Cats Previews- Page 9

[Pasdechat]

Posted: 7/22/16 at 3:25pm

CATS was my first musical and I am will love it always for many reasons. From what's been posted so far, I am thrilled the revival seems to be great. It's so important for this show to have a great cast with super energy, which I think sometimes lacked in the past (tours, now and again in its  Broadway run), resulting in a "meh" theatre experience. If the cast and energy is up, this show can be so much fun. 

for those who've seen the revival, other than the changes of song order, what are main differences from the original? From the photos posted so far of crucial dance scenes (Jellicle Ball, Macavity, Victoria's Solo, Naming of Cats)  they are 100% Gillian Lynne - which I think is great!! - what are major changes choreography wise? 

[Justin D]

Posted: 7/22/16 at 8:36pm

Regarding some people's feelings about Leona not being cat like enough, I wonder how much of that has to do with this new Grizabella costume design, while Nicole is a different actress in a different production, I just watcher her performance in London on Youtobe and to me, she does not look like a cat (like everybody else) she just looks like a hooker. So maybe that is part of the reason

[BroadwayLuv2]

Posted: 7/23/16 at 1:19am

How does the lottery work?  Do you pay for it once you are notified or at the theater? Seats assigned when you pick tickets up?  

I've never won any lotteries from BroadwayDirect so not sure how it works. 

Slightly disappointing that seats are rear mezz, but I guess beggars can't be choosers ;0)

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 7/23/16 at 7:34am

I saw it last night and if I see it again I'd probably choose a seat in the front mezz or orchestra. I was in the second to last row of the rear mezz and felt somewhat disconnected, especially since the decor wasn't done throughout like the original production at the Winter Garden. 

That being said, I enjoyed it. It was so nice to hearing Quentin's beautiful voice. My favorite parts were when the ensemble sang together. I, too, was bothered by Leona's un-catlike appearance. Laurie Berchman is still my favorite Grizzabella. I also saw Betty Buckley in the role. 

 

For or those of you who mentioned the missing cat eyes. They are certainly there during the prologue unless you're referring to something else. 

Updated On: 7/23/16 at 07:34 AM

[metropolis10111]

Posted: 7/23/16 at 10:08am

jman16 said: "metropolis10111 said: "When this opens ALW will once again have 3 shows running in both the West End and Broadway. I must say that is quite an accomplishment. Love him or not, the man is a showman 

 

"

He only has 2 in the West End? 

 

 

"

Phantom, JCS, and the School of Rock 

[trpguyy]

Posted: 7/23/16 at 10:13am

DottieD'Luscia said: "For or those of you who mentioned the missing cat eyes. They are certainly there during the prologue unless you're referring to something else. "

They weren't until a few days ago. 

[defyingthenorm]

Posted: 7/23/16 at 6:16pm

trpguyy said: This is precisely what Gillian Lynne was huffing and puffing about - that the emphasis would not be on felinity and that the cast would not be taught the proper way to move like a cat. 
"

The reviews of this production in London overwhelmingly said that the choreography was so boring and staid - her comments sounded completely like sour grapes at being left out of the creative process (not withstanding she's damn near 90 years old!)

[Justin D]

Posted: 7/23/16 at 8:24pm

trpguyy said: "DottieD'Luscia said: "For or those of you who mentioned the missing cat eyes. They are certainly there during the prologue unless you're referring to something else. "

They weren't until a few days ago. 

 

"

Just to confirm, you are talking about the strap on cat eyes that the performers wear or the little light up ones that are scattered throughout the set?

 

[trpguyy]

Posted: 7/23/16 at 10:19pm

Justin D said: "Just to confirm, you are talking about the strap on cat eyes that the performers wear or the little light up ones that are scattered throughout the set?"

The light-up eyes that the actors wear during the overture and startle the sh*t out of the audience. That element was not in the production until Wednesday's performance. 

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 12:26am

Pasdechat said: "for those who've seen the revival, other than the changes of song order, what are main differences from the original? From the photos posted so far of crucial dance scenes (Jellicle Ball, Macavity, Victoria's Solo, Naming of Cats)  they are 100% Gillian Lynne - which I think is great!! - what are major changes choreography wise? 

From what I understand, the new choreography is most evident during Mr  Mistoffeles, which Blankenbuelher has supposedly completely restaged.

 

[Gianluca97]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 1:30am

Question: has anyone gone to the box office when it opens (10am I think) to get tickets? Is there usually a line? Heading there this Friday to shoot a video outside the theatre and was hoping to speak with some people buying tickets. 

