By Virginia Dean, Standard Correspondent
A combination of electrifying dance and the spectacular music of Andrew Lloyd Weber is in store for those who will be attending Pentangle’s upcoming production of “Cats.”
“This is a chance to experience this piece with full, original orchestrations and original choreography outside of New York City,” said Musical Director Josh D. Smith. “‘Cats’ returns to Broadway this summer. This really is an amazing opportunity for all audiences!”
Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” about feline behavior, the performance is set in a garbage dump which, after dark, becomes alive with cats of all types, shapes and sizes. They’ve gathered for a ball at which the respected senior leader, Old Deuteronomy, chooses the most deserving cat to replace him. The feline personalities are revealed in the same way as Eliot portrayed them in his book of poems.
“Audiences can look forward to a magical experience for the entire family,” said Costume Designer Tracey Sullivan. “With the talents of our local performers, technicians, musicians, and guest artists, this show will not disappoint.”
“Cats” is known to be one of the longest running shows on Broadway. Local Director and Choreographer Susan Lamontagne was part of that production as well as its national and international tours and recently related her deep attachment to the show that dates back to even before she performed in it.
“It truly started when, as a young girl in the audience at an outdoor training production, thunder crashed and every CAT onstage reacted to it,” said Lamontagne. “I got chills which only increased as I watched them leap and whirl. From that point on, I was hooked.”
In the German production in the 1980s, Lamontagne was directed by David Taylor who relegated the cast to walk on all fours for the first few days to explore what it felt like to be feline.
“We played with yarn, explored the two-story set and, more importantly, explored ourselves and the other cats,” said Lamontagne. “From there, we were directed to know what it took to stand on two legs as felines.”
The extra training Lamontagne received has given her insight to the show, particularly in the process of becoming feline.
“It was my goal to pass this on to the actors,” said Lamontagne. “‘Cats’ is a show that is so much more complex than it appears. Not only are the score and choreography difficult, but it challenges the actors to be more than just a complex human character. They need to be feline and make the audience really believe that they are in the junkyard with these amazing smallish Jellicle cats on the very important evening of the Jellicle Ball where they share fun stories leading up to the eventual choice of which cat will be rewarded with a new Jellicle life.”
As characters Jellylorum, a female who watches out for the kittens, and Griddlebone, a fluffy white Persian female cat, actress Laura Corcoran is excited to be in the production along with her daughter, Iva Wich, who plays Demeter, a very skittish female cat.
“We will both be singing in an Andrew Sisters type trio together,” said Corcoran. “My daughter’s cat is known for singing and dancing and is the same role as our current director played on Broadway and on international tour, so she is learning from the best.”
From the actors portraying “Cats” in the cast, to the production team, to the musicians, more than 40 individuals from the Upper Valley are part of the show which is in co-production with the local ArtisTree Community Arts Center.
The set is designed by Carl Tallent and built by Upper Valley residents, Clayton Teal and Chris Lamontange. Lighting is headed up by Janine Thoma. Costumes are created by Upper Valley residents Tracey Sullivan, Julia Watson, Anna Winter, and Jeannette Veverka.
“I’m amazed at the talent in this show,” said Corcoran. “Each cat, choreographer, costumer, musical director, stage manager and singer/dancer in our production is accomplished and talented in their own right. I’m honored to be working with all of them.”
Broadway veteran Ken Prymus rehearses his role as Old Deuteronomy in Pentangle and ArtisTree’s production of “Cats.”
(Rick Russell Photo)
“I believe the audience will be surprised with the professionalism of the show,” said Kathleen Eichler who plays Jennyanydots, the old Gumbie cat who sits all day overseeing the mice and cockroaches at night. “The cast works exponentially well together, and the dedication that everyone exudes is outstanding. The audience will be in awe to see this Broadway quality show tucked away in the mountains of Vermont.”
There are eight performances, beginning with the opening night on Friday, April 29. Tickets can be purchased online at pentanglearts.org or by calling 457-3981. The Prince and The Pauper Restaurant is also offering a “Mother’s Day Brunch and Show Combo” on Sunday, May 8. For more information or to make a reservation, call The Prince and The Pauper at 457-1818.
This article first appeared in the April 28, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.