Cats Previews

[Keiichi2]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 1:37pm

Well, in just two days, the new production of Cats will make its first preview performance.  And while I don't have too much interest in it (unless the word of mouth and reviews are absolute raves), I am very curious about what the response to this will be.

 

I really don't hate Cats.  As I have mentioned before, it was my entry to the world of theater when my parents took me to see a touring production in Madison, WI. when I was 10.  My parents loved theater, and instilled that love in me to the point that I take 2 trips to NY each year for shows/hanging out with friends in the area.  I guess the whole "theater trip" bug was instilled in me when my parents took me to London when I was 12 in March 1990, and I got to see the original British cast of Miss Saigon.

 

But, I digress.  Outside of nostalgia, there's just a lot more I would rather see that's coming rather than this.  However, I really am anxious for the first night reports, and any other reports to come.

 

So, who's going?

Updated On: 7/12/16 at 01:37 PM

[curel1]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 1:53pm

I'll be going to NYC in a couple weeks and I really want to see this. All I know about Cats is that it's a very divisive show and I enjoy most of the music. I've never bought tickets to a preview performance before. Are they usually cheaper?

[Keiichi2]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 1:56pm

Usually the same in my experiences.

[Whateverjsays]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 2:22pm

I have tickets for the 'opening' weekend but not for previews. I know they're supposed to be cutting out a few songs and changing some things. I'm going into this with just the expectation of having a good time. 

[TNick926]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 2:23pm

In the old days preview prices were less...that is no longer the case, although there are more often discount tickets (using codes), and sometimes more steeply discounted, for previews...

 

[rangersrule132]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 3:25pm

I have tickets for the first preview and what was suppose to be the first show after opening until they moved opening night up to July 31st which is my birthday so I am now trying to get tickets for opening night! Crossing my fingers that they have some tickets left! I was looking at some of the advanced sales on ticketmaster and it looks awful so I have to get all my views in now

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 3:49pm

I'll try to see it Friday, 7/22.

[caringtype1]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 4:57pm

I have tickets for Thursday night. Didn't see the original so I'm looking forward to it.

[Golenboybway]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 5:58pm

I've never seen any production of Cats before and I will be there Thursday!!

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 6:08pm

Any insights on how it's selling? I maintain that I have literally heard zero buzz about this production.

[rangersrule132]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 6:23pm

BroadwayConcierge said: "Any insights on how it's selling? I maintain that I have literally heard zero buzz about this production.

 

"

Take a look on ticketmaster for a couple weeks out after opening, it looks terrible. For one performance I was looking at only about 4 tickets in the entire mezzanine were sold. 

Updated On: 7/12/16 at 06:23 PM

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 8:25pm

On an unrelated note, if you search the Neil Simon location tag of Instagram you can get a glimpse at some of the sets. Looks pretty cool. 

That being said, I still have zero interest and zero knowledge as to why they're reviving this now.

[¿Macavity?]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 8:52pm

I was planning to make this thread yesterday...but I thought there was some unspoken rule of not making Preview threads so early. So I didn't...

[Keiichi2]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 9:27pm

Sorry if I upset you, Macavity.  I usually wait till about 2 days before the first preview if there hasn't been one made.

[sing_dance_love]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 9:32pm

Hopefully seeing this Friday! Has there been any mention anywhere of a rush or lotto?

 

Edit: Just checked the Twitter and they said to stay tuned. I'm sure they'll announce something at the last sec. 

Updated On: 7/12/16 at 09:32 PM

[D91]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 9:33pm

From what I have seen it is not selling like they had hoped... Could be due to the ticket prices, pretty high if you ask me. Even the group sales price is $99 for rear orchestra. I work in group travel and that is extremely high compared to most Broadway Musicals.

[rangersrule132]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 9:45pm

D91 said: "From what I have seen it is not selling like they had hoped... Could be due to the ticket prices, pretty high if you ask me. Even the group sales price is $99 for rear orchestra. I work in group travel and that is extremely high compared to most Broadway Musicals.

 

"

they are unfortunately banking on the name to sell its tickets but that's not working very well at all.

 

[rangersrule132]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 9:45pm

D91 said: "From what I have seen it is not selling like they had hoped... Could be due to the ticket prices, pretty high if you ask me. Even the group sales price is $99 for rear orchestra. I work in group travel and that is extremely high compared to most Broadway Musicals.

 

"

they are unfortunately banking on the name to sell tickets but that's not working very well at all.

 

Updated On: 7/12/16 at 09:45 PM

[rangersrule132]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 9:54pm

On a side note Quentins make up scares the living crap out of me

 

[10086sunset]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 10:00pm

The initial pricing was pretty high.

Imagine they thought the name would be enough to sell tickets.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 11:04pm

I've never seen it live and always sleep through the DVD but with that cast - Leona is great, but more Tyler, Ricky, Jess, that ensemble - it made me want to give the show a chance. Seeing it August 2nd. 

[chernjam]

Posted: 7/13/16 at 12:10am

just did a quick look at ticketmaster and it doesn't look to be the disaster some are saying in terms of ticket sales.  Granted the whole Nicole/Grizabella thing probably did kill some buzz for this, but with the new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler - riding high on the Hamilton high, I would suspect once people are actually able to see it and if that lives up or exceeds peoples expectations, word of mouth will pick up.  

[¿Macavity?]

Posted: 7/13/16 at 12:48am

Keiichi2 said: "Sorry if I upset you, Macavity.  I usually wait till about 2 days before the first preview if there hasn't been one made.

 

"

Oh no, not a problem buddy.

[FiddleMeThis]

Posted: 7/13/16 at 7:49am

I predict a very short run. Tyler Hanes or no. 

[Buffalo Bill]

Posted: 7/13/16 at 12:07pm

I work at The Simon, it's a really cool set. The theatre has been transformed. I'm guessing here, no inside info, just observations: it's sort of a "world within a world" concept, perhaps? It's stunning and extremely detailed.   To my untrained eye (I have an M.A. in Theatre history with a minor in Theatrical Architecture) it appears as if they've ripped the theatre open to reveal to us the world where CATS takes place. 

The ceiling of the orchestra is strewn with strings of multicolored lights with bulbs just popping color everywhere during certain numbers. (I am revealing my ignorance here, I've never seen the show before.)

The great ceiling of the balcony now appears to be torn open to reveal a majestic skyline, resplendent with magical pinpoints of starlight and the occasional stray moonbeam, emanating from a gigantic moon which appears at the back of the set. It's mesmerizing.