CATS - By TheatreBits at The Regal

Thu, 12 Apr 2007, 07:36 pm

Tari-Xalyr33 posts in thread

I went last night (April 11th) to see CATS at the Regal. And all n’ all. It was an enjoyable night. I have some honourable mentions and some not so honourable. Some possible advice and my opinion in general. Firstly congratulations to all involved. It’s a challenge to put on any show but one with such an expectation attached to it. You all did a great job. Secondly. Honourable mentions to - Griddle bone & Jellylorum - Emma Shaw - you’re voice is amazing. - Victoria - Taihla Saunders - Flexible, spineless and beautiful. - Rum Tum Tugger - David Bowyer - Brilliant stage presence and by the looks of things quite comfortable in lycra. Lol. - Growl tiger - Daniel Burton - Loved Growltiger. He was very well done. - Macavity - Cassandra McNamara - wow. Lol. that’s all I can say. I don’t think you got the applause you deserved last night and I tip my hat to you. An honourable mention also to the company - those cats who didn’t get an individual song, etc, you were a brilliant support. My particular fav’s were Aurora - Shelleyt Weir - and Chloe - Danielle Carter. A piece of advice, Mungojerrie from last night (not sure which girl it was.) Your voice was rather strained - and thus I am assuming it was put on and is not your natural singing voice. Perhaps try and sing the role in your “normal” singing voice. Audiences are not ignorant and if they are willing will believe that you are playing a male cat even if the voice doesn’t sound “masculine.” Munkustrap, - Ryan Taaffe - you looked a bit uncomfortable. Not sure what it was, though. Also if you noticed or not - there was one particular area of the stage that whenever you stood there your voice disappeared - interference with the mics or something which was a pity. Jemima - whose name I’ve lost appologies - you seemed out of your comfort zone with some of those high notes which was a shame for those solo’s because they are beautifully composed. I’ve spoken at length with the Techies about my opinion and with what they had to work with - and the problems with frequency from phones etc - they did an amazing job. And Richard I’m not just being nice. I’m being honest. Smooth over those few glitches in the first act and it’ll be perfect. The orchestra/band (whichever you prefer) were briliant but at times - for example when the company sang The Jellicle Song - the music over powered and drowned out the performers. Perhaps fiddle with volume a bit. An honourable mention to Jessica Andrews on Clarinet (I’m a sucker for that instrument) - beautiful and full bodied are those little solo’s in CATS for the clarinet. Craig Dalton - the conductor - I tip my hat to you. Well done. Overall the music was wonderful and it was nice to hear a live orchestra/band rather then listening to tin cans rattling about. To the costume/make-up and set designers. Congratulations on a job beautifully done. I loved the wigs - which were creatively and effectively done. Although I would attack Grizabella’s coat with some paint and scissors. It looked brand new instead of “tattered and stained with sand”. I loved Macavity’s costume in particular, the colours were amazing. My favourite two scenes - overall - was Gus: The Theatre Cat and Growltiger’s Last Stand. David Gostlow was brilliant and I easily loved the character. And Daniel Burton - mentioned above - your Growltiger was fun to watch - he was quite comical at times. I previously hadn’t been a fan of those two scenes but now I am. Lol. So congrats. Although I admit overall the second act was better then the first act - but I have always preferred the second act to the first anyway. The combination of songs seems to work better - well in my opinion anyway. Congratulations again to all involved. I tip my hat to you all. ~ Tari

Thread (33 posts)

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Tari-XalyrThu, 12 Apr 2007, 07:36 pm

Walter PlingeFri, 13 Apr 2007, 10:15 am

CATS

Thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed. How does one look comfortable in lycra...would appreciate an explanation of how it is that i am looking uncomfortable. Thanks heaps Ryan

Tari-XalyrSun, 15 Apr 2007, 08:33 pm

Lycra

I honestly dont know Ryan but you did look uncomfortable at times - not often but when you did it was noticeable. Maybe it was just me. But yes, I can see how getting comfortable in lycra suits would be hard. I don't think I could do it myself. ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

RichardLOZMon, 16 Apr 2007, 06:25 pm

Tari Thanks for a well

Tari Thanks for a well thought out and balanced review of the show. You have mentioned both the good and the not so good which is what a review is all about. I find it very interesting that the naysayers who had nothing to do but critisise the show and carry on about ticket prices are all of a sudden very quiet. They wont spend their money to buy a ticket to god forbid actually go and see the show but hence they did carry on. All I can say is that if they do want to give a balanced viewpoint about what they think of the show, they had better run and get a ticket quick smart before they all go. Interesting how now that the show has proven itself to be well done and is looking at a highly successful season those that wanted to do nothing but sledge it are now extremely quiet. What can I say....nothing actually as I will let the show speak for itself. Cheers Richard

Tari-XalyrMon, 16 Apr 2007, 06:58 pm

Thanks

Thanks Richard. Like I said I try and give a balanced and honest review. If people don't like what they hear - I welcome their opinion and arguments to my viewpoint. Yes these people have suddenly vanished into the silence of the abyss. lol. ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

Walter PlingeMon, 16 Apr 2007, 07:36 pm

The people that complained

The people that complained about ticket prices simply just didn't show up. They voted with their feet, that's all.

