Interview: Davis Cameron Lemley in CAT IN THE HAT at The Growing Stage 5/5 to 5/21

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, completes its 35th Anniversary Main Stage season with Dr. Seuss's THE CAT IN THE HAT. Based on the book by Dr. Seuss, the show will be on the Netcong stage from May 5th to May 21st.

Dr. Seuss's THE CAT IN THE HAT is lively and engaging. Not a word has been touched or added to the Dr. Seuss's classic, ensuring anyone who has read the story will find themselves transported into the world they've always imagined. The Growing Stage production is directed by the theatre's Director of Educational Programming, Lori B. Lawrence.

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat In The Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mom find when she gets home? This production is recommended for the entire family.

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Davis Cameron Lemley who plays Cat in Dr. Seuss's THE CAT IN THE HAT .

Davis Cameron Lemley's Growing Stage credits include: PETER & THE STARCATCHER (Peter), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Bob Cratchit/Young Marley), THE BOX OF STORIES (Coyote), and THE CAT IN THE HAT (Cat). Collegiate credits (New Jersey City University): LES MISERABLES (Marius), AVENUE Q (Nicky/Trekkie Monster), SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE (Michael), LITTLE WOMEN (Prof. Bhaer), and HAIRSPRAY (Corny Collins).

When did you start performing?

I started performing when I was 10. I began as an ensemble member of a high school musical, and all I can remember was this strange thrill of being on a stage in front of a crowd. I had to be told where to go MANY times, but once I had my blocking down I was having the time of my life!

Tell us a little about your education and how it has influenced your career.

Well, I graduated from New Jersey City University with a BA in Musical Theatre. I studied there for 4 years, and what the program over there has done for me is "find" myself. It was a journey of discovering who I was as an actor, and where I truly fit in the world of theatre. A lot of questions were answered for me along the way. The biggest answered was whether or not I was going to pursue acting as my career moving forward. There was no doubt in my mind that I am on a true path.

Why do you enjoy performing children's theater?

The best part of performing for children is seeing how honest they are. Right off the bat, they will tell you what they thought of your performance and ask the tough questions! These kids are like sponges. Everything they see is absorbed so easily, and it's a responsibility to give them and honest and engaging performance.

A little about working with the team at The Growing Stage?

Where do I even begin? What I will tell is how welcoming the Growing Stage was to me since day one. I began my work with them at the beginning of the season as PETER in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. I knew right away I was a part of this beautiful family of artists. Learning about where this company began to where they are today 35 years later is a true inspiration. Steve, Lori and the rest of the Growing Stage team knows that the children always come first. Every production brought to life in the Palace Theater is a final product of what was many rehearsals of hard work and imagination. How far can it be stretched? Those are the places we need to go in order to fully engage an audience of kids. The Growing Stage does a good job of that. It all keeps me coming back for more!

What are some of the challenges of your role as Cat?

The responsibility of this role is never ending! To be a character that is so known by generations of young readers comes with many expectations. The Cat is a free spirit. Everything of him is playful and imaginative, with zero boundaries. Not only will I have to meet up to expectations, I do my hardest to infuse my own personality into the role. Above all, my comedic timing is key. Every part of the show has its intricacies that require equal amounts of attention. Every rehearsal is finding new ways to stretch each moment, and it's a job I never get tired of. The Cat is a big challenge, but well worth it!

Why you think audiences will enjoy The Cat in the Hat?

To be a part of such a timely piece is an honor. Generations have made themselves familiar with the work of Dr. Seuss and have marveled at how far his imagination went with each story. Adults and kids alike will relate to the various character of this show. Whether it's the anarchist talking cat, or the fish that always speaks with reason, the audience finds their voice somewhere.

For the future?

What's ahead for me? Being an actor is a new surprise day in and day out. I hope to continue my growth as a performer through portraying as many different characters as I can, as well taking more classes to see how far I can stretch. I also will never stop auditioning in NYC! I never know what's in store the next day, but it always has the potential for great adventures! At the end of the day, I vow to always be on the stage. It has always been my home, and I can't imagine my life otherwise.

Dr. Seuss's THE CAT IN THE HAT runs from May 5th through May 21st with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.The Growing Stage continues FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children. A Special Talk-back will take place Opening Night (May 5) with the creative team following the performance. To purchase tickets, please visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946. Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Davis Cameron Lemley