From Dianne:
Oct. 23, 2001
I just got back for Lima and I had the most wonderful time seeing CATS. First I met Whimsey for the very first time and she is really a sweetie. Then when we went inside the theater we met Momma Cat. I really enjoyed her we shared "Mom" stories and had the funnest time talking.
Well about the play. All I can say is it was AWESOME. My little girl was thrilled and didn't move or talk the whole performance, which is saying a lot for a seven year old. She got a very brief visit from a cat who was approaching the stage with his blinking glasses in the very beginning of the performance. It was very dark and he kind of snuck up to her and put is face in front of her face. She got a kick out of that.
As for the actors. I'm not going to mention them by their personal names because a few had stand ins and I don't want to mistakenly say something about the wrong person.
Alonzo was awesome. He did a great job during the Macavity fight scene. I really enjoyed watching him.
Gus was wonderful. I enjoyed the Growl Tiger so much. This is the first time I ever saw that live. all I have is the video. He had a wonderful voice and was very comedic in the part.
Bomba, what a beautiful voice!!!! So powerful, this gal can belt out a song! I also enjoyed the part at the very end of the performance after everyone takes their bows she pushes Tugger down and then walks accross his body, as he's lying on the floor...You go girl!!!!
Grizabella was wonderful. She gave me chills when she sang Memory. She truely was great.
Macavity was great, and was he a huge guy!!! Do they pad his costume or is he really that built??? Let me make this clear, he wasn't fat but seemed so much larger then any of the other men.
Misto...OH MY GOSH!!!! Was he awesome!!!! He did the spin that was absolutely amazing. I have know idea how many times he spun around. If I had done that. Not even suggesting I could I would have ended up face first in the orchestra pit. I got some well earned applause after that move.
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteeser really was subperb in their part. They really did their part with a lot of enthusiasm and the double cartwheel at the end was unreal. "Standing O"!!!
Munku, well I have a special piece of my heart for Munku and this actor had such a wonderful voice and played him so well and with so much dignity. I believe he gave Munkustrap such dimension.
Tugger, the only word that comes to mind, is the word sexy and this actor oozed sex appeal. His duet with Munku was beautiful, infact that is my favorite number in the play. Well done. The only beef I have with him is he didn't ask me to dance with him!!!..LOL
Sillabub again an awesome voice. I got chills when she sang her duet with Griz.
Demeter was wonderful in her part. I really enjoyed the Macavity song and you could really tell she gave it her all while singing and dancing the part, she was a joy to watch!!! Also a big thank you for signing the playbill for my little girl. You are her favorite cat.
Victoria really danced her part well. How does that girl move like that???!!!
Old D, what a powerful voice!!!! I loved to hear him sing. He was great!
Jennyanydots was great. I really enjoyed her performance.
Jellylorum was awesome and really made a great cat. I loved her reaction to Griz. She was really into her character.
Pounce. What can I say about Pouncival. Really great just like I knew he would be. I laughed during the part of Bustopher Jones when him and Tumblebrutus couldn't keep their hands to themselves and had to keep getting corrected by the other cats. Oh and Thanks Dave for giving us a little time after the show, and giving my little girl a memory she will treasure a life time. Good luck with a long successful career.
Skimbleshanks was wonderful.
All around the play was wonderful, I had an amazing experience, and anyone who reads this, you just have to find a way to see this play it is well worth it.
Hugs,
Dianne