A story about cats - and humans

One of the longest running musicals in theater history, Cats is mesmerizing crowds at the CCP Main Theater. Its spectacular costumes, wonderful sets, great music is truly a genius of Andrew Lloyd Webber. I have seen Cats and I was awed by its magnificence. Only Andrew Lloyd Webber can create such spectacle based on TS Elliot’s poem, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Still ongoing until Aug. 22 at the CCP Main Theater, Cats topbills our very own Lea Salonga who plays Grizabella, a once popular glamour cat now on her sunset years.

First staged in London, in 1981, Cats never fails to enthrall crowds and it continues to fascinate viewers worldwide. The Manila production of Cats is brought to the stage by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and David Atkins Enterprise in association with The Really Useful Company.

During the press call at the CCP, Lea had an injured foot (after she tripped on electrical wires during rehearsals), and she was limping as she went on stage to play Grizabella. And as her usual self, Lea sang Memory seamlessly. It was with perfection that somebody in the audience remarked, “para kang nakikinig sa plaka, na perfect ang recording.” And the limp, we thought added to her characterization of an aging Grizabella.

We have read a similar situation as related by Cameron Mackintosh, the original producer of Cats when he wrote in the program, “Our original Grizabella, the great British actress Judi Dench, severed her Achilles tendon during rehearsals and had to be replaced by Elaine Paige, causing the opening night to be delayed by two weeks.” Thus, Cats premiered on May 11, 1981 in London with Elaine Page playing Grizabella.

Cats opened at the CCP last July 24 sans glitches. Cats is a story about cats. And cat stories can be stories about humans as well. Personally, I never had cats or dogs in my house. I get some kind of allergy when I am surrounded with them. I love TS Elliot’s poetry though. And I love the song Memory. That song is close to being a national anthem in this country with people who sing in videoke bars from sunrise to sunset. New borns to senior citizens, know Memory by heart.

Fiz Shapur, who was with the Cats production since its inception in 1981, maintains that he has to make sure that the notes, lyrics, the orchestra are the same. Calling himself a musical policeman, Fiz said, “I look after the musical side on behalf of Andrew Lloyd Webber because of my knowledge of show. I rehearse the cast, the musicians and I make sure all the singing is correct, and that the musician is playing the right notes, with the right emotions, and the phrasing is the same with the original.”

Of Lea he said, “She is wonderful. You should be proud of her. Grizabella does not have a long time on stage but it doesn’t matter, the role is central to the theme and the core of the story.” He met Lea at a big gala for charity where the cast of Miss Saigon, Le Miz and a number of musicals were together and were involved in a show for charity. Fiz is a classically trained musician at the London Music College, had stints as musical director in a number of musicals and is now with Really Useful Group.

Penny Watts, general manager, Cats Asia tour explained, “We look after Andrew Lloyd Webber licenses, like Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express and if there are producers that want to produce in specific regions, we look after licensing. We produce our own work like Phantom and of course Cats.” She related that they do local productions. “A couple of years ago, a production of Cats was done in Korea, but sang all in Korean.” She also said that Cats in Tagalog would be “fantastic.” “It’s an extraordinary thing. It would be wonderful for people to see local people hearing their local language.”

James Cundall, CEO of Lunchbox Productions is no stranger to the country. He came to the Philippines in 1988 as a private banker. “I was following and watching the Philippines for 22 years.” James has produced more than 70 musicals, a wide array of spectacular shows, and has worked with international artists from the world of opera, musical theater and rock.