The cast of “Cats” at Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck, RI. Photo by Steven Richard Photography.
By Kim Kalunian, WPRO Arts and Entertainment
“Cats” at the Theatre by the Sea is must-see theater.
A fast-paced spectacle of phenomenal dancing, beautiful music, dazzling costumes, lights and sounds, “Cats” doesn’t feel like typical summer stock theater.
The talent is top notch. The entire cast has clearly poured their blood and sweat into learning and rehearsing their choreography, and the result was well worth what was undoubtedly hard work.
Director and choreographer Richard Stafford is no stranger to this Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, and his eye for refinement and perfection showed in the finished product.
Owner and Producer Bill Hanney is now overseeing a new artistic team at Theatre by the Sea, and you might notice some changes. The stage seems more open, the quality of the lights and sets has been kicked up a notch, and the sound design by Leon Rothenberg is Broadway quality. The new tweaks make for an experience you would expect to get in New York, not Matunuck.
Add some phenomenal talent to that mix, and you’ve got a show that can’t be missed.
The premise of “Cats” is fairly simple: a bunch of junkyard felines gather to take part in the annual Jellicle Ball. It’s not so much about the plot here, but about the memorable songs and stunning dance routines.
Ian Parmenter, who plays Munkstrap, serves as a type of narrator, and his clear baritenor voice is such a delight to listen to. Lucy Horton, who plays Jellylorum, also has a chance to show off her sparkling soprano voice, as well as her comedic chops in Act 2. Peter Adams, who plays Old Deuteronomy, and Katy Blake, who belts out the iconic “Memory” as Grizabella, possess the most powerful and impressive voices in the show.
Jordan Dunlap was beautiful as Victoria, the white cat. Blayne Gregg-Miller belted out a fantastic rendition of “Macavity,” and Felipe Barbosa Bombonato was terrific as Asparagus, the old theater cat. Sharrod Y. Williams and Hillary Porter were an adorable tumbling duo as Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, and Craig Donnelly executed seemingly-impossible amounts of fouette turns as Mr. Mistoffellees.
The band, under the musical direction of Milton Granger, provided the great soundtrack to the show.
Don’t miss “Cats” at Theatre by the Sea, now through July 13. More info here.
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Kim Kalunian
