BWW Interviews: Michel LaFleche of CATS

BroadwayWorld Toronto Contributor Alan Aronshtam sat down for an interview with Michel LaFleche, who plays Munkustrap in the new Canadian Production of Cats.

The production begins previews today, and has an official opening night set of June 11.

Fore more information on the production, cast bios, and tickets, visit CatsTo.com

Alan: You were a child performer on the CBC. What got you interested in performing?

Michel: My father was a singer, as was my aunt, Gisele MacKenzie. She was a very successful singer in the United States. She had her own series on CBS, starred with Jack Benny on his show and also has a Star on the walk of fame in Hollywood, so I came by it honestly.

Alan: For those not familiar with it, how would you describe Cats to them?

Michel: Cats is a series of poems put to music. It's is completely sung and danced through. It is one of the most difficult musicals to perform, as you must be a tripple threat to be cast.

Alan: Cats is a very dance-focused show. Obviously, a lot of dance training is required. What got you into dancing? What styles did you study?

Michel: I only sang in shows until I was 21, then I began to go to ballet and jazz classes so that I would be able to be cast in a wider variety of shows. I took Ballet/Jazz and Tap.

Alan: You've worked with iconic choreographers/directors such as Susan Stroman, Hal Prince, and Kathleen Marshall. What was that experience like for you?

Michel: I thankfully have my experiences with Susan, Hal and Kathleen seared in my memory. I learned so many things from them such as how to be a true professional. Seeing how they are able to get the best out of the actors they cast was amazing. I learned from them to be prepared and most of all, to be gracious and supportive.

Alan: You've worked at the Stratford Festival where you perform multiple shows at the same time. Do you find that harder than doing just one role 8 times a week?

Michel: It depends, at Stratford, I had to learn two musicals and one Shakespearean play. At the beginning, it was much more work, sometimes rehearsing two at the same time or rehearsing one during the day and performing another in the evening. There is a comfort in doing the same show all the time, but equally as important, performing in 2 or 3 different shows each week keeps you on your toes and always doing something new.

Alan: You've performed in multiple shows with music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, and he is now considered an "icon" of the musical theatre - specifically the mega musical. What is it about his work that you think audiences enjoy that keeps bringing them back?

Michel: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals have a common thread: powerful music and themes. He is able to combine these elements with spectacle and music that audiences remember once they've left the theatre.

Alan: You've performed the role of Munkustrap twice in other productions of Cats. How do you keep the role fresh?

Michel: Munkustrap is the Narrator of the story. He sings throughout the show about the cats, the heavyside layer and the unknowns of the Jellicles. There are so many intermingled relationships amongst the cats, that everytime I do the show and interact with the other cats, I always find something new to discover.

Alan: What has the rehearsal process been like? You have just four weeks from start of rehearsals to first preview. How difficult is it to get the entire show into performance-ready shape in that short time period?

Michel: I am fortunate to have done the show before and since I have always done the original Gillian Lynn choreography, it's just a matter of refreshing my memory as I rehearse and remember the framework of the show. The "new" cats (performers) have a more difficult job of it. I know, because I was one of them at one time.

Alan: Being in a physical show such as Cats means you really need to take care of yourself. What does your typical 8-show week look like? What do you do on your day off?

Michel: My day off usually consists of relaxing, seeing friends and usually doing laundry! I work out, but not as often when I'm performing Cats. It's such a physically demanding show, I don't have much left over at the end of the week to lift weights, so to speak. Cats is all the cardio I need! I can eat anything I want and know I will burn it off Tuesday to Sunday!

Alan: Generally, performers in Cats are trained to do their own makeup. Do you find the makeup application process difficult, and how long does it take from start to finish?

Michel: When I was first in Cats, my makeup took me about 45 minutes. We are each given a "makeup lesson" at the beginning. After you do the show for a few weeks, you usually are able to complete your make up within 20 to 30 minutes, unless you have a particularly complex cat face design.

Alan: Do you have any pre-show rituals? What does your usual warm up consist of?

Michel: I usually do a little vocal warm up before leaving for the theatre. When I get there, I start my makeup. I then warm up my body. (I sometimes even sit on a heating pad while doing my makeup to speed it along!) When I am physically warm, I finish up with a few vocal exercises, and I'm ready to go!

Alan: What's your favorite part of performing in Cats?

Michel: My favorite part is when I sing "Old Deuteronomy". It is very quiet on stage, everyone is still and I am up on the set singing a beautiful melody with both high and low notes. It's a lovely moment for me.

Alan: Are you excited about performing for an audience, instead of just in the rehearsal room?

Michel: I have always been someone who really "lights up" on stage. It's important to bring a performance while in rehearsal, but I find that something happens to me when there is an audience in a dark theatre. It's magical!

Alan: Prior to previews, most productions go through a grueling tech period. Do you have any tips in getting through the long days?

Michel: Yes! You must get your sleep, take care of your body and voice and above all else, pace yourself or you will have nothing left at the end of the week, and that is when accidents and injuries happen. As they say in Opera, "don't leave your high C's on the dressing room floor".

Alan: This production of Cats is going to incorporate a new scenic design and projections. The original design of Cats is so iconic, and some "purists" might argue that it should not be changed. Do you think classic shows need to continue to evolve to attract new audiences?

Michel: No, I don't. Some shows are iconic for a reason! The saying "don't fix it if it ain't broke" often applies, but not in this case. These new scenic designs I believe will only enhance the original concept. Director Dave Campbell and Designer Tim Webb are masters in their fields and won't disappoint audiences. It'll be better!

Alan: Cats has been seen by millions of people worldwide, translated into more than 20 languages, and once held the longest running Broadway musical record as well as the longest running West End musical record. What do you think people love about the show, and what keeps bringing them back to see it again and again?

Michel: Cats appeals to kids as well as adults. There is wonderful music, spectacular dancing as well as interesting sets and costumes. I think just watching actors transform themselves into cats can be mesmerizing. There seems to be something for both the young and the old, and everyone inbetween.

Alan: Is there any dream role you'd love the chance to perform after Cats?

Michel: I performed the role of Robert In The Drowsy Chaperone last year and had a great time doing it. I acted, sang, roller skated and tapped in that production. Revisiting that role would be a lot of fun.

Alan: Lastly, what's your advice to anyone getting started in theatre?

Michel: If you really really want and need to be a performer and have a talent, then follow your dream. A famous actor once said: "If you can picture yourself doing anything else rather than show business, then do that!" You should have a real need and desire to perform, because it will be a long and difficult journey, but oh so rewarding if you stick with it. Luck is always being prepared, it's that simple!