CATS Singapore Review : A Wacky Feline Experience
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Wacky, eccentric, mind blown.
This summed up our experience of CATS The Musical now showing at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands till 5 January. It is amazing to witness a Cats live on stage given that it had been almost 40 years since it first started. In cat years, it is the equivalent of 2 centuries in human years.
To enjoy such longevity in the world of musicals. you need at least 9 lives and CATS the Musical counted its blessings with an agile and talented cast in their midst to bring this show all over the world through the passage of time. Forget about the debacle Movie that has polarized the audience, watching CATS the Musical promises to be another experience altogether.
What is CATS about?
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To appreciate the musical, you would have to be familiar with the plot. On one special night, the Jellicle Cats will gather with their leader, Old Deuteronomy at the Jellicle ball. The leader would choose among the Cats, one that would ascend to Heaviside Layer and come back as a new Jellicle Cats. Based on an Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, you are seeing poetry out in Motion by the acclaim Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Nine Lives
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| CATS tour 2019, Photo Credit: Alessandro Pinna |
Unlike a typical musical where you have a storyline and even a narrative, CATS is more of a showcase of song and dance similar to a Boardway dance act. Beautifully choreographed to a mix of Jazz, Ballet and modern contemporary moves, there are no dialogues but the story is told in songs and extended dance routine.
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| CATS tour 2019, Photo Credit: Alessandro Pinna |
The strongest performances would be from the cast dancing and prowling in unison on stage. At some point in the musical, there was even an enticing tap dancing segment that will leave you tapping on your feet.
For the best experience, get closer seats to see the cast expression to add a new dimension to your encounter with the feline cast.
Colourful Cats
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| CATS tour 2019, Photo Credit: Alessandro Pinna |
As this was our first foray into CATS the Musical, it was a bit overwhelming to identify all the players on stage. The standout performances such as Rum Tum Tugger, played by George Hinson, was a crowd-pleaser with his larger-than-life persona and gyrating hips that would put any Cats to shame.
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| CATS tour 2019, Photo Credit: Alessandro Pinna |
Joanna Ampil, Grizabella's put on an engaging performance with her heartfelt rendition of 'Memory', one that would prompt us to add the well-known song on our playlist. Nicholas Pound's Old Deuteronomy bellows with this baritone range while George Hinson Rum Tum Tugger set the stage for a musical extravaganza with 'The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball'
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| CATS tour 2019, Photo Credit: Alessandro Pinna |
The Fourth wall
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| CATS tour 2019, Photo Credit: Alessandro Pinna |
The Jellicle Cats love to break the Fourth wall. CATS had been doing this before it becomes a popular act in the movie. Expect to see Cats dancing up and down the aisles and even with the audience. During the break, you could even head up the stage to take a memorable photo with Old Deuteronomy.
CATS for kids?
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| CATS tour 2019, Photo Credit: Alessandro Pinna |
The entertaining dance routines and colourful costumes would make CATS a choice of kids. There are no real villains in the musical save for the brief appearances of Macavity. His appearance are accompanied by loud bangs and flashes of light which may be sensitive to younger kids. The audience interaction may be a tad intimidating as the Cats look a little menacing with their makeup and 70s punk rock hairstyles.
Enjoy the performances, discount the plot
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Unlike the usual musical where there is a distinct storyline (think Aladdin, Matilda and Phantom of the Opera), CATS operates on a loosely defined plot base on one night at the Jellicle night. Fans of structured storyline might get lost in this wildly extravagant production that bounces from one dance routine to another in quick succession. The best way to experience CATS is to just sit back and enjoy the ride!
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Get your tickets here.
Disclosure
TWD were invited to Cats for the purpose of this review
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