The Martin Center was filled with the sounds of angelical Jellicle cats for its second Broadway Series event. “CATS” tells the story of the Jellicle tribe of cats and the decision they are faced with.
Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the Jellicle cats are anything but practical. These cats are lively and naturally mischievous. With names such as Rum Tum Tugger, Mistoffelees and Old Deuteronomy, attendees would expect nothing less but a great story.
“It was really amazing, all the colors, all the lights, it was beautiful,” said attendee Tara Caughran. “It [the story] had its ups and downs, but the plot twists…I loved the plot twists.”
It was Caughran’s first time at a Broadway show, and she was more than thrilled to have sat and seen such a wonderful show. The Martin Center was full of theatre-goers during the March 6 performance; in fact the Martin Center achieved another goal.
“Last night we were excited to welcome another sold out performance of Broadway,” stated Jennifer Clements, executive director of the Martin Center. “We could not be more thrilled with the support and enthusiasm we are seeing from our community!”
“To have the opportunity to bring Broadway to the Appalachian Highlands is a dream come true,” she added.
Though the show may not be familiar to many people, most should recognize composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s piece “Memory.” For this performance, actress Rachel Haber performed the piece as the Jellicle cats reached their decision on who to send off to become reborn.
“My favorite part of the show was ‘Memory,’ all three times that it was played, but absolutely the last time that played…made me cry,” said attendee Trish Caughran.
Trish explained that she had a jewelry box that would play the song “Memory” whenever she opened it. She said listening to Haber’s performance of the piece brought back memories for her.
For more information about the Martin Center’s Broadway Series, please visit etsu.edu/martin-center or call 423-439-8587. To learn more about “CATS,” please visit ustour.catsthemusical.com.