RichardLOZMon, 16 Apr 2007, 07:42 pm

Ahh another anonymous

Ahh another anonymous critic. Isnt life wonderful? Guess they didnt want to be embarrased by being wrong about their predictions. Its ok though, we dont need them there taking up good seats that people who can genuinly appreciate and enjoy the show would like to obtain. Their loss I guess, no skin off my nose. Cheers Richard

Tari-XalyrTue, 17 Apr 2007, 12:58 pm

No need

Richard, I understand the frustration and annnoyance some anonymous people cause but please don't attack here. It's just a review people are entitled to say what they please - to an extent. ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

RichardLOZTue, 17 Apr 2007, 01:04 pm

Tari It wasnt so much an

Tari It wasnt so much an attack as a statement, but point taken. I will get back in my box and behave :) Cheers Richard

Tari-XalyrTue, 17 Apr 2007, 01:38 pm

Thank you

Thank you Richard. Now be a good boy and run along and play nicely with the other children. . .lol. The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

Neville TalbotTue, 17 Apr 2007, 11:58 pm

not anonymous

I dislike this show, pro or amateur. I have voted by not spending my money. Mr Richard, if you are in the habit of spending your hard-earned on going to things you think you'd not like simply to prove a point one way or the other, you are either very rich, very mad, or simply nothing like most other people. Congrats to those doing the show, I don't think I ever implied it would be awful, just that I could not understand why people would spend big money on this particular show, and that it had not been clearly signposted as an amateur production. I also stated that being pro does not necessarily guarantee quality either. That's another discussion. In fairness to us 'quiet ones' we suggested tech issues might not be done to the best- all the reviews I've read have mentioned problems with sound. We also suggested the public might be unaware of the amateur status of the cast- this appears to have been borne out in several reviews/statements. I also think that every review has confirmed my major potential issue with this particular production- that being that as an amateur show it would be inconsistent. If I pay big money to a show that I think is pro, I expect EVERY role and character to be exceptional. This is not me having a go at any performance, I haven't seen the show after all, but the reviews posted thus far indicate this may have been an issue. and anyone who has been on this site for more than a week would know my position on producers making money on a show while it's cast and crew are not... As questioned previously- if you can't do your amateur/community production for a fair ticket price, should you be doing that particular production in that particular venue? I still believe not, and no amount of positive reviews will change my position on this. $41.20 was the cheapest ticket possible for me, and that is not cheap (or fair) in any version of the universe. Again, big congrats to all involved with the show, and may it lead you to bigger and better things. Neville It's the simple things stupid...

Walter PlingeWed, 18 Apr 2007, 08:50 am

Loved it!

Fantastic work everyone! I saw this show last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Like Neville, I'm not the biggest fan of this show, but the energy of the performers, the fantastic choreography, and the all-round smooth running of the show really captivated me. Like Tari-Xaylr, I agree- across the board not everyone was very strong vocally, although I think the majority of the the soloists sang beautifully. The energy coming from the stage more than made up for any shaky voices though. As I said, I LOVED the choreography! There are some amazing acrobats in the cast, it was very exciting to see. I also loved the general tightness of the show. Everything ran smoothly and quickly- there were no lapses of memory from what I could see, and the timing of the chorry seemed spot on. So once again, congraulations everyone, and good luck for the rest of the run. Everyone make an effort to come and see this show, it's a great night out at the theatre.

TumbleweedWed, 25 Apr 2007, 02:08 am

In the bar last night!

Hey i worked the bar two nights of the run of CATS and as much as its not my fave musical i was totally distracted by the great vocal talent of the cast... never saw this show in vision but had an interesting opportunity to listen through the curtains.. WOW is all i gotta say.. a lot of the patrons were UK tourists and i guess that is what they expect to do for a night out... but let me tell you..... in the definition of amature/pro, wether it be about what you get paid, about the cause of local/professional theatre, about the rights of actors... i heard a cast of brilliant actor singer dancers creating a recording of CATS that would put the original london cast to shame! and probably having the best time of their lives... dont dull the magic with law... let us perform.... because its what we love..... and thats why sometimes, we do it for free....

