Cats to Sing, Soar and Dazzle on Prisco Stage

Their energy and enthusiasm is simply infectious. It’s only rehearsal, but the magic aura that surrounds this cast of performers is quite captivating.

They’ve been fine-tuning their roles since November, and now they’re ready to bring their entertaining talents to life in the Fox Valley Park District’s Winter Stage performance of Cats that hits the Prisco Community Center stage for four shows on Jan. 13, 14 and 15.

What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest-running shows in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including best musical, Cats features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song “Memory.”

Nearly 90 performers, ages 7 to adult, will sing, soar and dazzle in what is shaping up to be a spectacular show about a tribe of cats that gathers once a year to choose a member of the tribe to be reincarnated.

Known as America’s favorite family musical, Cats showcases feline characters from all walks of life that parallel the complexities of humans while serving as metaphors of people from different parts of society. Their stories are told through the poetry of T.S. Eliot and relationships are presented through choreography.

It is “among the most exhilarating and innovative musicals ever staged,” said performing arts supervisor Kyle Donahue, who’s coordinating the production.

“We chose Cats because it brings lots of opportunities for everybody to shine," he said. "All of the characters have a chance to enjoy the spotlight, and the entire cast is prominently involved throughout.”

No matter the venue for Cats, the show always draws raves for the costumes, makeup and the choreographer's ability to train humans to do what comes naturally to cats.

The combination of brilliant music and fantastic dancing make this a masterpiece.

“The reason Cats is one of the longest running shows on Broadway is because of the famous dancing and all the different musical styles it incorporates,” said Donahue. “The musical appeal is fantastic … there’s something for everybody.”

There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic and the mystery of Cats. It’s one of the most thrilling theatrical events to hit the stage, providing the wonders of live theater in an intimate setting.

Tickets are just $7 apiece and available at Fox Valley Park District community centers—Prisco, Eola and Vaughan. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday (Jan. 13), 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday (Jan. 14) and 2 p.m. on Sunday (Jan. 15).

For theater fans, it will create memories for life; in this case, nine lives.

Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net.