Edited by Randi Bjornstad
It seems as if CATS (the musical) has had many, many more than nine lives. After all, it opened 43 years ago and has been performed all over the world, and now it will be on stage at Actors Cabaret of Eugene (aka ACE) for 12 performances between Nov. 22 and Dec. 21, 2024.
The “megamusical” is hard for many small theaters to put on, but ACE actually did it once before, 14 years ago, and it was a sold-out success.
This time around, it again will be directed by Joe Zingo, who also will design costumes, sets, and lighting. The production will come together with the help of more than 30 volunteer performers and stage crew members.
Here’s what Zingo has to say about redoing CATS:
“I am so excited to have a chance to direct CATS, again. The biggest detail of all, was how to successfully present what was considered a “dance” show on our intimate Cabaret stage. Our Actors Cabaret production of CATS will focus on the poetry of T.S. Eliot and the lyrics of Andrew Lloyd Webber, rather than extra-textual production elements. It will also focus on the character relationships and the story line of the show, with the dance serving as a means to express the characters relationships, rather than being an end in itself.
“When I saw CATS in New York many years ago, I was bowled over by the exciting production, but I really had no idea of the story line and barely understood the lyrics because of the extravagant nature of the Broadway version. I truly believe if you love the Musical CATS, you are going to love CATS at Actors Cabaret. All of the elements you expect in CATS are there, but with a shift in focus. Our costumes, make-up, stage setting, and lighting create the mood and atmosphere needed for CATS, and our intimate Cabaret stage will bring you into the world of Jellicle Cats as you have never seen it before, up close and personal, allowing you to join the emotional journey of those trying to reach the ‘heavyside layer’ to be reborn.”
The cast
The performers, alphabetically, include Ashley Alwin, Anya Anderson, Brent Anderson, Cassandra Anderson, Paul Anderson, Shaenah Batterson, Kevin Boling, Ruby Boland, Timothy “Moth” Bouwhuis, Zane Bresko, Noah Brooks, Gene Chin, Hudson Dixon, Debi Farr, Albany Fletcher, Safiyah “Soso” Hagerwaite, Magnus Haven, Julian “Lio” Janovich, Payton Jefferis, Brenna Leech, Skye Lipson, Annabelle Marquez, Sierra Matz, Chris McVein, Cody Mendonca, Mira Ramos, Olivia Ramos, Hannah Rudkin, Sam Schillinger, and Michelle Sellers.
Performance and meal schedules
Evening shows start at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22-23, 29-30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21; matinees start at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 15. Meals are available starting at 6 p.m. for dinner shows and 12:30 p.m. for brunch shows
CATS in a nutshell
When: Nov. 22 through Dec. 21, 2024
Where: 996 Willamette St., Eugene
Tickets without meals: Available by telephone at 541-683-4368 or online at actorscabaret.org/tickets
- Reserved prime seat (table seating, no dinner or brunch): $59
- Reserved seat: $29
- Seat with restricted view: $21
Tickets with meals: Available by telephone at 541-683-4368 or online at actorscabaret.org/tickets
- Show and Lasagna dinner: $59
- Show and dinner of Stuffed Pasta Shells and Sausage or Vegetarian Pasta Shells with Red or White Sauce: $59
- Show and Bar-B-Que Boneless Pork Ribs: $64
- Show and Mac and Cheese dinner (kids 12 years and younger): $53
- Show and Lasagna brunch: $59
- Show and brunch of Stuffed Pasta Shells and Sausage or Vegetarian Pasta Shells with Red or White Sauce: $59
- Show and brunch of Quiche Lorraine: $57
- Show and brunch of Eggs Benedict: $57
- Show and brunch of Mac and Cheese (kids 12 years and younger): $53
