By snoadmin
In a lonely, oversized junkyard, different cats gather for their annual Jellicle Ball. As it opened last weekend, the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, “CATS,” has kicked off the season for Musical Theater West at the Carpenter Center.
Grizabella (Kelli Provart), the Glamour Cat, is one of the few great things that comes from the first act. Her rendition of “Memory” evokes genuine sadness. Once a glamour cat, now she struggles to get the attention of the Jellicle cats, and Provart does a fine job portraying an outcast. Her powerful voice has the ability to shift tones even when she’s singing the same tune. When she is rejected by the tribe and performs “Moonlight” for the first time, she clearly has a broken heart. However, by her last performance of the timeless song, Provart’s tone changes to an uplifting and hopeful one.
Gus (Eddie Korbich), the Theater Cat, brings many laughs to the audience when he tries to re-tell the story of days gone by. Korbich shows off his charisma and the theater is filled with laughter as he reminisces his days of being Growltiger. Growltiger’s love Griddlebone (Laura Griffith), a voluptuous, fluffy white cat, later comes and joins Growltiger. Both Korbich and Griffith sing an Aria duet. Griffith sings her part of the duet like a professional Opera singer, and like Korbich brings in many laughs from the audience with his flirtatious moves.
Mystery is provided with Macavity (Chris Holly), the Mystery Cat. Holly laughs and moves like a villain, but it’s the lovely Demeter (Jenn Aedo) who deserves the credit for this number. Aedo moves sensually and delicately; not only does she do a great job during this number, but throughout the whole musical. Demeter, one of the main characters, has a lot of complicated choreography, but Aedo pulls through to the very end and always keeps her performance exciting and fresh.
Magical Mister Mistoffelees (Joseph Corella) is the highlight of the night. From his magical tricks where he goes around pulling a colorful hankie out of a bucket to his dance solo, Corella moves gracefully through his 24 fouettés en tournament.
“CATS” runs at the Carpenter Center until Feb. 27 with varying show times. Tickets start at $30.
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