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.

Opera singer Mark Vincent has a powerful voice that’s perfect for the role of revered leader of the cats, Old Deuteronomy, while Des Flanagan plays Rum Tum Tugger as a rock star.

The musical tells the story of the Jellicle cats and is set on the night of the Jellicle Ball when Old Deuteronomy announces which of them will go up to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

The tension rises with the return of ostracised Grizabella, who left the tribe years ago and wants to return, highlighted by Thomas’s powerful rendition of Memory that elicited an ovation on opening night.

Tim Haskiayne stars as Mr Mistoffelees who shows off energetic circus acrobatic skills as the cast sing Magical Mister Mistoffelees. And there are plenty of moments of pyrotechnic magic throughout the show, which is set in a larger-than-life rubbish dump that engulfs the entire stage.

The musical is filled with wonderful dance routines that keep the production moving at great pace.

Cats is at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne until January 31 followed by a Brisbane season from February 6-22. Bookings: https://catsthemusical.com.au