[Alonza0]

I got tickets to the 25th Cats Anniversary Tour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So my friend and I are going, and her parents are paying for her. However, one condition to them paying for her was that she wear her full Rumpleteazer costume to the performance. We're in the back row, so being in someone's way wouldn't be a problem. However, I've got a feeling that wearing a costume to a proffesional production is not a good idea. Can anyone tell me what they think and reasons why she should or should not wear her costume?

[Lady Jemima]

Alonza0, a month or two ago I started the same topic; I think you'd be interested in reading the responses. Previous Thread

[Alonza0]

I knew I should have checked the other posts first, but I was pressed on time.

[Smudge]

Don't do it. Just don't even go there....

[pkitty663]

[Smudge]

[Belle]

But read through the other thread - it's a very devisive issue, about half the community are for, and half against.

Personally, I see going in costume as a big event, and should only be done for a good reason - ie. show's anniversary, last night, etc. And you should check with the theatre first that they're ok with it.

[*asterix*]

... though I seem to recall your costumed attendance, once in the day, Smudge

Alonza0 - besides your friend's parents conditions, does your friend herself want to go in costume? Because if not then No, you definitely shouldn't. Going out in costume will always subject the wearer to heavy scrutiny, so it's a good idea to be very comfortable with it and/or in supportive company...

That said, if she does want to go, esp if you'll be somewhere unintrusive like the back row, then IF the theatre is OK with it (it's easy enough to call ahead and check) then go for it.
DON'T use it as an excuse for bad behaviour- constantly keep in mind: would I behave this way if I were in regular clothes attending the theatre? Would I behave this way in front of my parent's coworkers? My Principal at school? ... wherever you think you need to be on best behaviour... & don't expect any special treatment; don't be surprised if some people, including actors, are put off by it. Obvious fans of the show (being in costume makes you pretty obvious) have assumed entitlement to inappropriate behavious because THEY are special, or the show "owes" them or they assume some special relationship to the cast, whatever, in the past and it has left a taint on the perceptions of the CATS fandom, as well as made some people involved with the show very leary of the fans. It's a shame but that's how it goes.

Other than than that, one way or another, you're getting to see CATS so yay Enjoy the show

[Drumdraper]

*asterix* is right. BE ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR! Try not to make a fool of yourself when you're in costume, because people are there to see the actors and not some crazed group of fans and dedicated fans don't have too good of a reputation.

If you feel comfortable and confident, do it and if the cast interacts with you respond but keep it under control.

Just have fun and enjoy it!

[Etcetera Kitten]

I have personnally never been to Cats in costume, because back to the day I went there last summer I simply had no costume or make-up. But when I got to the theater, there was a 7 years old little girl with a simple cat make-up and I went "Wow, she is so cute, she has some gutz!" when I saw her.

Obviously, it wasnt disturbing to see her, she was so small and all so calm and happy. But I think that if the theater is OK with a grown up going in a distractive costume, as long as you are very cool and act like if you werent any special, it could be OK. May be you can decide to go with only make-up and warmers, as someone else said, to avoid getting too much attention if you dont feel like it.

If I were to go to another Cats production, I would call the theater to get a permission to go in costume. If it was OK to do it, I'd get a make-up, may be a wig (taking it off if I block someone else's view) and a tail, and I'd go with normal clothing. Like this its 50/50 and people get that you are just a fan. But I suggest like it was mentionned that you avoid any strange behavior, such as meowing or moving on the seat along with the dancers, get what I mean? Ohhh and if you do get to talk to the cast, I recommand that you stay very polite, without flooding them with questions on their personnal interpretation of the character. Usually, a "I really appreciate your work, it was great." is very welcome. Just don't go "OMG, Like, you so totally rock! Like, Tugger is my fave character, and I like his song, because it's... heu... I like it! But I also like Munku, because I like grey. But Tugger is better!" This is what scares the actors

Oh well, the important thing is that you are comfortable with the decision you will take, and that you enjoy the show! Yes, have fun!

[enkeli-kitten]

I've always thought it must be so brave to go in a Cats costume! But every review I've read when fans went in costume nobody seemed to mind. I should call the theatre anyway. Perhaps just make-up and a tail if she's nervous. But if you went to all that trouble making a costume why not show it off!!

