Cats Previews — Page 9

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?

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)

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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....

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.