[chernjam]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 1:39am

So I'm assuming that there's no new "aria" in the second act?  ALW had said in an interview that Cameron Macintosh had suggested it, that he had written it and forgotten it when they did the London revival - but that he was adding it in the Paris production.  Was curious to see if it made it here

[Princeton2]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 4:32am

metropolis10111 said: "jman16 said: "metropolis10111 said: "When this opens ALW will once again have 3 shows running in both the West End and Broadway. I must say that is quite an accomplishment. Love him or not, the man is a showman 

 

"

He only has 2 in the West End? 

 

 

"

Phantom, JCS, and the School of Rock 

 

"

 

JCS isnt on in the west end. Its a limited summer run at the open air theatre in regents park. And even if this was included it closes before school of rock opens

That said, there is early talk of a west end transfer of jcs so he may have 3 in the west end at the end of the year

 

[JasonM12480]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 11:38am

Justin D said: "Regarding some people's feelings about Leona not being cat like enough, I wonder how much of that has to do with this new Grizabella costume design, while Nicole is a different actress in a different production, I just watcher her performance in London on Youtobe and to me, she does not look like a cat (like everybody else) she just looks like a hooker. So maybe that is part of the reason

Her costume is EXACTLY what it's always been for the last 30 years of the show's creation.  The only difference is the wig, and a little alteration to the makeup, giving her a scar on her forehead.  Nothing else has changed in the costume.  Go watch Elaine Page in numerous videos, or Betty Buckley, or the glorious late Laurie Beechman - all talented, well trained actors.  If you know how to act, you know how to play Grizabella.  Leona is a pop recording artist, not a trained actress.  She was hired for her name recognition.  

"

 

[sparepart973]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 11:46am

JasonM12480 said: "Justin D said: "Regarding some people's feelings about Leona not being cat like enough, I wonder how much of that has to do with this new Grizabella costume design, while Nicole is a different actress in a different production, I just watcher her performance in London on Youtobe and to me, she does not look like a cat (like everybody else) she just looks like a hooker. So maybe that is part of the reason

Her costume is EXACTLY what it's always been for the last 30 years of the show's creation.  The only difference is the wig, and a little alteration to the makeup, giving her a scar on her forehead.  Nothing else has changed in the costume.  Go watch Elaine Page in numerous videos, or Betty Buckley, or the glorious late Laurie Beechman - all talented, well trained actors.  If you know how to act, you know how to play Grizabella.  Leona is a pop recording artist, not a trained actress.  She was hired for her name recognition.  

"
It actually isn't the same costume-the coat she wears is a different fabric and the cut is more tailored and less fluffy. 

[JasonM12480]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 12:02pm

"
It actually isn't the same costume-the coat she wears is a different fabric and the cut is more tailored and less fluffy. 

 

"

You absolutely missed my entire meaning.  But approach to the meaning restores the experience in a different form.  

[Justin D]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 1:57pm

Grizabella has actually been redesigned, similar, but redesigned, will post pic soon

[Justin D]

Posted: 7/24/16 at 2:13pm

original design with bloomers and bows in the 'ears'



version we are more familiar with (broadway)

updated design for Nicole, with corset and high boots, straight wig and less makeup, short sleeve jacket

[@z5]

Posted: 7/25/16 at 11:35am

Anyone know if Leona has typically been singing after shows at all?

[trpguyy]

Posted: 7/25/16 at 12:00pm

@z5 said: "Anyone know if Leona has typically been singing after shows at all?"

She definitely sings during the show, but probably not after. 

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 7/25/16 at 5:44pm

http://www.playbill.com/personlistpage/person-list?production=00000152-d6f4-d39d-a95f-fef413a00000&type=op#oc   Cast list

[¿Macavity?]

Posted: 7/25/16 at 6:06pm

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "http://www.playbill.com/personlistpage/person-list?production=00000152-d6f4-d39d-a95f-fef413a00000&type=op#oc   Cast list

 

"

It would work just as well if you switched the "s" and the "t".

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 7/25/16 at 8:06pm

I always bought into the snobbery surrounding this show the first time around. I think I'll let myself see it now; some of these posts are making me rethink it. Now, dammit, I'm old enough to make up my own mind. Ha ha....

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 7/25/16 at 8:44pm

MichelleCraig said: "I always bought into the snobbery surrounding this show the first time around. I think I'll let myself see it now; some of these posts are making me rethink it. Now, dammit, I'm old enough to make up my own mind. Ha ha....

 

"

Ha I went from a Cats obsessed kid, to a know-it-all teenager (which lasted into my twenties :P ) who thought it was bottom of the barrel stuff, to now in my thirties kinda re-appreciating it again.

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 7/25/16 at 8:48pm

what's the general consensus on the 'sound' of the orchestra? I know it's much smaller and has no brass, so am wondering if it sounds small or if they have done a lot with pre-recorded tracks, synths, etc.