CATS Extends at Panasonic Theatre Through 9/22

The show that revolutionized musical theatre around the world, CATS, has been extended in Toronto until Sunday, September 22, 2013.

"The new Canadian production of CATS opened to thunderous applause and a standing ovation," (broadwayworld.com) on Tuesday, June 11 at the Panasonic Theatre. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' and other poems" by T. S. Eliot, CATS 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 as the second longest-running show in Broadway history, and the fourth longest-running West End musical.

It's been 28 years since legendary producer Marlene Smith, Nu Musical Theatricals chairperson, first produced Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster show at the pre-renovation Elgin Theatre in Toronto. This time around, Smith is collaborating with her son, Geoffrey Smith, Executive Producer; Classical Theatre Project's David Galpern and Charles Roy; and Starvox Entertainment president Corey Ross. This is the first resident Canadian production in Toronto since the original Canadian production of CATS opened in 1985, launching the age of the mega-musical in Canada.

The new 20-member all-Canadian company features Eric Abel, Charles Azulay, Susan Cuthbert, Ma-Anne Dionisio, Michael Donald, Marisa Falcone, Kalie Hunter, Neesa Kenemy, Judy Kovacs, Michel LaFleche, Lily McEvenue, Cory O'Brien, Phillip Payne, Jaime Reid, Martin Samuel, Jay T. Schramek, Ashley St. John and Devon Tullock. CATS is directed by Dave Campbell with music direction by original Canadian company member Lona Davis, choreography by Gino Berti, production design by Tim Webb, lighting design by Brad Trenaman and sound design by Peter McBoyle.

Nu Musical Theatricals, Classical Theatre Project and Starvox Entertainment present CATS at the Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge Street, Toronto. Tickets currently on sale through Sunday, September 1, 2013. Performances are Tuesday-Saturday @ 7:30pm; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday @ 1:30pm. Ticket prices range from $39.95 - $109.95 and can be purchased in person at he 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 and online at http://www.mirvish.com/ticketking/shows/cats. Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more by calling 1-800-724-6420 or email groups@mirvish.com.

Photo by Racheal McCaig