VTWC
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Cabrillo Music Theatre's "CATS" July 24, 25 Trip RHey all, I'm back from my trip up to Thousand Oaks to see the Cabrillo Music Theatre's CATS!
I have to say that I am in shock and awe over what everyone was able to accomplish with this regional. Hands (sorry, PAWS down) this HAS to be the BEST looking and sounding regional production of the show that's ever been staged! I saw 4 shows and the cast was outstanding. Everyone was perfect, from the dancing to the singing to the stage set along with the costumes. They really made this version of the show their own!
I'm sorry that I don't have any photos to post of this event yet, I'm still waiting on them. I attended a few shows with Peterthethinker on Sat. and we were both just blown away by everything. Cheers to Dana and Billy for working with this excellent cast.
Peter and I attended the "CATS TALK BACK" with the cast and Dana. Lewis Wilkenfeld who is the Artistic Director fielded questions from the audience after the matinee show. We learned that the actors had only been rehearsing for just under 3 weeks, and they had just been on the set for less than 3 days before they opened on July 24! They went into full dress on Weds night and by Friday they were performing for the crowd. The entire cast could give the Troika actors a run for their money, they were THAT GOOD!
Ashley Cowl as Demeter was a standout role, she has also played Demeter in the FCLO production and was phenomenal as Demi. Melissa Lyons as Griz just had the major belt thing going on during Memory. Michael Hunter as Rum Tum Tugger was rocking out as Tugger, he danced with two ladies in the audience each performance. Anna Schnaitter as Bombularina asked during Talkback when the Troika auditions were going to be held! Jo Patrick as Mistoffelees told us that up onstage it's the "deer in headlights" thing every time he goes on (AWESOME dancer too BTW!). The rest of the cast were very forthcoming about their experiences and they looked like a close-knit set of cast members.
It was also awesome to see the Twins back in action. All the old Bway parts were taken by them and their sychronized dancing was wonderful. I really miss seeing the Twins up on that stage! At least with my rental package the twins will always be included in the roster.
I have to say that I was very emotional seeing this production. All that hard work really paid off. Those of you who missed this show truly missed something that is really a once-in-a-lifetime event. It was like seeing the National Tour and Bway again. 
If you live in the LA area and you can, try to get down to Thousand Oaks. You won't regret it!
IE: Pics coming soon! 
Purrs,
VTWC
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Maybe I'll get out to LA next time...