From Keith Wilson (Final Broadway Plato/Macavity/Rumpus Cat):
Hey, all~
I just got back from seeing the tour in Sarasota and I'm pleased to say that the theater was packed and all 5 shows for the week-end are sold out. That's a good thing for the show and the future of it.
So, what was it like sitting and watching a show that means so much to me in many ways. First off, it was pretty wierd seeing so many unfamiliar faces on stage. I can only picture certain people as certain characters, but after a while, it was fine. I will say that Bomb looked and sounded a lot like Amy Hamel, the swing Victoria looked a lot like Missy Lay Zimmer and Sillabub looked and sounded a lot like Jessica Dillon, all from the final Broadway company for those of you who aren't familiar with those names. Everyone on stage did a great job and gave it their all which was nice to see, it being a matinee and all. One thing that did kind of bother me was the music, or rather the lack of intensity of it. There isn't much of an orchestra backstage, so the sound isn't as full as it was when we did it on Broadway. It just wasn't as intense sounding and it really didn't get you going during the high point of the Jellicle Ball, or during the Macavity fight, or at the end of the show when Grizabella is headed off to the Heavy Side layer. Great set, costumes, lighting and such. Just kind of dissapointed with the intensity level of the sound.
But, the show looked good and it was good to see my friend David Blonn as Pouncival. He did a wonderful job and I was so proud of him.
With all that said, do I miss being back up on stage and doing Cats? Kind of but not really. I enjoy being able to walk without pain in the mornings when I get out of bed. :-)
Keith