The musical CATS reigned for 18 consecutive years and was the second longest running musical on Broadway (it was ousted by The Phantom of the Opera in 2006). The national tour of the acclaimed feline production is in its 30th year, which holds the title of the longest continuously touring Broadway musical in history. This month the national tour of CATS is coming to the Eastern Shore for one night only. On March 5th, the musical will perform at Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (WYCC) in Salisbury.
Based on the Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, the musical features an eclectic score composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and showcases dance as the key communication element, as opposed to a verbal dialogue. CATS first performed at WYCC in 2000, and has periodically returned to WYCC’s stage. This performance is special to the CATS-Eye tour, which is excited to ing back characters Coricopat and Tantomile, who are psychic twins. “Those characters are making their reintroduction since Broadway,” says chief executive officer of CATS-Eye, Randall A. Buck. “Our cast includes 29 performers—22 on stage during each performance—and hundreds of costumes and shoes. Each costume was hand-painted and required 10 gallons of paint and 250 yards of fa ic.”
In the musical, one by one, the cats step forward to introduce themselves, often eaking the fourth wall of theater, and audition for the chance to take a special journey. This introduction teaches the audience about each cat’s three names and their inner desires. The characters cele ate at a Ball and await the decision to find out which will be reborn into a new life.
Audiences can expect to see a fun musical production that’s appropriate for all ages. The appeal of CATS has lasted since its debut in London in 1981 and continues to awe new and old viewers with its mystery and magic. “No matter the country, audiences are able to connect with cats through their singing and dancing. The show is timeless,” says Buck.
For more information, visit wicomicocivercenter.org or call 410-548-4911.
