CATS the musical is a different animal altogether. Based on the book of poems “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot, the entire musical is about…cats.
Cats, in all their rambunctiousness, wiles and whims, and cheeky grins. (Coricopat and Tantomile, brother and sister cats)
Cats, in all their stage-spinning flamboyance. (This is Rum Tum Tugger, the bad boy cat, who specialises in erm, crotch-grabbing and gyrating hips.)
Seen by over 70 million people world-wide, CATS is a song and dance spectacular not to be missed. The musical revolves around a tribe of Jellicle Cats as they gather together for the annual Jellicle Ball. One by one, they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, the old chief cat who has buried at least 9 wives. At the end of the show, Old Deuteronomy will choose one of the Cats to be reborn into a new life.
The show features a magnificent musical score composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, including the timeless hit song Memory, sung by Grizabella the Glamour Cat, or should I say ex-Glamour Cat. The other cats reject her as she has crooked eyes, a torn coat, and walks with a limp. Her rendition of Memory moved me to tears.
When she was chosen by Old Deuteronomy to be reborn, I was not surprised. She used to be proud and perhaps rightfully so, but in her fallen state, she was just calling out for a second chance. In a later scene, one of the cats reach out to touch her hand, in a beautiful gesture of acceptance.
To tell you the truth, this was my first experience of CATS, and I went in with little knowledge of what to expect. So for those of you who are also CATS-virgins, do check out some of the songs, or read the book, prior to watching the musical.
Okay, if you’re a little lazy like me, just go with an open mind and be prepared to let your senses be tickled and thrilled. (Oh yes, be forewarned, if you sit in the front rows, you will most literally be tickled by cat fur as the performers go around purring and rubbing their ears against your legs.)
The lyrics of the finale song, The Ad-dressing of Cats, will give you a feel of what to expect…of CATS.
You’ve learned enough to take the view
That cats are very much like you
You’ve seen us both at work and games
And learnt about our proper names
Our habits and our habitat
But how would you ad-dress a cat
So first, your memory I’ll jog.
And say: a cat is not a dog.
So first, your memory I’ll jog.
And say: a cat is not a dog.
With cats, some say one rule is true:
Don’t speak ’til you are spoken to.
Myself, I do not hold with that.
I say you should ad-dress a cat,
But always bear in mind that he resents familiarity.
You bow, and taking off your hat, ad-dress him in this form, “O’ Cat!”
Before a cat will condescend
To treat you as a trusted friend,
A little token of esteem is needed like a dish of cream.
And you might now and then supply
Some Caviar or Strauss burg pie
Some potted grouse or salmon paste
He’s sure to have his personal taste
And so in time you reach your aim
And call him by his name.
SHOW INFORMATION:
Season: 9 January - 1 February 2015
Performance times:
Tuesday – Friday: 8:00pm
Saturday: 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm and 6.00pm
Ticket price:
From $65 through to $195
Bookings can be made via Sistic, Marina Bay Sands, and Base Entertainment Asia.
*I was sponsored a pair of tickets for the purpose of this review. All opinions are mine. Photos provided by Base Entertainment Asia.
More reviews over at Life’s Tiny Miracles and A Pancake Princess.
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