Manila: CATS Is First-Rate Entertainment!

"These modern productions are all very well

But there's nothing to equal from what I here tell

That moment of mystery when I made history"

The mystery on why T.S. Eliot/Andrew Lloyd Webber/Trevor Nunn's early megamusical has never seized to break records is solved - "Cats", the second longest-running musical in Broadway history, offers first-rate entertainment, and appeals to a broad audience:  from quirky toddlers with short attention spans to paying adults who look for choreographed spectacles, and theatrical pyrotechnics in live productions.

Armed with earlier exposures to the video version of the musical, audio recording highlights of the original London cast, a couple of mixed reviews from Manila-based theatre critics, and a recent underwhelming experience watching another Webber musical - "The Phantom of the Opera" - in New York City,  BroadwayWorld Philippines entered the Cultural Center of the Philippines' (CCP) Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Wednesday night, August 11, 2010, with generally below average expectations.

But once Webber's pop rock/celestial overture started to pervade every corner of the performance hall, and that Unidentified Flying Object-like (U.F.O.) lit up the stage and began to ascend to the rafters, we all got enthralled by scenographer John Napier's expansive littered playground, and by the show's  peace-loving Jellicle cat occupants that kept us entertained for about two and a half hours.

"Practical cats, dramatical cats

Pragmatical cats, fanatical cats

Oratorical cats, delphicoracle cats

Skeptical cats, diseptical cats"

Cat-human relationship dates back to ancient times.  So it comes as no surprise that these animals have even acquired ways of life from their human counterparts:  exclusive cliques that ridicule other felines; great excitement over socialization with other cats (via the annual Jellicle Ball!); different passion and purpose in life; a few radical nemeses and outcasts; and the eternal desire to be reborn and be young again.

It is in this premise the creative team behind "Cats" had decided to present some collective stories of these denizens in your neighborhood. Poetic verses from Eliot's book "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats", and a few additions from the show's original director Nunn are set to Webber's signature eclectic, inspiring and whimsical music, and Gillian Lynne's infectious jazz meets classical choreography - which highlight an early Act One show-stopping tap dance number ("The Old Gumbie Cat"); a heartthrob sashaying to an over-the-top rock 'n' roll performance ("Rum Tum Tugger"); a duo singing dramatic opera ("Growltigers Last Stand"); an eerie young pair belting out some jazz and blues with a lot of soul ("Macavity: The Mystery Cat"); and a Jellicle tribe outcast moving many in the audience to tears with her big song ("Memory"). 

The apparent lack of a coherent plot, which is The Common complaint among the uninitiated theatre-goers, must not have been a creative license mishap. C'mon guys, the show's text are mostly based on poems written for Eliot's godchildren.  And these young juveniles would rather be entertained than be read a complex Marxist grand narrative! 

"Cats" London production alum Jo-Anne Robinson (the musical's international tour director and choreographer) deserves a pat on the back for her meticulously detailed recreation of show's original content and intent.  Given the fact that the show opened light years away from Julie Taymor or the newest "Wicked" phenomenon, Ms. Robinson's production and technical teams have been able to revive the material with a brand new spunky attitude. We particularly like the non-stereotypical approaches of the actors who play Gus the theatre cat (Michael-Jon Hurney), Rum Tum Tugger (John O'Hara), Munkustrap (Shaun Rennie), and Lea Salonga (Grizabella). The little nuances and extra flavor they infuse into their musical interpretations make a big difference especially to those who have been viewing and listening to past "Cats" recordings over and over again. 

Our only lament is why did Webber change the original melody in Act One's "Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer" in the 1982 Broadway transfer?  The original show tune is much jazzier, sleazier, and thus sexier than the one used on Broadway and in the Manila production.

"Liwanag, hanapin ang liwanag

Ang iyong alaala ang gabay na sundin

Sa liwanag, ligaya ay matatagpuan

Bagong buhay ay darating"

When some of the lyrics to Act Two opener "The Moments of Happiness" are sung in Filipino by the Australian actor who plays Sillabub (Alyse Jai Davies), the audience in the packed performance hall gave her a thrilling and thunderous applause.  After nearly 30 years, an international production of "Cats" is premiering in Manila. Filipinos must be extra-thankful. 

Australia's Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Concertus, and All Youth Channels in association with The Really Useful Company Asia Pacific's strategic marketing decision to let go of the international tour's original Grizabella Ms. Delia Hannah, and be replaced by the Philippines' Pride and Tony Award-winning actor Ms. Lea Salonga in the Manila leg, has been touted as the casting coup of the year. Manila theatre-goers, even the curious ordinary man in the streets, would run after a single exorbitant show ticket ($ 155.00 for each premium seat). 

Ms. Salonga's hard work and extraordinary talent manifest on that stage.  She's a perfect example of a team player. She sheds her favorite Broadway leading lady status in the show's highly energetic prologue: "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats".  She joins the pack, and dances Lynne's now iconic dance steps in tune with the others. 

BroadwayWorld Philippines saw Ms. Salonga's first public performance of Grizabella's Eleven O' Clock song "Memory" when "Cats" was launched to local press and media in November last year.  There have been marked improvements since then. The "former Glamour Cat" we saw on Wednesday night is an actor with emotional commitment to her character.  Ms. Salonga brings her unique charm to the role and makes it her own. Her crystal clear, beautiful singing voice interspersing with those low registers and dramatic modulations all Make Up For an unforgettable Grizabella.

The cat is out of the bag (pun intended):  The secret to "Cats" apparent worldwide appeal and box office success is to experience it being performed live! You still have around less than ten performances left to catch the craze before it's gone. 

To avail of the show's limited family packages (show tickets with discounts), call Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or log onto www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Corporate ticket buyers may also host their key clients, customers, staff and friends as part of a limited number of corporate hospitality evenings, where cocktails will be served in a themed area. Contact (63) 9159857830 or (632) 4038646/4038678.

Visit "Cats" official web site at www.lunchbox-productions.com.

"When some of the lyrics to Act Two opener "The Moments of Happiness" are sung in Filipino by the Australian actor who plays Sillabub (Alyse Jai Davies), the audience in the packed performance hall gave her a thrilling and thunderous applause.  After nearly 30 years, an international production of "Cats" is premiering in Manila. Filipinos must be extra-thankful."

 

 

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