'CATS: The Jellicle Ball' at PAC reviews — Page 13

ColorTheHours048 said: "At this point, I really don’t see a transfer to Broadway in the cards. The only house they could theoretically transfer to is Circle in the Square, and I doubt they want to wait until R+J closes to do so. Any momentum they’ve built will likely be dissipated by January/February, and as Kad noted, it already feels like interest is waning. It reminds me ofOratorio for Living Things a couple seasons ago: rave reviews, excellent word-of-mouth, rumblings of a transfer, needs a unique playing space; but cancelled performances late in the run and cast availability post-closinghinders future plans.

They need to strike while the iron is hot. And unless they already have another non-Broadway space lined up to accommodate their needs directly after the PAC run, I think the road ends at PAC."

Not sure how "waning" it is as quite a few of the final shows are already sold out.

It's a tough show to transfer as-is because it needs a big space for both the stage and the audience. 25 in the cast (call it 28 if they add some more swings/standbys) and 9 in the band is MUCH bigger than your typical commercial Off-Broadway or CITS show. Probably need 399 to 499 seats to make it work Off-Broadway. Off-B is also advantageous because of lower wages & fees compared to bway. Maybe it needs to play a converted space somewhere.

For what it's worth, I was told PAC has a fall season lined up, so a monthslong extension couldn't be done. In the most ideal world they'd cancel the fall programming and extend it another 5 months at PAC (whether that's PAC themselves producing it or a commercial partner stepping up and renting the space like with HLL's return to the Public). I'm sure they're as sad as everyone because this is probably a bigger moneymaker than whatever is coming in this fall.

People look at little shop as a model for commercial off broadway, but little shop is able to attract big names to keep the show going. I don’t think cats, or teeth for that matter, can run for a long time off broadway. They’d benefit from being on broadway. I think they’re better off doing a limited engagement on broadway to make their money and pick up some awards.

It would be great if the interest waned a tiny bit more so I could snag a single seat. Website says sold out - is it worth calling or should I just be stalking the website?

It is worth calling, as well as checking the website. I got a seat for Saturday's matinee - and the hype is justified. Loved it, as someone who's resisted ever seeing CATS over the years since its original premier in the U.S.

Finally saw this tonight so I don’t have much to add that hasn’t already been said! It’s a joyous production that just leaves you feeling so thrilled and reaffirmed.
I get the “Cats finally makes sense!” response but to me, Cats has always made (enough) sense and this makes an equal amount of sense. What it does do, however, is take the inscrutable rituals of the jellicles and overlay them over the rituals of ballroom, and finding enough overlap and parallels that they (mostly) align. It makes it less blurry and more specific, it focuses it. And grounding it in the specifics of this scene and its history really gives it more weight.


When I first learned of this concept, I thought it seemed like it would work very well on a few moments and then be iffy everywhere else. But the way it all coheres is truly incredible. My one major caveat here is the ending, which lacked a good ballroom analog and the smallness of which just didn’t land for me. Thankfully we have the jellicle ball curtain call immediately afterward to ensure the audience is sent out on the right note.

The cast is key to making this all work. It‘s just such an excellent ensemble and these are immensely charming performers who endear themselves to the audience very quickly. The talent they bring to that stage is insane.


I do wish more people could get to see this, however possible it would be.

Last night was my 5th time and it remains just a queer blast of joy and a cure for all your ills.

Ken Page and Alex Newell were the guest judges last night. Munkustrap has always announced the judges to my recollection - but I know it’s usually drowned out by the audience cheering so it’s hard to hear clearly. Andre and Ken had some cute and subtle nods to each other throughout the show (hard to see from my runway seat but heard about after).

Also, the magic of live theatre - the fire escape for the Heaviside Layer grand exit did not descend, so Old Deuteronomy just had Grizabella leave through the curtain via the “front door”.

I was talking to Andre after the show and he explained it as such - “I didn’t see it come down and so I said to Grizabella, “There’s no fire, so you don’t need to leave by the fire escape. You can just leave right through the front door - just past the curtains.”

Iconic.

I agree with the raves and found this excellent on all levels. My only quibble was the music adaptation which I found surprisingly traditional. I was expecting some type of fusion of ALW and Disco/House to harmonize with the production concept but the pared down arrangements have neither the orchestral swell of the ALW score nor a creative journey into the soul of Disco/House. At least that was my take after one hearing. But who knows, this might have been the right strategy. The traditional arrangements comfortably anchor the show in ALW world even as it challenges with a new take on it.

Just got a ticket for the extension.

Is there a code for 30 under 35 for this

So they are taking a break. Are we getting new cast members ?

WldKingdomHM said: "So they are taking a break. Are we getting new cast members ?"

According to the PAC box office, no, they're just taking the break to do some planned work on the building. (But they also told me no extension last week, so take it for what it's worth.)