[Lady Jemima]

[Rumblepurr]

Please read the article on CatsMusical.com under Information.

Etiquette for CATS Fans

For those wearing costumes, and those just going to the show...

Rumblepurr
The Writer Cat

[Smudge]

[Alonza0]

First I want to say, thanks all for answering this, I'm really glad I'm getting so much advice and opinions.

Second, I do see this as a big event. Not only is it an anniversary tour, but the show's not on Broadway or in London anymore. In my mind, that registers as an important event.

Third, my friend does want to go in costume, but not alone, so I've agreed that if she goes in costume, I will wear my Alonza costume.

Fourth, my friend contacted the theatre and they actually seemed please to hear that she wanted to wear her costume.

Fifth, we would of course be on our best behavior. I'll probably be too excited to talk right let alone goof off. And I can be remarkable calm and level-headed when I want to be. *disregards snickers*

Sixth, that's an awesome suggestion Etcetera Kitten. If you hadn't posted that and I had met one of the actors, I probably would have gushed like that. Very well then, if I do meet an actor, I will refrain from gushing.

Seventh, I don't think anyone will be freaked out to see grown women in costume, because we don't look grown, lol. I'm not 5 foot yet and we're both still in highschool!

Lastly, I'll keep you guys posted on what we end up doing and I'll be sure to tell you all about the performance!!!

[pkitty663]

Don't forget pictures and a full description for each number..I want details missy! but really..have a blast.

[MrsJemimaMistoffelees]

The two times I went in costume (once with a big group of people, the other time with just my sister and mom), we got a lot of compliments. In Yakima, one older woman gave me a high five and told me "very cool!" In Seattle, two girls ran up the Seattle Space needle ramp to get a picture with my sister and me. And on the streets of Seattle, one guy wanted a big group picture of us…I think it was *asterix* who told him that we weren’t in the show, but he just said “they won’t know that at home!”

Either we were complimented, or no one took notice of us. If anyone thought that what we were doing was inappropriate, they sure didn't show it.

Veel Liefs,
Jemima

[*asterix*]

[Drumdraper]

When I wore my Mistoffelees costume to a show sveral people thought I was a plant in the audience and I had to tell them several times I was not. At the same show, a man with a camera came up to me and told me that a woman had come all the way from the Ukraine to see the show and wanted a picture with me. Ukraine people love us too! And the people in the Ukraine won't be able to tell the difference either!

[pkitty663]

@asterix. I really must say that you did some great makeup jobs. As for the drag queens...no comment

[Carbucketty]

[*asterix*]

[MrsJemimaMistoffelees]

[*asterix*]

[pkitty663]

LOL...awww...you guys sure go to some pretty interesting places...
<<
>>
Kidnap me next time XP X3

[sweetjemimakitten]

Mhm. I saw CATS in costume, minus the wig. 'Twas much fun, even though I was the only one in costume ( aside from the cast xP ). Got alot of positive feedback from it, considering it was my first costume. Some people even thought I was in the cast. Neat

[Artisticat]

I went in costume twice to see cats here in Houston with a large group of other fans in costume, I got to meet teh cast afterwards and got nothing but glowingly positive responses from them, the biggest thing as everyoen keeps saying is never pretend to be part of the cast, iffolks ask for pictures make sure htey understand you are not part of the cast, take yourwig off if it will block peoples views, adn refrain from meowing or acting out or singing from your seat.

Cast and the general public seemed to greatly enjoy the costumes, jsut remember be on your best behavior

[Drumdraper]

I admit I did mouth The Naming of Cats along with the cast, but no singing.

[Alonza0]

Well everybody, I went IN COSTUME!!!!!!

I must say, I was extremely apprehensive about it, but that didn't last long. So there we were, me and Rumpleteazer, walking through the doors of the theatre with our costumes on. We were mobbed by people with cameras!! I remembered your advice and immeadiantly told them that we were not in the cast but they insisted on taking out pictures anyway!

Then there were millions of little girls coming up and asking us if we were in the cast. They were mostly little girls anyway, but there were many older people too. Some people just yelled, "Great performance!" and some, when they found out that we weren't in the cast, asked us about every little detail of how we made our costumes. And then there were people that just stared at us! That was a little unnerving...

