Nostalgic trip down memory lane in Cats

Every hit musical needs a show-stopping moment and in the case of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Cats it’s the touching solo Memory, sung powerfully in the latest touring production to hit Melbourne by Gabriyel Thomas, a New York raised singer who has performed extensively in Australia.

This is the 40th anniversary production of Cats, in recognition of the first Australian season at Sydney’s Theatre Royal from July 1985 until August 1987 followed by Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from October 1987 to December 1988 when pop star Debra Byrne had the honour of singing the iconic song.

I can remember seeing Cats in 1985 and it was a spectacular production with a star-studded cast, but a highlight was David Atkins (who played magical Mr Mistoffelees) darting up the aisle during the show and quietly stealing my partner’s handbag!

Lending star power to the 40th anniversary production, which premiered at Hamer Hall on New Year’s Eve, is veteran performer Todd McKenney in the dual roles of Bustopher Jones and Asparagus (better known as Gus the Theatre Cat). It’s a shame we could not see more of McKenney, who relishes every opportunity to add humour to his roles.

And musical theatre star Lucy Maunder, well known for roles in Chicago and Mary Poppins, plays Jellylorum and teams up with McKenney for the song Gus the Theatre Cat.