Adas got to see the cast rehearse about a week before the tour opened. Here is her report...
For the A/C shows..
Bustopher, Growl and Pekes are Cut. Later Bustopher and Growl will be re- added.
I saw the run through on SAT. The cast is amazing. I think that Grant is the best Munkustrap that Ive seen and Mungo/Rumple are too adorable. Be prepared to see it a little differently. The cast is much younger and they play the charecters in a very youthful manner. For example, Skimble (John) is not so much a wise uncle as a hyper neat freak on speed. :) It was nice seeing a new version.
Alonzo/Mac fight scene is very toned down. There is no spinning or throwing...yadda yadda.... Keith and Lenny had that down to an art, so im not sure we will ever see anything like that again. Alonzo (Ronny) is 6'7 and Mac is 6'4 and about 260. I dont think that Ronny could lift him even if it was added.
David is a great kitten. Huge eyes anyway and can actually wiggle his scalp so the wig looks as if the "ears" are moving. They were all just getting the steps down and hadn't realy gotten to the little perks that make the show so cute. Not to say that there are not great actors....both Griz and Gus cryed while performing their numbers.
There are some really really great dancers in this group and some wonderful actors. Its hard to compare it to what was before as it is played differently. I think the comparisions are then in the method of acting rather than the quality, which is great.