[NEohioPAL]Berko review: CATS @ CAROUSEL DINNER THEATRE

[Roy Berko]

‘CATS’ ACCEPTABLE, BUT LESS THAN PURR-FECTION AT
CAROUSEL.

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	


	During the Smithsonian Museum’s symposium ,“The
Actor’s Role in the Musical,”  an original cast member
of the New York production of ‘CATS’ was asked why the
show with no plot and few memorable songs had become
the longest running musical in Broadway history.  His
response centered on the belief that the audience
became so entranced by each actor “becoming” the cat
he or she was portraying, that the viewers were
transported into the world of cats.   He went on to
say that the costumes and the makeup were also
important elements.
	It’s too bad that Marc Robin, the director and
choreographer and costumer Dale Dobermardo of the
production of ‘CATS’ at Carousel Dinner Theatre didn’t
attend that lecture.  Though Carousel’s production is
perfectly acceptable the show lacks the magic needed
to transform it into a wonderful experience.
	Cats are amazing creatures.  Each breed is distinct. 
Each cat has a personality all its own.  They are
independent beings, refusing to be trained.  In order
to transform this onto the stage, each actor must
transmute him or herself into a particular cat.  A
Siamese is different from a Persian who is different
from an alley cat.  As audience members we must
instinctively gain that from the actions of the
performers.  They must remain in that mind-set for the
entire show, not just when they are solo performing. 
In a well-honed production of ‘CATS’ you should always
believe that you are in the presence of a welter of
individual cats.   Unfortunately, this was not true in
the Carousel production.  The twitches, the back
arches, the posturing, and the face cleaning came and
went.
	The Carousel cats are dressed in representative
costumes.  No one will believe they are actually cats.
 Even identifying the breed becomes difficult.  Too
bad.  It was another missed opportunity to help
capture the audience.
	‘CATS’ has no plot, per se.  It is a series of
vignettes based on T. S. Eliot’s “OLD POSSUM’S BOOK OF
PRACTICAL CATS.”  Act I starts.  It is midnight...not
a sound from the pavement.  An explosion of lights and
music fills the theatre, revealing an abandoned tire
plant.  One by one, the curious cats emerge.  Tonight
is the one special night each year when the tribe of
Jellicle Cats reunites to celebrate who they are.  But
the cats are not alone. Humans (the audience) are
present in the cats' private world. The cats are at
first reluctant and suspicious to include others in
their domain.   Gradually, the cats not only sing to
the audience, but prowl into their presence.  The
Jellicle Ball allows the humans to gain an
understanding of the various types of cats and their
habits. 
	The only song from the show that has become well
known is the haunting“Memory,” though “Old
Deuteronomy” and “Mr. Mistoffelees” should sound
familiar.  
	Production highlights include “The Old Gumbie Cat”
and its nicely performed tap dancing, and the reprise
of “Memory” which is well sung by Molly A. Curry and
Christine Mild.
	The actors in the Carousel production are young,
enthusiastic and generally acceptable, but none are
standouts.   Many sing words, not meanings.  Since
they are presenting  poetry and the words carry the
entire understanding of the show, this is a major faux
pas.   The strongest singing performances were those
by Kate Fahrner, Stephanie Youell, Emily Loftiss,
Christine Mild and Molly Curry.  Dancing highlights
were presented by Johnathan Owen and Ben Franklin.

CAPSULE JUDGEMENT: Carousel’s ‘CATS’ is an acceptable
presentation.  Most audience members will be
positively impressed.  If, however, the director was
willing to spend time teaching total characterization
and the need to interpret lyrics, and some adjustments
were made in costuming, this could be an excellent
production.

For tickets to ‘CATS’ call 800-362-4100.  Show times
are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m.,
Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday
evenings at 5.  Matinees are on Wednesday through
Saturday at 2.  Dinner is served two hours prior to
curtain.  Ticket prices range from $25.50 to $46.


=====
Roy Berko's web page can be found at royberko.info and many of his theatre and dance reviews appear on artscleveland.net.


		
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