Cats - CM Performing Arts Center | 3.14.26

CM Performing Arts Center is currently producing the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats” from March 14th to March 29th. “Cats” opened on Broadway in 1982 and currently remains the 5th longest running musical in Broadway history. I actually remember seeing this years ago as a child with my family at the Winter Garden Theater and remembered absolutely nothing about it and I couldn’t be more pleased that this production was my re-introduction to the show. The story is essentially about a group of cats - that refer to themselves as the Jellicles - that introduce themselves to the audience, leading to a moment where father-figure Old Deuteronomy will select one of the cats to pass on to what they call the Heaviside Layer.

This production is absolutely breathtaking - I genuinely don’t know where to start! Walking into the theater, you are immediately pulled into the environment. The set is a rundown circus themed junkyard, complete with lights and circus signs that begin in the house of the theater and create an immersive experience. Love love love. Once you glance at the stage, you notice there’s so much to look at and it's wildly fun.

I usually don’t lead with the creative aspect but let’s get into it.

Once the cast hits the stage, you are entranced by the detail in the costumes - each one of them unique in their own way and absolutely amazing. The makeup? Who was in charge of that?! I couldn’t believe how good everyone looked! After everyone is gathered on stage, Victoria (played by Natalie Baquet) kicks things off with an incredible ballet solo. Just stunning. Her movements were gorgeous - I truly don’t know how else to describe it. Munkustrap serves as the show’s narrator-of-sorts and introduces Jennyanydots (played by Shea McMahon) who also serves as the set designer for this production.

Shea McMahon & Company.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

If anyone has paid attention to The Kyle Petty Show, you know that McMahon has taken issue with me for a previous review where she felt her performance was underappreciated. I went into this review wanting so badly to mention her even less - 

LOL

- but I simply cannot. Her number “The Old Gumbie Cat” is a rousing tap number that brings a blast of energy and life to the stage! Her tapping ability is on another level. When I learned that she had a tap number I knew I would be amazed and she did not disappoint. This coupled with the fact that she is also this production's set designer - simply incredible. What can’t she do? Her number is directly followed by “The Rum Tum Tugger” delivered by Ruben Fernandez. Very simply put, a standout. This was such a fun number to watch and it was the first song I listened to when I got in the car. Fernandez is a performer with incredible stage presence, and you can’t take your eyes off them.

We then meet Grizabella, played by Long Island Theater veteran Sydnee LaBuda. Grizabella is a bit of a sad sight - limping around with a busted foot and long, grayed, seemingly matted hair - and you just know she has been through it. The rest of the Jellicle cats seem put off by her arrival, which in turn makes you a bit more endeared towards her. She’s wearing pearl necklaces that suggest she still has some pride in whoever she used to be and we can clearly see she is a far cry from whoever she was. 

I’m going to go a bit out of order here but that’s okay.

I’m pleased to say that LaBuda’s vocals did not mirror her worn down appearance - she closes Act 1 with “Memory” which will go down as my favorite performance from her to date. Having been in two productions with her before I felt pretty confident that I knew everything she was capable of but I’m equally pleased to say that I was wrong. She knocked this out of the park! Her vocals absolutely soared over the beautiful music that accompanied her (subtle shout-out to Music Director Matthew Surico who we will discuss later) and thoroughly impressed me.

Sydnee LaBuda & Company.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

I also had a great time watching “Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer”, performed by Justin Frank and Julie Stewart. Their chemistry was undeniable and moved across the stage with unified precision and it was incredibly fun to watch. Act One also gives us our first look at Old Deuteronomy, played by CM veteran Ryan Nolin. Wow, wow, wow. This might be my favorite role for him thus far as well - and I have seen him in more roles than I can count! His costume was fantastic and he took on this father-figure role excellently. His vocals were amazing throughout the show but really shined during Act 2’s “The Moments of Happiness” which became another standout in the show and for Nolin.

