It’s not often your mum is your director in a musical – but for Paige and Matt Henderson, it’s second nature.

Their mother, Toni Henderson, is the founder of the Stage Right Charitable Trust, which is bringing ‘Cats – The Musical’ to Baycourt from June 15-22.

“I’ve done so many musicals with Mum, it would actually be weird not to have her as the director,” says Paige.

“I’m in the chorus of ‘Cats’, but I’ve worked with Mum as the choreographer in the past too.”

Paige says when they’re in rehearsals they just get on with it.

“She does her thing and I do mine. We have good banter and I like to have a laugh or two. Mum gives as good as she gets, though.”

Family business

Musical theatre is a family business for the Hendersons, with Matt playing the lead role of Munkustrap in ‘Cats’.

“I remember helping Mum with lighting when ‘Cats’ was last at Baycourt in 2009,” says Matt.

“I was only 11. Now, after 15 years of singing, dancing and acting, I’m ready to put my all into the character of Munkustrap.”

Matt says as the second-in-comand of the Jellicle cats, the role has got some great songs to sink his teeth into.

Toni’s husband, Dale Henderson, is also part of the ‘Cats’ family. He works at Baycourt as a technical and operations manager, so is in charge of the lighting, staging and sound for the musical. Plus, he helps out by building the sets in his spare time.

“My wife has the vision and I help bring that to life,” says Dale.

“We’re a good team and the kids have luckily all wanted to be involved over the years too.”

Dale also worked on the 2009 ‘Cats’ show with the rest of the family.

“Toni was the production manager, Paige was on props and our eldest daughter Kelsey was in the chorus. So we know the show well and are enjoying bringing it into this day and age.”

A shared passion

Toni is quick to point out the obvious.

“We mainly get along well together, but we also have our ups and downs. Because we have a shared passion for the theatre, we tend to work things out quickly ... sometimes because we have no choice!”

Cats is one of the best-selling musicals of all time, thanks to the music created by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber which is based on TS Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’.

‘Cats – The Musical’ will be performed by a local cast of 40 and a 16-piece orchestra.

“‘Cats’ is a bit special for us as a family and also for this community,” says Toni.

“It captures people’s imagination and takes you into a wonderous place of entertainment. As it’s for all ages, it’s a great show to bring the whole family to.

“We look forward to bringing this to the stage for all generations to enjoy and be inspired by.”

Purchase tickets at: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/cats-the-musical/tauranga/tickets