All-Canadian CATS Begins Tonight at Panasonic Theatre

CATS, the show that revolutionized musical theatre around the world, makes its triumphant return to Toronto in an all-new production with an all-Canadian cast. Previews begin tonight, May 28 with the official opening set for June 11 at Toronto's Panasonic Theatre.

CATS, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' and other poems" by T. S. Eliot, opened in London in 1981 where it ran for twenty-one years. The Broadway production, which opened in 1982, ran for eighteen years. Both set long-run records: CATS is the second-longest-running show in Broadway history, and the fourth longest-running West End musical.

CATS has been performed around the world many times and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Produced by Nu Musical Theatricals Inc., in association with Classical Theatre Project and Starvox Entertainment, this is the first resident Canadian production in Toronto since the original Canadian production opened in 1985 launching the age of the mega-musical in Canada.

This will be a CATS for the 21st century. Some of the show's props are being produced on a 3D printer and Toronto-based technology company Rose and Thistle's patented hologram technology Holographic Paramotion is being utilized at a key moment.

Directed by Dave Campbell, this all-Canadian production of CATS has music direction by original Canadian company member Lona Davis, choreography by Gino Berti remounting Gillian Lynne's original Broadway choreography, production design by Tim Webb, lighting design by Brad Trenaman and sound design by Peter McBoyle.

The 20-member company features Eric Abel as "Alozo/Coricopat," Charles Azulay as "Old Deuteronomy," original Canadian company member Susan Cuthbert as "Jennyanydots/Griddlebone/Jellylorum," Ma-Anne Dionisio as "Grizabella," Michael Donald as "Mungojerrie," Marisa Falcone as "Demeter," Kalie Hunter as "Tantomile," Neesa Kenemy as "Rumpleteazer," Judy Kovacs as "Bombalurina," Michel LaFleche as "Munkustrap," Lily McEvenue as "Victoria," Cory O'Brien as "Gus/Bustopher Jones/Growltiger," Phillip Payne as "Plato/Macavity," Jaime Reid as "Cassandra," Martin Samuel as "Rum Tum Tugger," Jay T. Schramek as "Skimbleshanks," Ashley St. John as "Sillibub" and Devon Tullock as "Mr. Mistoffelees." Christy Adamson is the Dance Caption.

It's been 28 years since legendary Canadian producer Marlene Smith, Nu Musical Theatricals chairperson, first produced Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster show at the pre-renovation Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Collaborating with Smith is her son, Geoffrey Smith, Nu Musical Theatricals Executive Producer; Classical Theatre Project's David Galpern and Charles Roy; and Starvox Entertainment president Corey Ross.

Nu Musical Theatricals and Classical Theatre Project & Starvox Entertainment present CATS, directed by Dave Campbell, choreography by Gino Berti, with musical direction by Lona Davis, production design by Tim Webb, lighting design by Brad Trenaman and sound design by Peter McBoyle.

The Panasonic Theatre is located at 651 Yonge Street, Toronto. Previews begin Tuesday, May 28 @ 7:30pm. Official Opening Night, Tuesday, June 11, 2013 @ 7:30pm. Tickets currently on sale through Sunday, July 28, 2013. Performance schedule: Tuesday-Saturday @ 7:30pm; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday @ 1:30pm.

Ticket prices range from $40-$110 and can be purchased in person at the Panasonic Theatre Box Office or at the T.O. Tix Booth at Yonge-Dundas Square; over the phone by calling TicketKing at 416.872.1212 or toll-free at 1.800.461.3333; or online at http://www.mirvish.com/ticketking/shows/cats. Discounts are available for groups of 12 OR MORE by calling 1-800-724-6420, 416-593-4142 or email groups@mirvish.com.

For more information, visit www.catsto.com.