Neville TalbotThu, 26 Apr 2007, 05:18 pm

I love it too!

Tumbleweed- I too love what I do. I also like to think that I'm pretty darn good at it. I've spent large amounts of cash and time getting to that stage. and the people who come to my shows pay their money for tickets to watch this long term work being put into action. I suspect most of them think that at least some of that cash goes to me?! (Isn't that why so many in the public think acting is a rich-man's game?!) So at what point do I start saying, "It would be nice to be paid for this?!" I have no probs with young people starting out, doing some freebies and getting experience. The problem is that it simply never stops. There are always kids coming through who will do it for nothing, and the 'professional' gets screwed. There is no 'sometimes' when it comes to doing it for free... Not in this town anyways. Does anyone out there think that maybe someone who has devoted their life and dollars to developing a trade has a right to make money from it, especially when the producers, directors, venues and others are??? Not dulling the magic- just giving it the chance to actually live, breathe and pay the bills Neville It's the simple things stupid...

Tari-XalyrThu, 26 Apr 2007, 05:34 pm

Please

Hi Neville, You've raised some interesting points for discussion but can you please discuss them elsewhere. This is just a review and these topics appear to me as wider then this thread allows. Maybe put them in another thread or forum? ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

drueThu, 26 Apr 2007, 07:14 pm

let's be honest...

firstly it's lovely to hear that you enjoyed the show...but honestly! "i heard a cast of brilliant actor singer dancers creating a recording of CATS that would put the original london cast to shame!" i heard and saw the show and that comment is absolutely ridiculous, yes there were some stand-out performances but the original cast recording is wonderful (i actually own it as i'm sure many of you do) and once you looked past the stand-outs (vocally i'd say there were two) there was quite obvious fault... again i'm glad that you enjoyed the show but keep things in perspective, just because a show is deemed as amateur or pro/am should we really lower our standards and still compare these with proffessional world class show. I think not!

Neville TalbotFri, 27 Apr 2007, 09:34 pm

just following

just following the forum where it went... thought that tumbleweed's comments needed to be debated- this is the point of a forum/discussion? I don't believe it's necessary to start a new forum to debate issues raised inside it. This is an issue being discussed elsewhere... and I think it should be being discussed in more places too! :-) Neville It's the simple things stupid...

Walter PlingeSat, 28 Apr 2007, 04:31 am

you should

You should see the show before commenting or dont comment at all Neville. This production regardless of its amature classing is very entertaining. $41.20 a ticket not expensive at all. If you think that's expensive i take it you don't get out all that much (checked the price of movie ticket, or a ticket to the footy and other sports events, music concerts or sometimes just to get into a night club lately). As far as the show bieng inconsistent I have seen it twice once at Mandurah once at the Regal and yes there seemed to be technical issue's with the mics' on some performers at the Regal but does that come down to the budget on the equipment & technician hired for the show. Some people refuse to pay the very fair cost now so how do you put more money into it without the tickets going up. enough of a moan I would like to say that the show was very entertaining, GREAT choreography well done Fiona hope to see more from you David & Ryan and the rest of the cast well done you should be proud !

Walter PlingeSun, 29 Apr 2007, 02:43 pm

cats

I managed to see cats 4 times twice at mandurah and twice at the regal and thouroughly enjoyed each show congratulations to the cast on such a fantastic performance this was a show put on by amateur performers who put in many hours of hard work for 3 months giving up many hours of there own time people need to remember that a lot of the cast were very young performers who still attend school if theatre bits can put on such a great performance with so many youngsters I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT THE PRODUCTION WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE IF THE CAST WERE ALL OVER 18 YEARS WOW well done to each and everyone of you Bob Ryan and Fiona congratulations on stageing a wonderful performance.

NaSun, 29 Apr 2007, 08:58 pm

People need to remember

People need to remember punctuation... that was so hard to read. The Prompt Copy Store www.store.thepromptcopy.com Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.freewebs.com/puppetsinmelbourne Treading the Boards www.treadingtheboards.thepromptcopy.com

Neville TalbotWed, 2 May 2007, 10:35 am

I didn't...

