There are many reasons why people avoid doing this show at this level; it is a hugely technical production with a difficult and intricate musical score. Not to mention the challenges created by staging, lighting, costume, hair and make-up…
Above all else, the production requires a deeper understanding of characters and the themes the show attempts to address. The actors must understand how to relate scenes and moments to their own lives in order to give the piece integrity and meaning. When Old Deuteronomy sings about “Whether you like salmon paste or caviar” he is merely making the point that no matter who you are, or where you come from, we should all be treated with respect. Understanding these hidden metaphors is vital to the success of the piece, and therefore the show’s quality is not a coincidence, but more a reflection of the professionalism of this exceptional young cast.
Some students would have been forgiven for running a mile at the thought of wearing a leotard or pretending to be a cat. The large dance content could have been a deterrent for many, and yet nearly every student has made it from audition to stage. The show is meant to represent life not just in the feline world, but in today’s society. I wasn’t looking for 30 highly polished performers; I wanted the diversity. The big ones, the little ones, the fast ones, the slow ones; I wanted those that could dance as much as I wanted those that couldn’t. I wanted the loud ones, the quiet ones and everything in between. I simply wanted the ensemble cast to be themselves in the feline world; and to their credit they have done just that. I wanted a show that would ask big questions of all of us; one that would scoop us up and place us all firmly out of our comfort zone.
I wanted a show that showcased drama, singing and dance in equal measure, in the hope that new faces would emerge. I wanted a show that would present opportunity to the younger students as well as the older ones and I wanted a show that created a greater level of creativity and freedom for the performers; in the hope that it could and would evolve as the week goes on. The early scepticism from the cast has completely evaporated, and I think they have all fallen in love with their feline selves.
I fear that my friend who said to me: “Oh I don’t get cats, it’s just a load of cats prancing around” hadn’t actually listened to a word of the show. So my challenge to you is to listen to the words, and enjoy relating the characters in the story, to people in your own life, and if you still don’t understand it, then sit back and take pride in the fact that someone you know helped to create this exceptional production.