It’s anyone’s guess whether T.S. Eliot, renown American 20^th Century poet and playwright, realized when writing children’s poems for his 1939 published “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” that it would one day become a worldwide sensation. Or, in 1954, as English Composer Alan Rawsthorne orchestrated six poems from Eliot’s same whimsical “…Practical Cats” for narrator Robert Donat, that it would soon be ingeniously rendered on even a more fabulous scale by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the London stage in 1981. I doubt whether Mr. Eliot, Mr. Rawsthorne, or Lord Webber had the slightest clue that a compilation of uncomplicated children’s poems written in the 1930’s would become the second longest running musical production in Broadway’s illustrious history.

Director Michelle Dungjen recently commented, “CATS is the show you’ve asked for most consistently on our audience surveys. It‘s a show that community theatres have typically declined to tackle, however.” And with justifiable reason, many choose not to undertake this musical theatrical gem, due to the fear of falling miserably short with a production which has been marvelously produced throughout the world over nearly thirty years, fitted with the finest talents, designers, and advanced technology. This reality is enough to dwarf the most courageous at heart and send the less adept, spinning and screaming, out the backstage door.

Vincent Van Gogh, said it best, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” Director Michelle Dungjen and Producers June Neal, and Jean Friday, have done just that very tremendous feat. By ignoring any nagging fears, they have instead, bravely assembled an excellent cast, crew, and staff to assist in mounting this highly respectable CATS on their own Old Town Playhouse stage.

CATS is simply about a bunch of colorful cats occupying a junkyard alley, each with different shapes and size, mood and personalities, and their emotional reflections mirror humankind as within our own society. Every year, these cats gather together to choose one special cat among them to be reincarnated. Webber chose to orchestrate this musical without relying heavily on any book filled with complicated plots, but decided to paint his pictures through brilliant choreographed dance routines, led majestically by his rollicking and seducing melodies. With his world famous center-piece song “Memory” and the rest of his delightfully witty score, he constructed it around this magnificently simple premise, which has overtaken the hearts of countless millions worldwide.

It’s usually customary in reviews to address the cast first, but I’m compelled to acknowledge the staff sooner, rather than later, in wholeheartedly congratulating Kathy Verstraete on her incredible Costume and Makeup Coordination. Her designs are stunningly enjoyable to the eye and help to create the CATS magic that so many in attendance expect to see. Also, Al Thompson’s Set Design deserves an ear-ringing applause. It’s wonderfully scaled, smartly constructed, and allows the audience to never grow tired of it. Not to be undone, Pete Bathum’s Light Design never fails. He showcases the talent beautifully, with his right measure of spots, colors, and shadows.

And, naturally, what’s a musical, without its brilliant musical score, and someone who has the great skill to conduct the orchestra? That person is Music Director Joe Rice. He splendidly led his accomplished orchestra (Cindi Robertson, Paulette Parsons, Karin Willman, Bethel Kohler, Debbie McKeon, Cherie Van Maanen, Sam Clark, Steve Weldon, Raleigh Newman, Anya Berger, John McCutcheon, Jenny Fenton, Diane Kolak, Karin Willman, Curt Wilson, Lois Kowalsky, Anne Morey, Lauren Murphy, Bill Fromm, Jeff Kroeger, Nathan Miller, Mike Nunn, George Bliss, Dave McKeon, Dave Kjelberg, Val Vreeland, Dan Cole, Jerry Endres, Andrew Bahle, and Stephen White) through over twenty musical numbers without many dialogue benchmarks to guide his way. His vast experience has enabled him and his orchestra to be the musical engine that propels the production forward and which never runs out of gas.

When a two-hour musical is nearly absent of dialogue and the musical score tells the whole story, in most cases, dancing enters in. In CATS, let’s just say, “A whole lot of dancing!” If you’re wearing a hat, tip it in the direction of Choreographers Philip Leete, Liz Renicke, and Kristina Nichols. They achieved no small accomplishment in having twenty-seven actors shifting, swinging, crawling, leaping, and swirling non-stop, and not only making it look easy, but having it make perfect sense.

A second bow is in order for Joe Rice, Kathy Verstraete, Philip Leete, Liz Renicke, Kristina Nichols, Al Thompson, and Pete Bathum. Without this dream staff’s quality creative investments Director Michelle Dungjen and her two Producers would have had many legitimate reasons for concern.

CATS is an ensemble, requiring the least of the cats to abound, to insure it being a successful production. With a cast this size it’s difficult to expound on individual performances. Although, I will mention a few standouts. Nichols (Rum Tum Tugger) has a superb balance between singing and movement, allowing his physicality to interpret his mood and purpose. His confidence and dynamic presence is always a welcome sight. Donna Peterson (Jellylorum) is a delightful, bright character. Her comedic ability shined through from the start. Sherry White (Victoria) is eloquent in her dance and every movement, disciplined, and brought sophistication to the stage. Ruopp (Mr. Mistoffelees, Quaxo) is exuberant, consistent, and fun to watch. It’s amazing how an eighth grader can be so poised and talented. Leonardi (Bombalurina) and Parker (Demeter) each contributed a lot of heated-sass throughout and, especially, during Macavity: The Mystery Cat. Chris Peterson (Munkustrap) handles his narrator role with energy and style. Lynne (Mungojerrie) and Cady (Rumpleteazer) were absolutely charming as the dancing twins. As an ensemble, each unmentioned cat did their job handsomely well, and collectively as a whole, the entire production was without any weak link.

The Principle cast is: Nikki Leonardi (Bombalurina), Billie Thompson (Bustopher Jones), Meg Parker (Demeter), Diana DiMarco Morgan (Grizabella), Al Lien (Gus, the Theatre Cat), Donna Peterson (Jellylorum), Allixandria Geiger (Jemima), Nan Worthington (Jennyanydots), Joshua Kiel (Macavity), Sage DeAgro-Ruopp (Mr. Mistoffelees, Quaxo), James Weston Lynne (Mungojerrie), Chris Peterson (Munkustrap), Don Cox (Old Deuteronomy), Brett Nichols (Rum Tum Tugger), Beverly Cady (Rumpleteazer), Dan Jablonski (Skimbleshanks), and Sherry White (Victoria).

Making up The Company of Cats is: Melissa Nerem (Admetus), Louis Rodriguez (Alonzo), Tania Arens (Bill Bailey), MacKenzie Fedorinchik (Carbuckety), Elizabeth Stewart (Cassandra), Shelly Taberski (Coricopat), Rachel Amalfitano (Electra), Cat Tallman (Etcetera), Becca Walton (George), and Brooke Bueby (Tantomile).

And the top-notch production staff is: Bonnie Deigh (Stage Manager), Carly McCall (Vocal Director), Al Thompson, Joe Rice, John Colvin, Daniel Jablonski, Jeff Kroeger, Richard Long, Carly McCall, Mike Nunn (Set Construction Crew), Lori Wheldon, Kathy Lauterbach, Mary McGonegle, Nancy Newman, Steve Orr, Connie Roy (Set Painting), Alexandra Billette-Curtis (Wig Coordinator), Paddy Brown, Alexandra Billette-Curtis, Kelly Curtis, Andrea Gieger, Emilee Gieger, Patt Kelsey, Hannah Kelsey, Maria McKane, Margaret Anne Slawson, Catherine Warner (Wardrobe and Make-up Crew), Bette Killian (Properties), Cinder Conlon, Carly McCall, Maria McKane, Andrea Curtis, Ashleigh Curtis (Light and Spotlight Operators), Stu Dana (Sound Design and Operation), Jeanie Gifford, Denni Don Hunting (Assistant Stage Managers), Wizard Roush (Photography), Nancy Templeton, Patty Fitzgerald, Jean Friday, June Neal, Nancy Newman, M. J. Rozek (The Lower Level Creative Team), Brian Dungjen, Michelle Dungjen, Bette Killian, Brian McCall, June Neal (Stage Crew), Pat Cole, Jeanne Ramick, Kathy and Pat Hall, Sheri Wallace, Linda Crandall (House Managers).

CATS, the musical is timeless, and ages like a fine wine. Personally, I believe this is true on account of its simplicity. It brings to mind a very special quote from Antonio Smith, “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Director Michelle Dungjen’s production of CATS is a triumphant success! As Van Gogh suggested, greatness comes not necessarily to the most talented or experienced, but to those who are willing to dare, to face adversity with a smile on their face, and a whisper on their lips, saying, “Why not?”