comment on the show itself. As I have said in my own posting- I haven't seen it, can't comment. However, based on virtually all the reviews I have read the show was inconsistent. My issue isn't that it wasn't a good show, or a fun show, or that people went to see it twice, or dozens of times. I rather think that it was likely very good. But not consistently good across ALL the aspects of the show, and I for one don't think that people should pay pro ticket prices unless the ENTIRE production is pro. This is not aimed necessarily at any performer, because to be honest, they're often as good as any pro company. $41.20 is not expensive for the cheapest ticket?! Obviously the trucker is not getting out much themself. I've just done a quick check- I can get cheaper tickets to WASO, PTC, Musica Viva...that was with 1 minute checking. Even the WA Opera (prob about the MOST expensive company per production in town) has C reserve for $35 for this year's productions. These are all fully professional companies, with everyone on and off stage being paid. let alone the dozens of other non-pro theatre productions where I can get a couple of tix for $40. and re your costs- movie-under $10, footy, i think I got in for about $25 last season, night club- haven't been in a 'few' years now. personally, I am more happy having a free drink in a pub and watching a live band. I feel like a broken record- comparing an amateur show done by kids who are no getting paid to a large music concert (e.g. I'm sure I couldn't have seen Robbie Williams for $40!) or the footy (22 players per team getting paid thousands each just for the game, let alone all the other expenses) is illogical. you simply can't. They aren't the same or comparable. and unfortunately you reinforced my concerns about the technical inconsistency of the show by your own admittance that there were technical issues. Do I need to repeat myself? you aren't paying the performers, so maybe you could at least spend some money getting the microphones right... and please- can I make it clear in case it isn't already abundantly so- this is not me having a personal go at anyone on or offstage with this show. Really. There is no attack on any young talented (or even untalented!) kids here. I am merely commenting on the morality of ticket pricing in the real world. I think this one was too much, and all the reviews seem to have confirmed any concerns I had previously raised. Sorry- I had promised myself (and Tari) that I'd leave this forum to the reviewers now... oops Neville It's the simple things stupid...

Walter PlingeWed, 2 May 2007, 01:28 pm

CATS

I saw the performance of 28th April, loved it, and wonderful evening, thank you so much to everyone involved. I saw the original in London many, many years ago, and also saw the performance under the black tent down by the foreshore. Given that the Regal is not in the same league as the other two venues, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The cast seemed to really enjoy themselves, and that is important, it transcends the feeling to the audience. As for the tickets being too expensive - POOH! There must be some tightwads about.

Julian GoncalvesSun, 8 July 2007, 09:10 pm

I too cannot comment on the

I too cannot comment on the 'show itself' as I didnt watch it, although I did hear from a few of my friends in the cast, and some of my friends who went and watched the show. By all accounts of what my friends have stated, there was no indication that the show was amatuer. This should have been stated- as it gives the wrong impression. It is funny to note that 'Wanneroo Rep' changes it name to something else, and performs at a 'high quality' theatre, charging big bucks for a show that isn't professional. From the accounts I have heard, many of the people were disappointed as they thought it was a professional show, and that they didn't get their moneys worth. I agree 100% with Neville. In perth, it is sad to see, that the 'professional' community in regards to performing is getting screwed on, as an amatuer or community theatre gets the rights to do a show (Cats, Evita, Miss Saigon whatever...) and what happens is- the "GENERAL community" thinks 'oh look- this is being done at the REGAL- IT MUST BE REALLY GOOD , and with Cats- the VERY EXPENSIVE prices would make one "ASSUME" that the show was a professional one. So anyways- the end result- the professional company decides to go to Perth, and what happens....they dont do well, as the "GENERAL public" think- 'I've seen this before...was/wasn't that good...theres no point watching it again- not knowing that there can be a HUGE difference between the quality of the cast and performance. for the record- cat's was overpriced...an awful lot overpriced- and for a community theatre...(upon which the cast didnt get paid)someone must be taking that money home each night. I do not know any other community theatre company that charges that much money, and when u have a look at the average price of a professional/semi professional show- it really puts a light on to the issue(s) and problems WA faces. Some of the people I know who did CATS, told me the whole process of putting the show, was extremely unprofessional and there were many things that pissed people off. I am not attacking the performers or anything, as we as performers need somewhere to grow, and to be able to hone our skills and develop. The issues I am presenting are more the managerial and technical elements which should be addressed, and how it is having a negative effect on theatre in WA, and other parts of Australia. What does one do- I think that a logo should be created, which states a show it professional or not, and that production must fit all the criteria for it to warrant that logo- otherwise it must clearly state, [perhaps also with a logo] that it is an AMATUER production. I think this is seriously needed and needs to be looked at further. That is all I have to say this cold evening....

calMon, 9 July 2007, 07:08 pm

DEF CAN'T COMMENT ON THE SHOW. BUT.....

I would be interested to know how much money was spent on the venue, costumes, set, lighting design, sound and sound design, advertising, staff for the venue, royalties, makeup, orchestra, director(if paid), musical director(if paid), choreographer(if paid) which may in turn explain the price of the ticket? Just playing devils advocate here.

