First Look: Ma-Anne Dionisio as Grizabella in the all-new Toronto Production of CATS

A new production of Cats will begin performances at the Panasonic Theatre May 28, before having an official media night on June 11.

BroadwayWorld has an exclusive first look at Ma-Anne Dionisio as Grizabella in a the new production. Dionisio is known for originating the role of Kim in the original Toronto production of Miss Saigon, and later reprising the role in various other productions, including the most recent Toronto production.

The company of Cats will also feature Eric Abel as "Alozo/Coricopat," Charles Azulay as "Old Deuteronomy," original Canadian company member Susan Cuthbert as "Jennyanydots/Griddlebone/Jellylorum," 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.

This production of Cats is being produced by the same producers as the now famous 1985 production, which played the Elgin Theatre. Dave Campbell will direct the production with musical direction by Lona Davis, and Gino Berti will remount Gillian Lynne's brilliant original choreography. The show will also feature production design by Tim Webb, sound design by Peter McBoyle, and lighting design by Brad Trenaman.

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. The show has been performed around the world many times and has been translated into more than 20 languages.

The Toronto production of Cats was recently extended with a new block of tickets now available through July. For more information and tickets please visit www.mirvish.com.

Ma-Anne Dionisio as "Grizabella." Photo by Racheal McCaig.