Get Your Meow On With CATS

By Maesyn

Anyone who has ever waited in line for Broadway tickets in NYC can tell you that CATS tickets have always been the quickest to go.

"CATS" (file photo)

Where ever the legendary musical is performed, it finds a loyal audience of dedicated admirers, young and old alike.

This month, in an unprecedented Maui production of visionary magnitude, a cast of locals will gather to perform the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic for the people of Maui.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Sunday, March 27, Maui OnStage will put on the artfully crafted show at the historic Iao Theater in Wailuku. Saturdays’ shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays’ at 3 p.m.

Normally CATS requires a cast of well trained professionals to execute the wildly diverse range of vocal and physical acrobatics that the actors must express.

Dancers must switch from style to style, from skill to skill, all while maintaining the grace and agility of their cat personas.

Opera, pop, cabaret, tap dance, ballet, tumbling, acrobatics and more are woven together seamlessly. The Maui cast has had to train to become the equivalent of a professional troupe in their two and a half months of preparation.

Fortunately, the dedicated team of felines has been under the seasoned direction of Alexander Cardinalli, who directed CATS in New York City.

He was given the task of sculpting a local cast of characters, ages 15-55, many of whom had little dance or singing experience.

The result has been an outpouring of effort and expansion from the cast, who have transformed into a highly honed interactive team of actors.

Come check out local performance in top notch form this week, as the show’s run closes soon.

Iao Theater is located at 68 N. Market St. in Wailuku.

Tickets are $40 for preferred seating, $20 for general admission and $18 for seniors and students. For reservations or more information, call 808-242-6969 or visit mauionstage.com.

* If you have suggestions for the Mauinow entertainment section, please email [email protected]. Mahalo and Aloha!