Cats entertainment!
MANILA, Philippines - The Cats: Now and Forever press call held last Friday at CCP was an event filled with unexpected revelations for fans and non-fans of the long-awaited production. Touted as the world’s greatest musical, Cats is among Andrew Lloyd Webber’s many prized productions. Despite its immense popularity, many don’t see past the prancing figures in fur suits to realize that its story actually originated from T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.
One wonders what a musical named “Cats and Dogs” would have turned out like, since the author’s original plan was for the work to involve both species instead of one. But with the now-trademark puffy hairdos, acrobatics and overall cattiness of each character, it’s difficult to imagine anything else. If dogs can be called man’s best friend, then cats can have their title of greatest musical, indeed.
Guests at the conference were pleasantly surprised as they were ushered into the theater and greeted by a lavishly-dressed emcee. She quickly introduced the CEO of Lunchbox Productions, James Cundall, who gave an overview of the touring company. Lunchbox Theatrical Productions is a long-time producer of entertainment in Australasia, and Cats officially marks its first foray into the Philippines. Cundall remarked that it was wonderful to be in a new city, and praised CCP as a “unique venue.” It was carefully explained that the touring company has members from all around the world, and Lea Salonga is the sole Filipino cast member for their Manila run. Cundall thanked the sponsors profusely “for enabling big shows like this.”
Next came Jo-Anne Robinson, the director and choreographer who has worked on the musical for many years. Continuing to praise Lea from where Cundall left off, she proceeded to introduce the rest of the cast. The audience then got an exhilarating front-row preview of what opening night would be like.
Three excerpts were performed from varying numbers, with the cast in full costume and makeup. The first was from the opening song performed by the entire cast, followed by Lea Salonga and John Ellis in a haunting rendering of the iconic song Memory. The third song was a high-energy number led by John O’Hara, who sang his character’s signature song, The Rum Tum Tugger.
Rosa Rosal of Philippine National Red Cross then came onstage to accept a check for P2.38 million for the Philippine Red Cross Blood Program. The amount is a total gathered from every P250 amount donated by Cats and Citibank for every ticket sold.
Everyone was led back to the main lobby for the Q&A portion of the press conference. First came the production team, who was drilled with questions about their experience in the Philippines and why they chose to present Cats. The answer was simple: they had been touring shows throughout Asia (except Manila) for three and a half years, and the long-running Cats has garnered its best reception since 1992. “We are hoping that this season will be the forerunner of many other shows.” There was visible excitement when a plan was announced to possibly bring Phantom of the Opera here next. “I think it’s gonna be a terrific season,” Cundall quipped. As for Lea Salonga: “She’s been such a hard worker, utterly fantastic; as we would expect, she is wonderful.”
The production team admitted that Cats is a difficult musical to perform because of the countless hours of rehearsal, singing and dancing involved. A cast of 30, combined with a large backstage crew, totals 60 people in all bringing Cats to life each night. Before ending their interview, the producers had this to say about the audience: “It’s fantastic being in the business when we’re watching people smile and enjoy themselves.”
Salonga, now out of her catsuit but her cheeks still remarkably rosy from the makeup, elaborated on how grueling a task it is to immerse herself in a feline character. She rehearsed with the cast for three weeks in Sydney as one of the nine new members joining the production, and did further training improvisational work. “It’s not so much pretending to be a cat — you have to actually be one,” she said, calling it “fun” in spite of new challenge. “I don’t think I’ve ever worked this hard on a show,” she admitted, describing her 12-minute role. “It’s one of the most difficult shows I’ve ever done.” After confessing that she had already sprained an ankle the previous day, Lea had this advice to add for aspiring Pinoy performers: “Make your talent a skill, rather than just a gift.”