LogosMon, 9 July 2007, 07:41 pm

Hasn't this been done to

Hasn't this been done to death. This was months ago. Let it go. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Walter PlingeTue, 10 July 2007, 10:02 am

To those who are so

To those who are so interested in the ticket price issue nearly 2 months on - the basic story - the director didn't know that tickets would sell as well as they did, and due to the enormous cost of the production, he bumped the prices up thinking sales would be bad. Turns out word got around about and it sold well and he got a good profit out of it, none of which myself or any other cast members would have benefited from as it was an amateur show. Yeah, the tickets were overpriced and it's embarrassing for me now to look back on this error of judgement on the director's part. From a paying audiences' perspective, it was too much. I only did the show because I love the musical, and I have no regrets. But it was too much money. There now, let's all let this one go.

Walter PlingeTue, 10 July 2007, 12:48 pm

Yes, let's all let it go

Yes, let's all let it go and let the director have his big fat profit.

Walter PlingeTue, 10 July 2007, 05:56 pm

Wanneroo Rep

Julian Goncalves, you state; It is funny to note that 'Wanneroo Rep' changes it name to something else, and performs at a 'high quality' theatre, charging big bucks for a show that isn't professional. Let me assure you that Wanneroo Repertory Inc had nothing whatsoever to do with Theatrebits Production of Cats. Some members of the cast and crew have in the past been involved with productions by Wanneroo Rep at the Limelight Theatre, but let me repeat that Wanneroo Repertory had and has no interest in Theatrebits.

Walter PlingeThu, 19 July 2007, 12:44 am

Oh Julian!!

Rule one - One must do some research and get their facts straight before launching into someone or a group. As already stated in a previous comment Wanneroo Rep had absolutely no hand in putting the production of Cats on at the Regal. They had their own shows to worry about!! Rule Two - see rule one! Just because a show may be a higher profile show and may or may not make the producer (whether it be a community group or private business person) some money doesn't mean they can't do it! Rights are available for both amateur and professional unless stated by the holder of the rights and I don't think that allowing a community group to put on a show, like a Les Mis for example, would destroy a professional companies financial ambitions or limit the professional actor in Perth from doing the show or stop the average punter from going to see the professional show. I do agree though that it is very naughty to charge expensive prices for what was essentially an amateur production and not advertise the fact that it is an amateur production. Be careful though Julian because one day Theatrebits may be putting on shows (where everyone gets paid!!) and suddenly there's an opportunity for a struggling Perth actor to strut his stuff but those in charge have long memories. I have no doubt though that you will have moved on to greener pastures by then Julian. Oh, and for the record, I didn't see the production of Cats. I too had friends in the cast & crew but I personally can't stand the show. I don't know I think it might be something to do with a dislike for felines and men in lycra.

Walter PlingeWed, 25 July 2007, 09:41 am

Who cares

I am an ordinary member of the public with absolutely nothing to do with theatre in any way shape or form. As I said I found the perfomance wonderful. Frankly, my dears, I don't care if its 'professional' or not, if I enjoyed it. I don't care about the price of tickets. I've seen so called 'professional' performances that have been abismal, and paid an arm and a leg for the 'pleasure'. I have tickets for Oliver - I don't know if this is 'professional' or not. If it's amateur then I hope its the same cast as for Cats, and all you bitchy sad saps can have another moan!!!!!!

RichardLOZWed, 25 July 2007, 10:45 am

Well said! The ticket price

Well said! The ticket price is really not all that relevant in my opinion. If you want to see the show and are prepared to pay the asking price and you go and enjoy it, then it is money well spent. If you dont enjoy it well that may be another matter. Lets face reality though. For a "professional" production to come here and stage the show I would imagine that the best seats would be in the realms of $150 - $200 a ticket. Just look at the ticket prices for the pro shows in Melbourne and Sydney and then consider how far away Perth is for these shows to have to come to do the same thing for Perth. Just to answer your other question I believe that Deuteronomy from Cats is also in Oliver, not sure if any of the other cast is also likely to be in there. Regards Richard PS. COnsidering how long ago this show was on, and the fact that this discussion has been totallly done to death maybe its time that everyone stepped back and chilled a little :)

Walter PlingeWed, 25 July 2007, 11:02 am

Yes, this topic has been

Yes, this topic has been done to death. Maybe you should take your own advice Richard....

Tari-XalyrWed, 25 July 2007, 02:35 pm

okay enough

Okay enough children. Please. Richard is right. If I realised my review would cause this much problem I simply would not have posted it. ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

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