Did anyone see Cats?- Page 2

[pab]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 8:53am

I actually saw CATS during its first few months on Broadway. I was really not impressed.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 10:12am

I saw the original 5 times. Not that I liked it, but one of my best friends, Reed Jones, was the original Broadway Skimbleshanks. He's no longer with us, like too many from that original cast, but his memory is now and forever. This is Reed putting on his Skimble makeup:

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 10:25am

PalJoey --- Reed gave a delightful performance as Skimbleshanks.

...So are you saying you DIDN'T like the show?

[PalJoey]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 10:39am

Thanks for remembering, best12!

Well...I loved many of the performances--Betty Buckley and Ken Page and beautiful Tim Scott especially.

Reed loved Skimble, but how he hated being upstaged by that damn train!

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 10:51am

Tim, Ken & Betty were all outstanding, agreed. I'm sorry Reed felt upstaged by the "train." I can see how that might happen (psychologically), but honestly... I'm here to tell you he wasn't upstaged. I very clearly remember his boundless energy, winning personality and joy during the number... he was charming! And that song always makes me smile when I hear him on the OBC. The train was only a clever "accessory," albeit a damn good one. It didn't take away from his talents in the least, though.

[Firefly]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 11:54am

Also saw the original cast (well, most of them - a couple had left, but none of the "leading" roles). Also loved it. It wasn't great, deep, intellectual, thought-provoking theater, but it WAS wonderful dancing, singing, music, costumes, makeup, and sets (some of which were quite innovative at the time).

The previously mentioned actors were all great. And sitting in the theater hearing Betty Buckley sing "Memory" was amazing - much more powerful than listening to a recording.

(Best12bars & paljoey - Skimbleshanks was always one of my favorites too.)