A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
Having seen Cats, the musical, in London some years ago I was slightly dubious about this Beyond Broadway Experience version in my local theatre using youngsters as the cast.
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Worry not, this is an amazing production with a cast of about 150 who are all very unique Jellicle cats in their own right. As befits the T.S. Eliot poems, they all have different characters and the lead characters from each poem get a chance to have their moment in the spotlight and show off their unique catty character and talents.
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I did comment to my friend that my cat is not as gymnastic as the singing cats, but luckily as they were on stage they also did not lick themselves as much as he does! Some of them have perhaps spent more time with feline friends, having the head movements and turn of paw a bit more authentic. One of the cats featured in the second half definitely took the zoomies like my Cosmo does!
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My favourite song has always been Memory and the young ladies who sang it did not disappoint, with amazing vocals. Grizabella was just stunning and the younger cat who joins her in the song was incredibly good for your young age. They made a very touching duet.
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The standing ovation at the end was well deserved, the cast and crew do an amazing job. To maximise space for the cats the orchestra actually play under the stage, and there was a nice touch at the end where they were shown on a screen so we could all give them the applause they deserve.
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It was interesting to read into what the Beyond Broadway Experience involves, as this was their first time in Aberdeen. Rehearsals were held back in April at Robert Gordon College and then the chosen 8-25 year old youngsters spent two weeks of their summer holidays rehearsing for the performances. They work with theatre professionals to get a taste of what being a Broadway performer is. I did get the feeling a lot of the audience around us knew someone on the stage. A brilliant opportunity and came together in a very professional performance that each participant should be very proud of.
Further information: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/beyond-broadway-experience-cats/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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