Review: Columbus Children's Theatre Breathes a Fresh New Life Into CATS
When a small Ohio theatre company continues to produce stars such as Josh Radnor, Steven Boyer, AJ Shively, Jessica Grove and more, it's no coincidence that they are something truly special. Not surprisingly, then, Columbus Children's Theatre has once again raised the bar in their spring musical, CATS, with their innovative vision and talent, which is second to none.
Under the stellar direction of Ryan Scarlata and the ambitious creative team, their ingenious concept was to forego the traditional nocturnal junkyard setting of the original production, and instead, create a deserted circus carnival. With the use of silks, lyra, and aerial performers in choreographer Jeff Fouch's distinctive choreography, this amazing production has given CATS a fresh new life, yet retains its haunting portrayal of the original. Adding the warmth of the Lincoln Theatre, along with orchestra under the outstanding direction of Jonathan Collura, not to mention the unbelievably talented cast, this production is a must-see for Columbus theatergoers.
CATS features an ensemble of talented performers who all work together harmoniously to build depth and personality to each character cat. Sara Tuohy and Kyle Swearinger are delightful and mischievous as "Mungorjerrie and Rumpleteazer," Justin King plays a cool Rum Tum Tugger, Ryan Stem is a lofty and commanding "Old Deuteronomy," and Choreographer Jeffrey Fouch is magical and electric in his rendition of "Mr. Mistoffelees." Standing on her own is the impeccable Kendra Lucas as "Grizabella," who is a vulnerable, delicate powerhouse and gives a truly hair-raising performance of "Memory."
The stunning use of lighting by Brendan Michna, set design by Michael Brewer, costume by Patty Bennett and Angela Barch-Shamell, elaborate choreography by Jeffrey Fouch, and the incredible make-up team comprised of Suzanne Camilli, Mary Sink, Lauren McDaniels and Kase Donaldson all create a visual feast, which brings yet another life to CATS.
Whether or not you are a fan of the original CATS, you don't want to miss this fresh new production, which breathes a real human element into the felines and communicates a message of eternal acceptance in a world of constant opposition.
Kudos to all involved! There's one more chance to see Columbus Children's Theatre's production of CATS, which runs at the Lincoln Theatre through May 15th. For tickets or more information on this and other CCT productions, visit: http://www.columbuschildrenstheatre.org/
Photo Credit: Daivd Heasley
From This Author - Christina Mancuso
Christina Mancuso, a mother of 3, has traveled to well over 70 cities on various Broadway National Tours. She is now residing in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio after spending a year in NYC to... (read more about this author)

November 9, 2022
The audience was thrilled to welcome home Columbus’s own sextuple superstar, Andrew Levitt aka Nina West, who has successfully conquered the entertainment genres of TV, film, theatre, music, web series, and most recently as an author of children’s book, “The You Kind of Kind.” His role as Edna Turnblad is just icing on the cake.

June 20, 2022
California Wine Country's award-winning Transcendence Theatre Company returned once again to the incomparable Jack London State Historic Park to celebrate its 11th season. And what better way to celebrate than through dance. Directed by acclaimed international director and choreographer Luis Salgado, 'Let's Dance' features a cast and creative team of international talent from all across the country and beyond, including Puerto Rico, Colombia and Spain. Salgado's vision was to 'bring the flavor of Latin culture to Broadway classics and present a show that is bold, high-energy, and embraced by all.' And that is exactly what he did.

May 20, 2022
Winning more than 100 international awards including three Tony Awards and a Grammy Award, WICKED has managed to cast its spell on more than 60 million people across the globe for nearly two decades, and is still going strong today. Read our critic's review.

March 30, 2022
An illustrious creative team is at the helm of PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, with direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award®-winner Jerry Mitchell, music and lyrics by Grammy®-winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and book by the movie's legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. But is that enough to make this stage adaptation successful? That depends.

February 9, 2022
Nominated for seven Tony awards in 2017 and winning Best Direction in a Musical under Christopher Ashley’s extraordinary direction, COME FROM AWAY landed in Columbus at the Ohio Theatre on Tuesday night to a welcoming and lively audience.