musical theatre

“Cats”

By Andrew Lloyd Webber

Presented by Free Rain Theatre

ANU Arts Centre, until July 22.

Reviewed by Bill Stephens

CATE Clelland’s decision to set this production backstage in a run-down theatre, instead of the usual garbage dump, is just one of many inspired touches which help breathe fresh life into this most curious of musicals.

Based on T.S.Elliot poems about a meeting of a tribe of cats to choose which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life, “Cats” is something of an acquired taste.

But this fine ensemble production, with its well-staged set pieces, imaginative costumes and make-up, clever choreography and talented cast, captures Andrew Lloyd Webber’s surreal world so successfully, that it’s not difficult to understand why so many people find this musical a magical experience.

The slight storyline is told through a series of songs and dances and Free Rain Theatre has assembled a superb cast of talented performers for whom choreographer Laura Pearce has devised spectacular and entertaining routines that echo the original Gillian Lynne choreography, showcase the strengths of her excellent dancers and flatters her singers.

Vocally impressive throughout, particularly during the chorus items for which Lisa Keen’s superb band produces exactly the right sound, with excellent sound design that ensures the lyrics are clearly heard and a series of magical moments, add to the pleasures of a production which is a credit to all concerned and a compelling demonstration of the strength of talent presently on show in Canberra.

Phot: Cats, from left, Brittney Gould, Greg Sollis  and Kelda McManus. Photo by  Craig Burgess