The story so far.........

CATS is a musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" and other poems by T.S. Eliot. When the Jellicle tribe meet up for the Jellicle Ball, their old and revered leader, Old Deuteronomy, must choose one of the tribe who will be reborn into a better life. The tribe then introduces and tells the story for each of the eligible feline characters.

Successful auditions held on the 8th and 9th of December saw almost 150 people try out for a place in this production. The audition panel (Lachie McLean - Director, Kate Aukett - Choreographer, Ray Palmer - Musical Director and Joan Kennaway - Vocal Coach) was thrilled by the high quality of the talent before them over the weekend, making the task of narrowing the cast down to 70 a difficult one. With the roles now filled, rehearsals are scheduled to begin in early February, after what we hope will be an enjoyable summer break for those who have been involved in each of our shows for 2007.

The seventy strong Northland cast consists of approximately 35 on-stage cats and a further 25 'booth singers', providing vocal back-up for those on stage.

On 23rd January, three 20 foot containers containing the circus-themed set, costumes and props, were delivered to the theatre. The package was sent from Napier, having previously  been used by the Napier Operatic Society in 2007. 

Left - The Second container is hoisted into place.
Right - CATS, COMING SOON!! The 3rd and final container arrives.

Without giving away too much, the set and costumes are designed with a deserted circus fairground in mind. The set has flying elements, and many moving parts. Owned by a consortium of Musical Theatre societies in New Zealand, we have been fortunate to to be able to hire this spectacular set and accompanying costumes and props.

Lachie McLean has been directing musicals for over 30 years - mostly for Otamatea Repertory Society.  His association with WTC goes back to the 1980s, with Hello Dolly and Annie, and again more recently with Jekyll and Hyde in 2005.  In addition to being a busy dairy farmer in Waipu, Lachie plays piano for Opera North and is on the Board of the Waipu Heritage Centre.  In his spare time he enjoys gardening and travel, the latter allowing him to see many Broadway shows.

The familiar starting count of 5,6,7,8 from choreographer Kate Aukett (left) has been signalling the beginning of another sequence for the dancers at rehearsals.  Dance and movement are an integral component of this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, and the cast have been working hard on the routines she has devised.  Originally from England, Kate is no stranger to the world of musical theatre.  Her father John Lawrenson was a well-known baritone and her mother Jenny trained at the Royal Ballet School before working professionally in theatre, cabaret and television.  Kate also worked professionally in London and the United States before moving into choreography and teaching.

Helping with the finer details of choreography and dance technique for CATS, Jan Batistich (left) has been  teaching Tane Davis and Aimee Cross some of the ballet techniques they will be using in the show.  Jan was a dancer with the New Zealand Ballet Company and the Australian ballet, as well as spending 6 years with the Hamburg Ballet Company in Germany.  He now tutors dance for Tess Graham at the Northland School of Ballet. 

The large task of sorting out the costumes has been started by Alison Sargent and Ajay Fryer, assisted by Di Brodie from the Cats Consortium.  Over 3 days they had all the costumes unpacked, and fitted to the cast.  Their next job is to make all the minor alterations required, and ensure that the costumes are in perfect order for the show itself.  

Here you see Vincent Nathan being costumed as Rum Tum Tugger by Di Brodie (left) and Norma Lonsdale.

Rehearsals are continuing, with most of the dance choreography complete.   

Tutoring in the art of sword play has been provided by Attila Borzsony, a qualified fencing coach with the Whangarei Swords Club - seen above right with Kawiti Waetford.

The first weekend of May saw a major article about CATS in Scene Magazine.  You can review it via the following links - p11, p12, p13 and p14 - courtesy of its editor Steve Challis.

The containers have moved to Forum North, and on Saturday 3rd May work began on the task of erecting the lights and set for the show.  The stage in the Capitaine Bougainville theatre is a hive of activity as everything is carefully placed and assembled.  The Mechanist from the CATS consortium was present for the first three days to ensure the critical pieces of the set were in full working order.  The second week of May will see the cast enjoying the opportunity to finalise their show on the completed set.

One week to go, and the set is built and the technical rehearsals have been taking place all weekend.  Ensuring the lights (with over 300 cues) are correct is a mammoth undertaking, headed by Jason Riggir.  Teamed with him to look after the sound, James Franklin is also working flat out.  Ensuring all the orchestra can hear things in balance over their headphones, checking the Booth Singers can hear it all together, to say nothing of getting the final sound to the audience is requiring hours of concentration and adjustment.  

Mike Easterbrook is also heavily involved now, getting all the stage tricks to work at just the right time for Mr Mistoffelees.

Robert Pollock has also been giving the Cats last minute advice on how to interact with humans, so be prepared to be kind to them.

Opening on 24th May, to rave reviews for excellent performances, the show has sold out!  An extra performance has been arranged for Tuesday 10th June, to cater for the demand.  

Many of the audience have not believed that there is a full orchestra and chorus (The Booth Singers) supporting the production because, due to the size of the stage, they are not visible.  Ensconced in the workshop at the back of the main stage, linked with a complex sound and visual system, they have been playing and singing away during every performance under the keen eyes and ears of Ray Palmer.  He has been ably supported by Gayle Dowsett, handling four sets of headphones between them, to ensure the whole performance hangs together.

The choir sit to the right of the foreground, and can watch the show on the large screen.  A smaller monitor allows Ray and Gayle to watch the show to time the music to the action while directing the musicians. 

By arrangement with ORiGiN Theatrical, on behalf of The Really Useful Group Limited

WHANGAREI THEATRE COMPANY IS PROUD TO PRESENT...

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Eliot

CATS logo TM © 1981 The Really Useful Group Limited

24 May - 14 June 2008

Forum North, Whangarei      -      Directed by Lachie McLean

Major Sponsor -

Tickets are available through Ticketek on-line and at Forum North (09 430 4244).  

Show performance days and times are: