The first time I saw Cats I got frustrated/confused looking for more of a plot — but it’s really a series of captivating song-and-dance self portraits of an assortment of “Jellicle” cats (supposedly a contraction of “dear little cats” from T.S. Elliott’s poems which inspired the show.) Each cat is special in their own way, not unlike people. The idea that Elder Cat “Old Deuteronomy” will chose one cat to ascend to the “Heaviside Layer” can be adapted to whatever form of afterlife/reincarnation/redemption you like.
Knowing not to fret over plot allowed me to relax and be charmed and amazed by these performers who were spectacular in every way. it’s all music and dance, predictably cat-like but also varied and surprising, creating magical stage pictures in the spooky junkyard set with fabulous costumes and lighting effects. The live orchestra was continual and so was the amazing choreography. The soaring Andrew Lloyd Weber music lifts us all to that “heaviside layer.”
Note that Wharton center is now requiring the audience not only to wear masks throughout, but also present vaccination cards or negative COVID test results within 72 hours, along with photo i.d. Kids 11 and under skip these requirements but must be accompanied by a compliant adult.
CATS continues at Wharton Center’s Great Hall through January 9. Get tickets at http://whartoncenter.com