A Purr-fect Production

Cats

Based upon T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,  a book written to entertain the poet’s grandchildren, one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best known musicals is primarily a song and dance concert. Without any deeper meaning, the show only seeks to entertain and introduce the audience to a variety of feline characters. Through all their dances and songs, the cats’ only goal is  to be chosen by their leader, Old Deuteronomy, to journey to the Heavyside Layer, a kind of reincarnation. 

While it can’t be denied that the plot is pretty thin, the kitty characters are either funny, mysterious or touching. And certainly every single pussycat is memorable. Webber’s Tony Award-winning score (featuring the pullout hit song, “Memory”) showcases a wide variety of musical styles, from jazz to pop to opera, with the majority of the lyrics taken from Eliot’s poetry. This 1983 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical still remains the fifth longest-running show in Broadway history. The catchphrase “Now and Forever” was added beneath the title. And now, with the show’s continued popularity and so many productions popping up everywhere, that punch line seems especially appropriate.

Music Theater Works has staged CATS as the first production of their 2026 season. It’s playing in the venue’s more intimate, 300-seat North Theatre. With a congregation of kitties filling the stage, roaming up and down the aisles and perched on two small platforms within the audience, an almost immersive production of CATS has been created that’s up close and personal. The physical production is a textbook example of architect Mies van der Rohe’s mantra, “less is more.” While Broadway producer Cameron Mackintosh set his feline festival in a giant junkyard, overflowing with massive sets, props and scenic pieces, MTW scenic designer Milo Bue has kept his setting more minimalistic. The musical takes place in a sparsely furnished British flat, lighted by Adam Jezi-Sikorski. The setting is sparsely accessorized by an oversized telly, some books that serve as a staircase and a crystal chandelier hanging from above. And it all works together beautifully.

Talented Chicago-based director and choreographer, Mandy Modic, has chosen a cast of thirty unbelievably talented triple-threats to fill the London apartment. Ms. Modic’s solid staging and impressive dance moves showcase the unique special skills of her capable cast. But, true to the old theatrical adage, “The show must go on,” an unfortunate accident during the dress rehearsal left one of the leading actors with an injured leg. Daniel Hurst (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES), a multitalented and likable young actor, had originally been playing Munkustrap, the engaging feline emcee of the show. But Nick Johnson (Chef Louis in THE LITTLE MERMAID), his understudy, suddenly had to step into the role opening night. Mr. Johnson, a charismatic and gifted 

actor/singer/dancer, is now portraying Munkustrap with a festive flair, in addition to playing the role in which he was cast: the energetic, gravity defying and magical, Mister Mistoffelees. Mr. Johnson is simply sensational in both roles!

Every cat in this kitty litter is beautifully portrayed by a brilliant member of this accomplished ensemble of Chicagoland singers and dancers. In the role of Old Deuteronomy, Sam Nachison, last seen here as Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, possesses the maturity and stature as a properly paternal role model to all the younger cats. Lovely Ava Lane Stovall, recently lauded for her  gorgeous portrayal of Lucy in Kokandy Productions’ JEKYLL & HYDE, is absolutely exquisite as Grizabella, the lonely and dejected former glamorous cat, now shunned by the younger felines. Ms. Stovall’s rendition of “Memories” is simply magnificent.

Attempting to list my favorite supporting performers in this excellent production would be like trying to choose a favorite child. It’s impossible because each and every performer is positively peerless. Ethan Lupp’s rock-n-roll idol, Rum Tum Tugger, is funny and lovably flirtatious. As both Plato and Macavity, Sterling Ford is terrific. He’s serenaded by  sultry Catherine Rodriguez and Emma Jean Eastlund, as Demeter and Bombalurina. They breathe animal magnetism into their hot rendition of “Macavity: The Mystery Cat.” Danny Spagnuolo’s roller skating “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” is creatively staged and delightfully sung by entire ensemble. 

John Cardone plays both elderly cats, Bustopher Jones and the especially touching Asparagus the Theater Cat. They have seldom been sung or portayed any better. He’s joined by his younger companion, Jellylorum, played by the melodious Molly Bremer. Rumpleteazer and Mungojerri, as played by the magnetic Madison Jeffe-Richter and Alex Villasenor, have great voices and are incredibly flexible and full of fun. Morgan Schoenecker’s sweet, sleepy “Old Gumbie Cat” loses a few hairballs to become the tiptop tap dancing Jennyanydots. Petite Mikala Curless is poetry in motion as the baby ballerina kitty, Victoria. 

Other standouts in this cast  (who are also understudies for larger roles) include Irene Lo as Sillabub, Tola Abitogun as Tumblebrutus, J’Nae Howard as Electra, Clara Jarvis as Tantomile, Albert Johnston as Coricopat, Mia Hilt as Cassandra, Emily Ann Brooks as Carbuckety, Alex Iacobucci as Pouncival, Whiteney Turner as Exotica and the amazing Raymond Cam Tuong as Alonzo. Kristin Brintnall, Rachael Dec, Andrew Ohn Baker, Jake Elkins and Jaxson Smith are members of the Off Stage Chorus, who add color to the show’s vocal demands. 

In addition to Mandy Modic’s wonderfully inspired staging and choreography, the superb vocal performances are under Linda Madonia’s majestic musical direction. She also conducts and plays keyboard for the superb backstage orchestra. All the circus arts choreography comes courtesy of Danielle H. Gennaoui and media designer Anthony Churchill makes the telly come alive. The array of gorgeous cat costumes were designed by kclare McKellaston, with hair, wigs and makeup designed by Melanie Saso. Everything and everyone work perfectly together in this sensational and purr-fect production of CATS. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 5-29 by Music Theater Works at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available at the theater box office, by calling 847-673-6300 or by going to www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.