mr Mistoffeles (as well as other roles).  Elliot had brilliant stage presence and was a captivating dancer to watch.  I loved his energy and commitment to everything he did on stage.

There are far too many other cats for me to mention in any great detail.  Well done to Millie Beard, Lily C Smith, Lily S Smith, Luca Farrall, Naomi Barnett, Lainie Beard and Holly Pipon for the roles you created.  Your vocals and dancing were superb, and I loved the commitment to character you brought. 

Charlie Mills was very good as Shimbleshanks.  ‘Shimbleshanks the Railway Cat’ was on of my favourite numbers in the show.

This is very much an ensemble show and apologies if I haven’t mentioned all of the cast in this review.  As an ensemble piece – I adored the commitment to characterisations and the core strength that you all had to create your character.  I loved the small moments when you weren’t in the spotlight and every single on of you stayed in role throughout!  The vocals were very strong in this production – a special mention has to go to the soprano’s, who were outstanding!

This was a great night at the theatre and it’s not hard to see why Centre Stage are at the top of their game, winning awards year on year.  There is a lot of emerging talent coming through the ranks and it is an exciting time for youth theatre in Congleton!  Well done on a brilliant production!  I look forward to sharing the evening with you at the upcoming NODA Regional Awards in May 2019.

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