Once this group of kids on a field trip came up and asked us if they could take our pictures for their yearbook!!!! We told them we weren't in the cast, but they said pretty much what that person told you MrsJemimaMistoffelees, "They don't know that back at school!" So if anyone sees a picture of Alonza and Rumpleteazer in their yearbook, let me know!

And the ushers loved us! Asking us if we bought the costumes off e-bay, telling us where the litterbox was when we asked for the bathroom, all those kind of lame jokes. One even asked us if we'd like to sneak back stage with him to meet a cast member or two!

So we did! We went backstage and met a female cast member. Her wig was off and she was wearing a robe so we only had her makeup to judge which character she was (we were too star struck to ask!), but I think it was Jennyanydots, or maybe Sillabub, judging from the pictures from the US Tour 5. She had a lot of red stripes but I think she was too short to be Bombalurina. She kept saying, "And you really made those costumes by yourself?" Unfortunatly, before we could get autographs or pictures, her security people rushed her inside (we were standing outside), but that's okay, because I met her.

Anyway, it was a lot of fun! I apologize to Smudge, and anyone else who thinks we shouldn't have gone in costume, but it was definatly worth it and I would do it again. I was worried about ruining people's first views of Cats, but they had pictures of the characters all over the place, so that wasn't a problem. All in all, it was worth it, I'd recommend going in costume as long as you follow the rules and suggestions of the wise people of this board, and it wasn't at all bad for my first costume! Pictures to come (if I can figure out how to get them on the computer) and if you want me to describe the actual play, I'll be happy to, just ask.

[MrsJemimaMistoffelees]

I'm so glad to hear that you had a good experience, Alonza0! Can't wait to see the pictures ^_^

Veel Liefs,
Jemima

[Drumdraper]

You got to go backstage?! Lucky! I've been trying to see backstage for two years by wearing a costume, but what can you do? Well can't wait to see pictures!

Any funny interactions between you can the cast during the performance?

[pkitty663]

DESCRIBE IT!!! FULL DETAILS PLEASE ....glad you had an awesome time..^w^

[Misto]

[Drumdraper]

How I wish the Troika tour was more interactive.

[pkitty663]

yeah I know...THAT'S IT...I'm going to go see it in the UK one of these days..is their tour interactive?

[Alonza0]

MrsJemimaMistoffelees, I'm afraid we don't have a scanner, nor do I know anybody willing to let me use their's, so you might have to wait a bit for those pictures, sorry.

Drumdraper, non especially this time but the last time I went (not in costume) there were two, Tumblebrutus saw me mouthing the words, I forget what to, and came up and whacked me with his tail, lol. Also, Demeter saw me mouthing the words to Naming and patted me on the head.

Pkitty663, here we go: The Cats costumes resembled a cross between the Broadway versions (i.e. Alonzo) and the video (i.e. Munkustrap). http://i1.tinypic.com/nexrnm.jpg Much of the dancing was the same as the movie. Plato, Admetus, Etcetera, Electra and Exotica (of course) were missing. The first three songs went without anything overly interesting to report. In Jennyanydots the beatles tatoo was extremely long, cool, but long. Rum Tum Tugger was phenominal!!!!! He was nearly as good as John Partridge!!! Demi and Bomba had fine voices and did a good duet on Grizabella. Bustopher Jones was played by an understudy, but if I hadn't known before hand I would never have guessed, he was a very good Bustopher. Mungo and Teazer were great, Teazer had a cute voice and they didn't pant like the last pair I saw. They didn't do Pekes and Pollicles, shame but oh well. Dance was fine, nothing notable. Jemima had a very nasalu voice, I am sorry to say it but I didn't really like her. Jellylorum had a slightly boring voice, she didn't make the song very exciting with the voice changes and things like Sue Tanner did. Gus had an adorable accent. However, he was a terrible Growltiger, although the crew was pretty good. Griddlebone was also very lacking. Skimbleshanks might have been better than his movie counterpart, I thought. Bomba and Demi did a very good Macavity song, although I still don't like the fact that there are guys shadow dancing them in the song. Macavity had a better laugh than the movie I thought, a lot deeper sounding. I was very happy to see that Munkustrap was taken out very very early in the fight, allowing Alonzo to fight for most of the fight. Macavity was an excellent dancer, although I missed the long wig of the movie Macavity. Misto was cute, although he had a voice that sounded much to deep for such a small, slender figure. Grizabella was great, although she had a youngish, almost pop star sounding voice. I was surprised afterward to learn that she was an understudy and that the original Griz for that tour had for some reason quit a long time before the tour hit the theatre I saw it at. Old D. had a cool, though slightly young sounding voice. Instead of a stairway to Heavyside, there was an elevator that looked A LOT like a UFO, very funny. However, Griz came down in that elevator after Addressing of Cats, which I found disappointing. There was this very cool thing with Bomba dumping Tugger at the end, which I thought was an excellent ending. All together, it was a very good performance, the highlight being Rum Tum Tugger. Any questions?

