The iconic 80s musical CATS marked a significant milestone on Thursday night, celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Australian tour with a spectacular opening at Crown Theatre Perth.
A Night of Glamour and Feline Fantasy
Excitement filled the theatre foyer as fans, many dressed up for the occasion and some even wearing cat ears, eagerly anticipated seeing the beloved production's popular songs come alive on stage. The evening attracted a host of famous faces, including Stephen Gray & Julie Bishop, Billie and Peter Rowsthorn, and Sonali Fernando, who were all spotted among the excited crowd.
Step Into the Junkyard World of 'Cattitude'
The current season at Crown Theatre Perth invites audiences to fully immerse themselves in the junkyard-set fantasy world, a production first known for its 'cattitude' that originally captivated theatregoers back in 1981. The show is renowned for its timeless musical score and challenging dance numbers, all based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats poems.
The Ultimate Showstopper: Memory
While CATS is rightly considered a full ensemble production, a particular highlight is the performance by Gabriyel Thomas as Grizabella. Her rendition of the musical's iconic song, Memory, reaches goosebump-inducing heights and serves as the ultimate showstopper of the night, portraying the story of the former glamour cat who finds herself ostracised by the others.
The West Australian has published a four-star review of the production, cementing its status as a must-see theatrical event during its anniversary run in Perth.
