‘Cats’ doesn’t miss a beat

Joe Delaney

Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 | 9 a.m.

"Cats," a full-scale production of the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," by T.S. Eliot, is being performed by a talented and enthusiastic cast through Sunday at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts. If you've never seen it, you should, and if you have, this company makes it worth seeing it again.

The action takes place on one special night of the year when the Jellicle Tribe of cats has its annual Jellicle Ball, and the venerable Old Deuteronomy character has to choose one cat to be reborn into a new Jellicle life. There are two acts, with one 20-minute intermission. This is my fourth time seeing "Cats," and this version seemed to have more choreography than remembered in previous versions.

The Jellicle Ball sequence, in particular, seemed overlong. Actual time elapsed at the show caught was two hours and 30 minutes, which included the intermission. Otherwise, it was a wonderful evening of musical theater, and if you are a cat person, even more delightful.

Don Adkins, a fine singer who also serves as assistant stage manager, was an impressive Old Deuteronomy. Gretchen Goldsworthy portrayed Grizabella, who left the tribe and now seeks to return. She has the song that really carries the show, "Memory," and did extremely well with it, closing the first act.

Everett Taylor's McCavity, an evil cat, had heavy overtones of "Mack the Knife," an excellent choice, in his portrayal, a highlight number in Act II. McCree O'Kelley deserves special mention as Mistofelees, the conjuring cat who relocated Old Deuteronomy, reinstated the lights and performed magic, another highlight number.

Sharon Honeycutt, a standout as Bombalurina, is a former dancer with Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage. John Napier, credited with designing the incredible set and costumes for "Cats," made similar contributions to the Siegfried & Roy production.

"Cats" is the longest-running musical in British theater history -- 20 years and still running in London. It ran for 18 years in New York City. It's a sure bet that "Cats" will be around as long as there are cats and those who love cats. It may even convert a number of non-cat people.