'Cats' choreography amazing, but plot leaves much to be desired
By Jessie Hethcoat
Though the cast of "Cats" currently performing in Portland is particularly impressive, this show's continued success says something quite horrible about the United States' cultural interest. "Cats" is gimmicky, outdated (in a bad way) and entirely nonsensical.
"Cats" opened on Tuesday, March 23 at the Keller Auditorium and runs until March 28.
"Cats" is the longest continuously running show in the history of the U.S. and referred to as "America's most loved family musical." The musical is based on T.S. Eliot's book of poetry, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." Andrew Lloyd Webber, renowned English composer, wrote the music for "Cats," adding to his repertoire of shows including "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Evita." In 1983, "Cats" won seven Tony Awards, including "Best Musical."
Yet, I couldn't tell you why.
Only after I had done some research on "Cats" was I sure of its plot. In the show, the Jellicle Cats, a special kind of cat, come out for their annual Jellicle ball. At this ball, the cats celebrate who they are and together choose one Jellicle Cat to be reincarnated.
The first song in Act I, "The Naming of Cats," explained the importance of a cat's name. The song was not sung; rather, it was whispered to convey the Jellicle Cats' reluctance to tell us who they are. I don't think I was alone in my confusion because after the song ended, there were little applause.
So little, that I could more clearly hear the man behind me say "That was hard to hear."
The Jellicle Cats soon burst from their shells and began a series of introductions that never, ever end. The entire plot of "Cats" relies on introducing a new cat every song. Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat. Grizabella is a glamour cat. Mr. Mistoffoles is magical.
And so on.
The music was highly synthesized and reminiscent of Webber's "Phantom of the Opera" soundtrack, yet with even more of its 80s-sounding, organ-like resonance. Reminiscent of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" soundtrack and The Trans-Syberian Orchestra's Christmas album, "Cats" is probably one of the main reasons that people think they don't like musicals.
On a lighter note, the choreography was excellent. The cast was the best choreographed of any musical theater touring cast I've ever seen. The dancing numbers were perfect, and the visual aspect was polished.
Grizabella, played by Anastasia Lange, was extraordinary. When she performed "Memory," it gave me chills. "Memory" is "Cats'" most famous song and one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most popular compositions. The song has been recorded by over 150 artists, including Johnny Mathis and Barbara Streisand.
Both Grizabella and Old Deuteronomy were cats past their prime. Whenever they came on stage, the music went slower and deeper. They were used as foils to the younger cats and tools to bring the mood down to somber and "contemplative." This all felt contrived. The older cats were used to make sure the musical wasn't the same happy introduction song over and over. Sometimes, the introductions were sad. Thank you, older cats.
There is something to be said for T.S. Eliot, however.
The lyrics to the songs are mostly taken from Eliot's book of poems, which has made it admittedly resistant to bad reviews. His poems regarding cats are fabulous and delightful, in the last song it says: "So first, your memory I'll jog,/ And say: A CAT IS NOT A DOG./ A Cat's entitled to expect/ These evidences of respect."
Nonetheless, this lowbrow performance left me perplexed and apathetic. This will be my first and last Jellicle Ball.
A musical cat-astrophy, "Cats" is to musical theater what The Harlem Globetrotters are to professional basketball. It may consist of talented performers, but it is ultimately a dumbed-down creation that relies on spectacle to sell out theaters across the U.S. In the end, I felt like I lost two hours of my life and respect for my country.
"Cats" has 7:30 p.m performances tonight and Friday. On Saturday, there is a 2 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. performance. The show closes on Sunday with a 1 p.m. matinee and 6 p.m. final performance. Tickets are priced from $18.25 to $63.25 and can be purchased from Ticketmaster, the PCPA box office or the Portland Opera box office. For more information, visit the Portland Center for Performing Arts Web site at www.pcpa.com and search for "Cats."
