It really is an amazing experience to be able to catch Broadway shows right here in Nashville at our very own TPAC (Tennessee Performing Arts Center). Broadway on Tour gives us all a chance to witness the magic of spectacular theater shows without having to go to New York City. The lights, the costumes, the set, the beautiful songs, and the fabulous choreography are just an experience that is like no other. Even the movies don’t capture the electricity of real people in real time performing art right in front of you. Broadway at TPAC is a real treat. I was pleased to receive a media invite to the opening night of ‘CATS’ at TPAC Jackson Hall and I am pleased to share my review with you here.
Let The Memories Live Again With CATS Broadway At TN Performing Arts Center
You are probably all familiar with ‘CATS’, after all, it is the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages! While I had, of course, heard of ‘CATS’, I hadn’t actually seen it until yesterday. I know this may be shocking to some of you. The reason is that I had always heard amazing things about ‘CATS’ and I wanted to see it for the first time the way it was really meant to be enjoyed- in a Broadway show. I am so glad I waited for a Broadway tour because the performance last night of ‘CATS’ at Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville was worth waiting for.
CATS Musical Synopsis
Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—“Memory.” Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, ‘CATS’ tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock – The Musical, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom of the Opera) and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new ‘CATS’ for a new generation!
CATS Broadway Musical Experience
Broadway At TPAC offered us a fun night to remember. As it so happened when my 14 year old daughter and I took our seats, we discovered that some our friends were there to see the show too and actually had the seats right next to us. They had seen the CAT Broadway musical before but were excited to see some of the new elements and just to see an old favorite. We had not seen the show before but definitely had high expectations. We chatted after the show and we all loved the everything about it. So whether you are seeing it again or for the first time, you will be blown away. However, CATS Broadway musical is recommended for ages 5 and up.
The Cats Musical Costumes were amazing! They were so varied and so unique. They really created personality all by themselves and we spent the intermission talking about our favorite cats and matching up the CAT names to the actor names and faces. We discussed which cats were our favorites and why and which cats we most identified with.
CATS Musical Characters
There were many scenes that really stood out to us but I will just give you a short version so as not to give too much away. I absolutely loved the Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer musical number. These two trouble makers were so cute and funny and the choreography was absolutely breath-taking. I wanted sit up and yell for a redo right when it was done it was so good! The introduction to Rum Tum Tugger was unforgettable. He really is attention grabbing as he swanks around the stage!
Then there was there were the parts when Grizabella came out to sing and wow was she good. Her voice was like honey, sweet and thick, and you just wanted more. Her performance of “Memory” made the crowd go wild and I just loved the lyrics.
“I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again…
Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn”t give in.”
Just beautiful.
CATS Broadway Musical Tour Dates
You can be transported to the magical feline world with the Broadway at TPAC showing of ‘CATS’ in Nashville, November 19-24, 2019. Get your tickets at tpac.org .
You can find national tour dates here.
Video On CATS Choreography:
Hamilton’s Andy Blankenbuehler discusses recreating the choreography in ‘CATS.’
Have you been to see a performance of Broadway at TPAC? Have you seen CATS before?
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