CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Previews — Page 6

Kad said: "quizking101 said: "TennisFan said: "I saw Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst yesterday (I didn’t see it downtown). “Memory” was clearly transposed, and I wasn’t a fan of the key choice. It ended up feeling like one of the weaker moments in the score when it’s usually the emotional peak. Curious how others felt."

It’s important to know that “Tempress” Chasity Moore is a trans woman. Although she has transitioned, her voice isn’t necessarily going to reach the high quasi-operatic belt that everyone is used to.

The whole point in this context is a trans woman reclaiming her space and her interpretation has a certain raw energy to it that asserts her right to occupy space in the community and deserves forgiveness and a second chance, and I find that beautiful moreso than the traditional way."

I found this production's "Memory"- and Moore's performance of it- to be one of the most moving I've ever seen. Sure, it doesn't have the vocal fireworks we've come to associate with the song, but it carries so much deeply felt emotional weight."

Agree! I see the Broadway mounting next week, but at PAC, I was really moved by her interpretation of the song. 

TennisFan said: "I saw Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst yesterday (I didn’t see it downtown). “Memory” was clearly transposed, and I wasn’t a fan of the key choice. It ended up feeling like one of the weaker moments in the score when it’s usually the emotional peak. Curious how others felt."

Memory is one of my favorite songs. I watched last night as well. I understand the decision to cast Chasity as Grizabella but the first 80% of the song she sang it very out of tune. Everyone in our group commented on it. She has the confidence and the grit but it was painful to listen to. Maybe it was an off night.

First things first... the cast is doing tremendous work. It’s clear they’re having the time of their lives, and the talent across the board is top-notch.

I really appreciate the bold vision here. This is a radical reinterpretation of CATS, and it largely succeeds on its own term. It’s a joyous explosion of energy.

From a design standpoint, the production looks fantastic. I missed the Off-Broadway run, but it fits the Broadhurst beautifully. The lighting is especially striking and precise, and the choreography is complex and flawlessly executed. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this pick up a few Tonys, particularly for costume design.

That said, my overall reaction is a bit more tempered than most here. At times, there felt like a little too much going on. It could verge on chaotic, and I wasn’t always sure where to focus my attention. That may very well be intentional given the ballroom-inspired approach, but for me, it occasionally crossed into overwhelming.

Even so, while it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, I admire and respect what this production is doing. It’s a bold, exciting, and ultimately successful revival.

The8re phan said: "<-- manifesting a new cast recording"

I’m quite curious to see how this particular production would translate on a cast album. Isn’t the music pretty much the same, save for the occasional added house beat?

I would kill for a double album that preserves the party atmosphere, "D D D D DEUTERONOMY" has been bouncing around my head like a dvd screensaver for like a year and a half.

I seem to be in the minority, but I saw this at PAC and really didn't enjoy it. It felt like "putting a hat" on a mediocre musical (I mean, I do love the score, but as a show I find it aimless and plodding). I kept wishing it had been a completely new musical celebrating ballroom culture. The cast was truly brilliant, though, and I am, however, looking forward to catching it uptown and seeing if my feelings have changed.

Show will be featured on CBS Sunday Morning tomorrow. 

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "

CBS News feature Link for subscribers

https://share.google/q8sPP9xrpqyCJtjZL

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Jeffrey Karasarides said: "

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CBS Sunday Mornings tends to release extended interviews of their material. Hopefully we get one on CATS. also fascinating to hear ALW rip apart the movie.

They’re great seats but would definitely include some interaction.

I think one of the things that's cool about this production is that each seat offers not only a different view, but also a different experience. The cats roam the entire theatre.

FWIW, I was row J in the mezzanine (far side), and the view was absolutely perfect from there.

Thank you all for the seating recs! 

I agree with bwayphreak234 that where you sit offers a different experience. I chose fifth row center mezzanine, thinking it was most panoramic view of the show and would offer a good look at whatever was happening on the runway. That proved correct and I would recommend those seats (and there’s not really direct interaction with the cast, if that’s a concern). I couldn’t even see the regular orchestra seats due to the setup, which did leave me curious what was going on there.

Two cautions: No matter where you are, unless in a front row, there is always a possibility that an audience member will be waving a fan in front of you. It’s part of the show and encouraged (with fans sold at the merch stand) - and is less distracting than you might think, especially because it happens most often after songs. But it’s something to know. The other issue about the mezzanine, which didn’t affect me but affected my companions, is that getting to and from the restroom at intermission at the Broadhurst is kind of an adventure. If you don’t need to use the restroom, skip it.