It's the cat's meow of
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BY ED COLLINS
Review Contributor
Find out what's happening in Highland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
After a ten-year absence, Cats the musical returned to the Marriott Lincolnshire Theater Wednesday night, March 26, with a talented young cast bursting with energy and charm.
It’s been 33 years since Andrew Lloyd Webber put Poet T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” to music on the London stage.
The Marriott performance is not to be missed. Throughout the two acts, the cast was singing, dancing, doing gymnastic flips, climbing stage ladders to reach the high stage rigging, or slithering over the stage-in-the-round in their fantastic cat costumes as only these vivacious felines can do.
This is a large cast, probably involving 30, with another ten as understudies. All are very athletic and highly motivated in providing a wonderful and pleasing performance.
The exhilarated opening night audience sopped it up fervently and nearly three hours later gave the exhausted performers a standing rhythmic ovation for more.
It’s difficult to single out any stellar stars in this cast. It’s not like the traditional play where there’s a strong plot, big stars, and then the supporting cast. This troupe works well together as a cohesive team.
The singers, dancers and gymnasts in particular were terrific. Since I enjoy tap dancing, I have a soft spot in my heart for the tappers. What rhythm they provide as they hit the hardwood with those steel shoe taps. Wish I still had some of that “whatever” in my aging tank.
Naturally, Patti Garwood and her orchestra did their usual great job in interpreting Webber’s music. Even some nice jazz riffs and rock beats that kept my toes tapping. Real highlight for me: The ensemble’s tap dance number in the First Act. It was just fantastic.
Heidi Kettenring, who played the grizzly old cat Grizabella was in fine soprano voice when singing “Memory” and later the reprise. Matthew Jones, playing Old Deuteronomy, also displayed a nice baritone. Both are Marriott veterans, with Heidi appearing in more than 20 Marriott shows over the years. Congrats, Heidi.
Cats will perform until June 3 when “Godspell” begins on June 4. So, don't miss Cats, get your tickets now.
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Ed Collins is a Lake County journalist, freelance publications writer-editor, and tech blogger.
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