Director Allisan Whitman also choreographed the show, and her vision and creativity was clearly embraced by the large and talented cast. You feel electricity, liveliness, and humor from the opening number as the dozens of cats, and little kittens, take over the stage. And they never let up.

It’s a huge ensemble piece, and they all contribute throughout. A few standout scenes include:

* Munkustrap, with great vocals and confident air by Tim Cabal, leading the others with the introduction of a very fun Jennyanydots (Sydney Skidmore), later leading the cast of cats and kittens in a terrific reenactment of The Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles.

* Trevor Sanderson as the cocky Tom cat Rum Tum Tugger hamming it up with style and comical sensuality featuring lots of hip action, blowing some kisses, and a “How you doin’?” to eager female kitty Bombalurina. And Bombalurina doesn’t take it too well when he blows her off. Triple threat Anzy McWha’s Bombalurina adds tons to Tugger and several other scenes with fantastic personality and humor.

* Cody Thompson is a gentlemanly roly-poly Bustopher Jones serenaded by Analicia Hawkins, Sydney Skidmore, and Anzy McWha.

* Noelle Murphy and Jalie Fransway use acrobatics and infectious facial expressions in their entertainingly choreographed Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer.

* Kalin Blackshear evokes respect and love as Old Deuteronomy, and he gets it from the ensemble that clearly adores their beloved leader, their reverence filled with a great mixture of awe and warmth.

* Quinton Walker gives a poignant performance as Gus with realistic trembling as the palsy afflicts his body while his mind and soul reminisces of his happy days of yesteryear, introduced with tender and beautiful vocals by Analicia Hawkins.

* Blaise Wopperer stars as Skimbleshanks the railway cat in a high energy number with excellent train-inspired choreography as the cast helps get the train rolling with corrugated steel, umbrellas, a couple garden rakes, and flashlights.

* Lauren Grant and Anzy McWha are dynamite as they introduce the villainous Macavity (Zach Wikler) who gleefully threatens to ruin the ball.

* Traci McKnight delights as the Magical Mr. Mistoffelees whose repertoire of tricks includes pulling out colorful streamers from an empty box (which the other cats want to play with).

* And Gabriella Barbato gives a gorgeous and emotional performance of the show’s most famous number, Memory, including some vocals by Cianna Garrison, giving the show additional heart.

Performed March 20 - April 5, 2009.

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre