DPAC's  Cats  Dazzles  and  Delights

Cats starred Lauren Lewis and Chelsea Nicole Mitchell as Demeter and Bombalurina (photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats has been a favorite of theatergoers since it first premiered in 1981. Its latest iteration, presented by Troika Entertainmentof Rockville, MD, directed by Trevor Nunn, and onstage now at the Durham Performing Arts Center, features the same great story, based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. However, it also features brand-new (and spectacular!) direction and choreography. Thus, even long-time lovers of this show will find something new to celebrate here.

From the start, it's clear that this production of Cats differs from the norm in wonderful ways. There's a chanting, melodic quality that hearkens back to the script's poetic roots. Pair that with Andy Blankenbuehler's ethereal choreography and John Napier's other-worldly scenic and costume design, and it's impossible not to become immersed in this magical feline setting.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats starred Aiden Pressel as Macavity the "Napoleon of Crime" (photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

As the beloved Jellicle cats begin their ball, their distinct personalities are brought to life through their elaborate costumes, narrative songs, and incredible dances. Every moment is visual and auditory perfection. Even better, it all plays out against a starry set with the ever-present moon looming in the background as a reminder of the waxing and waning of life.

And, while there are some sad and somber undertones here, there's also plenty of whimsy and wonder. There are dazzling colored lights, cool sound effects, and, perhaps most impressive of all, choreography that leaps off the stage and takes on a life of its own. The dances move effortlessly from jumping and frenzied to slow and silky, and a variety of dance styles are featured.

Some dances showcase the complexity and beauty of synchronicity, whereas others celebrate pure talent and technique, In particular, Ibn Snell wows viewers with his incredible performance during the "Magical Mister Mistoffelees" number.

Tayler Harris stars as Grizabella the former Glamor Cat in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats (photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

Speaking of "wowing," Tayler Harris' "Grizabella" has a voice that will take your breath away. She performs "Memory." with such raw emotion and intensity that it becomes one of the most unforgettable and beautiful moments in the entire show. And, with a production this spectacular, that's saying a lot.

Sam Anker Bow also elicits sympathy as "Gus," an older cat with health issues, without forgetting to add in a healthy dose of humor. Really, though, every cat has its day and its moment in the spotlight; and every actor does their cat proud. Additionally, diverse ages, races, and body types are represented, which makes the production all the more enjoyable.

Indalecio De Jesús Valentin starred as Old Deuteronomy in the U.S. Tour of Cats (photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

In fact, there's a "cat" for everyone to relate to, and at its heart, that's what Cats is all about. It's a celebration of life, of diverse experiences, of acceptance, and, despite the feline characters, of humanity and what it can be.

If you want to get caught up in beauty, experience the power of movement and music, and maybe do a little reflecting on this journey we're all on, this version of Cats is for you. Whether you've seen the show once, a hundred times, or never before, don't miss this one!

The U.S. Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats will play DPAC on Jan. 31-Feb. 5 (photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS (In Person at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1-5), based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939) by T.S. Eliot, directed by Trevor Nunn, choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, presented as part of WRAL Greatest Hits of Broadway at DPAC, and starring Yuka Notsuka as Victoria, Brian Craig Nelson as Mungojerrie, Allyson Duarte as Jellylorum, Sam Fossum as Alonzo, Wilson Livingston as Coricopat, Tayler Harris as Grizabella the former Glamour Cat, Ibn Snell as Mr. Mistoffelees, Sam Anker Bow as Bustopher Jones the Cat About Town/Gus the Theatre Cat who plays Growltiger/Peter, Kade Wright as Munkustrap, Taryn Smithson as Rumpleteazer, Sam Buchanan as Plato/ Macavity the "Napoleon of Crime," Hank Santos as Bill Bailey/ Rum Tum Tugger, Cameron Schutza as Victor/Old Deuteronomy, Brendan Moran as Tumblebrutus, Michelle E. Carter as Jennyanydots, Erica Lee Cianciulli as Bombalurina, Lexy Bittner as Cassandra, John Zamborsky as Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, Nora DeGreen as Demeter, Reagan Davidson as Tantomile, Sam Bello as Sillabub, and Dominic Fortunato as Pouncival, plus a Cats Chorus, including Rachael Haber, and Swings, including dance captains Gracie Anderson and Kieran Macdonald, Megan Arseneau, Luke Bernier, Ellie Chancellor, Max Craven, Melissa Paull Gorst, Clara Havia, José Raúl Mangual, and Tony Mowatt (Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham). VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/user/catsmusical. WRAL GREATEST HITS OF BROADWAY AT DPAC: https://www.dpacnc.com/events/category/broadway. THE PRESENTER/VENUE: https://www.dpacnc.com/, https://www.facebook.com/DPACNC, https://www.instagram.com/DPACNC/, https://twitter.com/DPAC, and https://www.youtube.com/user/DPACLive. DIRECTIONS: https://www.dpacnc.com/plan-your-visit/directions. PARKING: https://www.dpacnc.com/plan-your-visit/parking. DPAC COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS: https://www.dpacnc.com/events/vaccination-and-covid-19-test-requirements. THE TOUR: https://ustour.catsthemusical.com/, https://www.facebook.com/CatstheMusical/, https://www.instagram.com/catsthemusical/, https://twitter.com/catsthemusical, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_(musical), and https://www.youtube.com/user/catsmusical. CATS (1981 West End and 1982 Broadway Musical): https://www.catsthemusical.com/, https://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/shows/cats/, https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-show/cats-2449, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cats, and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_(musical). ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER: https://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/, https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/andrew-lloyd-webber-12073, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0515908/, https://www.biography.com/musician/andrew-lloyd-webber, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-Baron-Lloyd-Webber-of-Sydmonton, and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Lloyd_Webber. TICKETS: $29.50 and up, plus taxes and ticket fees. Click here to buy tickets. INFORMATION: 919-680-2787 or CustomerService@DPACnc.com. Kurt Benrud's Triangle Review Review Permalink. Susie Potter's Triangle Arts Review Review.

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