Cats: The Musical

Not to be confused with the poorly rated 2019 film of the same name, the Young Australian Broadway Chorus’ (YABC) imagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats is a proud achievement few can carry. Based on TS Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this musical delves into the strange and oddly endearing lives of anthropomorphic felines. Although it lacks in the storytelling department, Cats primarily focuses on highlighting the immense talent, and range of attention needed to depict its shrewd subtleties.

Despite its fame, the YABC cast and crew managed to break expectations, and provide audience members with an unforgettable experience. Along with some additional material by Trevor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe, this iteration honours the original, and pays homage to its rich theatrical history. Setting itself above the status quo, the cast presents the viewers with an immersive display of dance, song and vibrancy. Utilising the stage alongside the arena, this provides a 360 view and intentionally breaks the fourth wall with the audience during pivotal moments.

At its best, the core cast members shine brightly in their roles, and gave an organic but genuine performance. Songs such as: ‘Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer’, ‘Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat’, and the highly coveted, ‘Memory’, are all fine-tuned with precision. Each move choreographed, each role accounted, each costumed preened to perfection, and every member trained to peak aptness. There is almost no margin for error, and no place to fault this highly detailed team of performers.

Although Cats is an internationally known production, this show is not for everyone and does fall short in certain aspects. While this has little to do with the quality of performance, it is important to state that those who haven’t seen Cats or have minor knowledge of it’s plot should be prepared for its wafer-thin story. It’s a creation based purely on energy, music and visual impact. There is no dialogue in between, and doesn’t take any pauses between numbers, a difficult pill to swallow for some viewers. 

Cats has always had a special place in my heart as a musical lover, and YABC’s labour of love has earned its praise. While it’s not a performance catered for everyone, it is one that has been channelled for those with a vast respect for this playwright, and the incredible endurance that is needed to fulfil each role.

Overall, Cats has been a delightful and multi-faceted affair, portrayed with great gusto by the YABC team that won’t soon be forgotten. 

Cats
The National Melbourne Theatre, 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, 3182
catsmusical.com.au