[Cassandra]

[Drumdraper]

Was she the African-American woman?

[Cassandra]

Esther Stilwell? No, she's not African-American. In fact, I don't think anyone on this year's tour is African-American.

[Drumdraper]

Oops, must been the lighting and the make-up that made her skin appear darker than it is. Beautiful voice, I hope to see her performing again soon.

[Cassandra]

[MsJellicle]

[Alonza0]

Not quite sure how to do that quotie thinger, so I'm just going to list your names.

Cassandra, I could have sworn that Plato's name wasn't on there, but come to think of it, you're right, he should be there. My playbill is on loan to a friend right now, but when I get it back I'll check that out.

Cassandra, I was wondering what had happened to the original Grizabella. I have a playbill for that performance and an official booklet, and they both list different names. Thanks for telling me. You don't by any chance know what happened to Cassandra in that production do you? In the booklet it lists one person (again I can't check that now) but it the playbill it lists a different person, Amy... something..., who isn't even listed as an understudy in the booklet. Know anything about that?

MsJellicle, when I said the beatles tattoo was longer, I meant it was like a minute or two longer. Was that really how long it was on Broadway?

MsJellicle, I've heard before about Sillabub having a childlike voice, but I didn't think the Sillabub that I saw had a child like voice at all, just very nasally, so I can't very well write her off for being asked to sing like that since I'm not sure that she was trying to sing that way because she was told to. Of course, it's my opinion and I can't say that I'd be a great judge, having only seen two live performances and the video, but I still can't say that I liked her voice very much. She was extremely adorable though, big props on that.

MsJellicle, there were definatly two guys shadowing Demi and Bomba. Alonzo shadowed Demi and Tumble shadowed Bomba. Reading what Lenny Daniels said, I think that it makes sense, sort of... I always thought that Alonzo would be the type of guy who would try to prove that he could fight and be just as brave as Munkustrap (by looking for Macavity while the girls are dancing), so that's probably why I find it very strange that Alonzo shadow dances Demi.

MsJellicle, well, yes I know that Griz had no choice but to come down, but that doesn't change the fact that it was disappointing, you know?

[pkitty663]

um...top right of the post..it says quote lol s'ok I didn't know how to do it at first either.

[Rumblepurr]

On the SHADOW DANCE & MACAVITY...

THe main dancer during Demeter's part is Alonzo, but you might have seen Pouncival and maybe Tumblebrutus in the "chorus" behind Deme and Bomba... That "might" have been the case here. MsJ - nice explanation on the Broadway Alonzo...

The LIFT...

I think MsJ is looking for the "Lighting Truss" - that flies the "saucer" for the US Tour? I was able to go up on the truss in Edinburgh, but then they had the stairway for Grizabella. The Truss is a wide "U" shaped piece of hardware that contains most of the proscenium arch lighting instruments and the saucer. Some theatres may not have the structures to get up to the top of the truss.

PLATO

Playbill shows a "Plato" - played by Nathan Garland back in December. And yes, he plays Macavity, too.

CASSANDRA

I would like to know who that was as well... All I got was AMY, and an odd-sounding last name...

Rumblepurr
The Writer Cat

[enkeli-kitten]

Yay! I'm glad you had a great time!!!!!

[Cassandra]

[CostumeMavenWV]

on the tour they refer to it as "the pod."

[Alonza0]

Thank you Rumplepurr for the PM about quotes. That was extremely nice of you. My PM doesn't seem to be working now, else I'd thank you there.

And thank you very much, Cassandra, for clearing up the matter of Cassandra.

And thank you Rumplepurr and CostumeMavenWV for the info on the lighting truss/pod.