CATS, the musical (at American Leadership Academy)

Saw CATS on Friday night at the American Leadership Academy and it was amazing.  In fact, every production that I have seen there has been incredibly well done.  I can't believe all of the talented kids, talented teachers in the Arts program, and just the creative ways that they involve so many members of their student body from elementary school kids thru the high school kids.

I've seen CATS several times before, and while it probably isn't my favorite musical, I still enjoy it and have fond memories of other times that I've seen it.  The most recent was when I made a surprise visit home to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday and we took him to see it at the Boulder Dinner Theater.

Prior to this production of the play, I attempted to explain to some friends what the plot of the show was.. It's a little hard to explain, actually a little short on plot, so I appreciated the Directors Note that was included in the program for the ALA performance.  It's great to have an "a-ha" moment and think "wow, that's what it is about?"  Now it has a little more meaning.   

We heard it was sold out, so Kim made special arrangements with the Secret Service and other powers that be  for us to go in and get seats early before they posted guards at the doors and made everyone wait in line.  Not that we take the best seats anyway...  we usually sit on the end seats, mid-way back so it isn't like we totally took advantage of her knowing important people.  We were probably there early enough that we would have gotten the exact same seats by waiting in line too...  So, how's that for justifying that we aren't the Queen of Sheba deserving of special treatment or that we are too good to wait in line or anything... Don't like anyone to think I'm a diva ... or maybe I just don't want others to KNOW that I am really a diva... Only thing missing were big fans, peeled grapes, and a big bowl of M&M's (green only).  Oh wait, that isn't me-- that's some celebrity.  And I don't know that writing a blog that 10 or so people read on a good month counts as being a celebrity. 

The costumes were amazing.  Since I followed directions and didn't take pictures during the play but still wanted to show the costumes... I downloaded a few pictures from a Facebook album of the show.  These pictures were actually taken by MaryAnne Toolson Davis and I wanted to give her proper credit because the pictures are pretty good.

My favorite song from CATS has always been Mungo Jerry and Rumpleteezer and these kids sang and danced as well as I have ever seen anyone do that number.  That's the song that is still playing in my mind, even two days after seeing the show.  Very playful and mischievous, and I loved the cartwheeling with each other at the end.  Even though Memories is the more famous song, and the girl that played that role had a beautiful voice, that isn't the song that stands out for me.  The rest of the play was just as memorable.  I love the creativity shown in how the different dance classes/groups at the school are incorporated into the show.  Besides some beautiful voices, I was equally impressed with the wonderful dancers that were showcased.  Can't wait to see the next ALA production.