By Patricia Rettig
The seven-time Tony-Award-winning “Cats” pounces onto the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre stage as the first musical in its 2014 season.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s playful production is the second-longest running show in Broadway history and will be presented from Feb. 6 through March 30 at Beef & Boards.
“Cats” brings audiences into the poetry of T.S. Eliot, whose “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” inspired the musical about frolicking felines gathering for the Jellicle Ball. One by one, they introduce themselves in hopes of being selected by their leader, Old Deuteronomy, to be reborn into a new life with a journey to the Heavyside Layer.
Featuring spectacular dancing, amazing makeup and colorful costumes, “Cats” is an unforgettable experience in the intimate atmosphere of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre – where they are close enough to touch. Not just on stage, the frolicking creatures are in the aisle and all around, even overhead.
Kenny Shepard of Fishers reprises his role of the narrator, Munkustrap, who he has played in both of Beef & Boards’ previous productions of “Cats.” Performing for the first time at Beef & Boards are J.S. McLaughlin as Old Deuteronomy and Eileen Faxas as Grizabella, who sings the show’s famous “Memory.”
Buddy Reeder, who played the role of Mungojerrie in Beef & Boards’ debut production of “Cats” in 2004, directs the show and restages Marc Robin’s original award-winning choreography. Musical director is Terry Woods, with set design by Michael Layton.
“Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber ● Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre ● 8 p.m. Feb. 6 through March 30; additional matinee and Sundays shows at alternate times ● 9301 Michigan Road, Indianapolis ● Tickets start at $38.50 and include a dinner buffet ● For more information call 872-9664 or visit www. beefandboards.com.