It was a pleasure to see Barry Johnson back on stage in the role of Gus (comically short for Asparagus) the Theatre Cat! His number - appropriately named - "Gus: the Theatre Cat" tugs on your heart strings as his character laments over the struggle of getting older and not being able to perform as he used to – a fate that many of us theater people know we'll face, so it hits you a bit. Johnson's delivery of it felt powerfully heartfelt.

Lots of favorites here, I must say.

Thankfully, Skimbleshanks (played by the magnetic Dominic Trivigno) was there to bring the mood right back up! Trivigno's stage presence is incredible – long before his number I took note of his facial expressions and energy and it was well featured in "Skimbleshanks, the Railway Cat"! This number was too much fun. I smiled the whole way through!

Dominic Trivigno & Company

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

I can't wrap things up regarding the cast without properly mentioning Scott Wysocki, who played Munkustrap who we mentioned in the beginning. He was fantastic at guiding us through the show, sounding great and keeping the energy high. It is also worth mentioning Bustopher Jones, played by Brendan Noble. Collectively, he may have only spent about 6 minutes on stage, but his number "Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town" was good fun and created a nice moment in Act 1. Enough cannot be said however about the company as a whole. The choreography was complex and beautiful – it was amazing to see something so captivating right here on Long Island. Everyone moved together perfectly and it was enchanting to watch. Major kudos to Director/Choreographer Jojo Minasi for the creation of these dances, but for being able to teach it as well. He is massively talented and I already can't wait to see the next project he takes on! Music Director Matthew W. Surico is back too, providing the same level of quality we always expect from him. Exceptionally consistent. Once again, the orchestra sounded great and he ensured that the company vocals and harmonies blended perfectly.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to see “Cats” when I did, because I understand that this entire run is extremely close to sold out! If you are looking for a highly entertaining show with strong dance and vocal performances, this is a spectacle you don't want to miss. “Cats” is running until March 29th and tickets can be purchased by calling the box office, at the door (risky), or via their website at www.cmpac.com.

You can also catch my interview with Set Designer/Cast Member Shea McMahon on the video and Audio page of the website!

Full Company.

Photo Credit: Janette Pellegrini

Cast:

(in alphabetical order)

aSPARAGUS ‘gUS’ THE tHEATRE Cat - bARRY jOHNSON

aDMETUS - nICK aLLEN

aLONZO - eDDIE mARTINEZ

bOMBALURINA - tATIANA pADRO

bUSTOPHER jONES - bRENDAN nOBLE

cORICOPAT - jOHN dELgENIO

dEMETER - nICOLE rAMPANELLI

eLECTRA - Maria Cutaia

eTCETERA - CASSIDY TORNS

eXOTICA - jULIANA jAGIELO++

gRIDDLEBONE - rEBECCA oLIVERI

gRIZABELLA - sYDNEE lAbUDA

jELLYLORUM - mOLLY sCOTT

jEMIMA - kAIA gODDard+

Jennyanydots - Shea McMahon

Mistoffelees - Collin Hendley

Mungojerrie - Justin Frank

Munkustrap - Scott Mysocki

Old Deuteronomy - Ryan Nolin

Pouncival - Noah Pincus

Rum Tum Tugger - Ruben Fernandez

Rumpleteazer - Julie Stewart

Skimbleshanks - Dominic Trivigno

Tantomile - Katy Snair

Victoria - Natalie Baquet+

+ Dance Captains

++ Featured Aerialist

Creative Team:

Director/Choreographer - Jojo Minasi

MUSIC DIRECTOR - Matthew W. Surico

Stage Manager - Camilla Montoya

Asst. Stage Manager - Will Brennan

Scenic Designer - Shea McMahon

SOUND Designer - Silvio Sweet

PROPS DESIGNER - Heather Van Velsor

LIGHTING DESIGNER - Kevin Purdy

Costumes Provided by - The Costume Asylum/Siegert Creative

Costume Coordinator - Chakira-Iliana Doherty

The Cats Orchestra:

Conducted by Matthew W. Surico

Drums/Percussion - Aaron Andia

Bass - Shiori Chazono

French Horn - Sophia Randazzo

Keyboard - Matthew W. Surico

Woodwinds - Andrew Lenahan