I went to the musical Cats! Tuesday in Regina. They were handing out tickets at work and I figured, "Why not?" I had never been to a professional musical before, at least not that I can remember. I've seen magic shows, concerts, plays and elementary school musicals, but no musicals of the professional calibre. So I went into the performance with absolutely no expectations, because I didn't really know what to expect. And my boyfriend came with me, and said it would be fine.
Here's a rundown of how the night went. SPOILER: if you haven't seen Cats and don't know how it ends, don't read this.
ACT I
OK, there are actors wearing leotards and fluffy wigs. I assume they are "the cats." After terrifying audience members, they head onto the stage and explain to me they are "Jellico" cats, or something like that. I cannot understand a word of any of the song. I'm enjoying this: they're talented singers and dancers. Trying to figure out the plot.
Cats are still singing. There seems to be some sort of party going on. I'm patiently waiting for some acting, with spoken lines and interactions between the characters. Can't really identify any main characters. Trying to figure out the plot.
The people around me are laughing at jokes that are apparently being told in song. Really wish I could understand what they are singing. I pretend to get the joke and laugh along. Trying to figure out the plot.
I'm super cold in the theatre and the woman sitting in front of me seems to be getting steadily taller. Can't really see centre stage. Fortunately, the cats are just singing and introducing more cats. Trying to figure out the plot.
Getting sleepy. Trying not to yawn because I fear upsetting the cats. Every once in awhile they seem to venture out into the audience. Don't want to draw their attention. Cats are still singing. They seem to want to introduce their entire cast before going to their party. Pretending to laugh at jokes. Trying to figure out the plot.
Two old cats have been introduced. One is male and thick - I don't think he looks anything like a cat. The other is female, and wearing heels, which I find strange for a cat. She sings a song - I think it sounds pretty nice. Waiting for the cats to stop introducing one another. Really want a clear adversary to be present. Cats are still singing.
INTERMISSION
Boyfriend comments that the song Memories was awesome. Try to remember the song. Nod in agreement.
Shocked the performance isn't over.
ACT II
Optimistic that the plot will be obvious soon. Cats begin singing. Still really cold in the theatre. Yawning. Listening closer to song lyrics. Still pretty sure the cats are going to a party, but now I think the old man cat gets to pick a cat to go into space. Trying to not giggle at the idea of space cats.
Cats have turned into pirates. Pleased that there's finally a plot. Maybe they're pirate cats from space? Also, questioning if the Siamese cats are a bit stereotypical. Regardless, laughing at their accents. Cats still singing.
I was wrong about the plot. The cats aren't pirates. That was a subplot. Pretty cold and confused. Trying not to check the time. Cats are still singing. Have given up on any dialogue ever taking place.
The old cat is stolen! Finally, some conflict! But wait! Some flashy-dressed magic dancing cat rescues him! And sacrifices the Siamese cat? More racial tension?
The old male cat chooses the old female cat to go into outer space. Sings a song - I recognize it as Memories. Sounds pretty good, I'm glad I agreed to enjoying it earlier. Old lady cat jets off in a space ship. It's freezing in the theatre.
Still waiting for a plot.
Still waiting for a plot.
Cats are still singing.
It's over?
Tonaya Marr enjoyed Cats. She will probably see other musicals in the future. In the mean time, send Tonaya an e-mail at [email protected], or tweet her @TonayaMarr.
