This week the Addison Theatre at Baycourt in Tauranga is coming alive with the enchanting magic of "CATS the Musical," produced by Toni Henderson and Stage Right Threatre Trust. 

The show opened on Saturday night to a sold-out crowd that included sponsors and supporters.

The production surpassed expectations, with a dazzling display of talent, creativity, and heartfelt performance, leaving the audience thoroughly captivated from start to finish.

CATS is a musical for those who love spectacle. It's nostalgic for those of us who have seen the show before, and a treat for those who haven't. 

When the musical first hit the stage in 1982, the concept of an entire show driven by song and dance numbers was relatively new and clearly captivated audiences. Cats ran for 20 years in London's West End and is one of the world's most beloved musicals.

George Hiku as Rum Tum Tugger. Photo: Alisha Taylor.

The choreography is incredible and well executed distracting the audience from the lack of an overall plot. This probably stems from the fact the entire two-hour show is based on the 1939 poetry collection ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’ by T.S. Eliot.

Although the poems, music and dance are the main focus rather than a traditional narrative structure, the musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make the "Jellicle choice" by deciding which cat will ascend to the ‘Heaviside Layer’ and come back to a new life. The bulk of the musical consists of the different contenders being introduced, either by themselves or by other cats.

Key story moments in the show are scenes centred on Grizabella, an elderly cat cast aside by the other felines of the tribe. Portrayed with haunting beauty and emotional depth by Amy Lewin, Grizabella’s signature solo, “Memory,” is the show’s main clear plot point as she reminisces about her days as a youthful, jubilant Jellicle.

Amy Lewin as Grizabella and Brendon Weatherley as Old Deuteronomy. Photo: Alisha Taylor.

Behind the scenes, Grizabella is supported in her ascension to the 'Heaviside Layer' by clever hydraulics from specialist Bruce Andrew, and the fly crew - Paul Le Marquand, Kees Fransen and Charlie Clayton - whisking her gently away.

A local teacher, Amy has performed in many musicals in Tauranga including CATS 15 years ago when it was staged in 2009 at Baycourt. She says this is her dream role.

“Singing the most well-known song “Memory” made famous by my role model Elaine Paige, has been on my bucket list,” says Amy.

Any’s rendition of "Memory" was a poignant moment that resonated deeply with the audience, with the show earning a well-deserved standing ovation at the end from many in the audience.

Kittens. Photo: Supplied.

As well as Amy, the show's success on Saturday night was driven by a stellar cast that brought Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved characters to life with vigour and authenticity. 

Each performer demonstrated exceptional vocal prowess and precise choreography, making iconic numbers like "Memory" and "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" truly unforgettable. 

The energy on stage was palpable, with the ensemble delivering intricate dance sequences that were both visually stunning and emotionally engaging.

Some behind-the-scenes “fun facts”

Leads Kaitlin Spedding as Bombalarina, Remma Mcardle as Demeter, and Abbie Buskirk as Jellylorum all performed in CATS show as youngsters. Their harmonies are flawless and strong and they bring a high level of professionalism to their roles.

Carlie Crone, who plays Jennyanydots in the tap number, and Emily Bodman, who plays the lead of Jemima and sings ‘Memory’ with Amy, have both performed in CATS before.

“You can see the experience of doing it before, gives them another layer of extending the performance even further. Amazing!” says first time CATS- performer Sarah Webb, who plays Garbo.

Mr Mistofelees - John Tetley Jones. John also plays Macavity. Photo: Alisha Taylor.

Equally impressive is the portrayal of Rum Tum Tugger, whose charismatic and playful presence adds a delightful layer of fun to the show.

Talented Māori performer and one-to-watch George Hiku, who plays the lead role of Rum Tum Tugger, is in between professional shows of ‘Madagascar the Musical’ which is touring New Zealand.

Matt Henderson who plays the lead role of Munkustrap is also in "Madagascar The Musical” with George, and is another stand out performer in CATS.

The two thieves are played by Amy van Leeuwen in the lead role of Rumpleteazer and Jacob West in the lead role of Mungojerrie. Both Amy and Jacob both competed at the NZ Young Performer of the Year Awards in October in Palmerston North. 

Matthew Karton who plays the lead role of Skimbleshanks is performing beautifully despite a serious toe injury. He is also a small aeroplane pilot.

Sean Embling is playing the lead role of Bustopher Jones, while his wife plays the keyboards in the show. 

Matt Henderson as Munkustrap and Kelsey Andrew as Victoria. Photo: Alisha Taylor.

The family-strong aspect continues too with director/producer Toni Henderson, joined by husband Dale as technical director, and two of their three children Paige Henderson as Isis and Matt Henderson playing the lead role of Munkustrap. At the last 'CATS the Musical' staged at Baycourt in 2009, Matt, then aged 12, was a lighting operator and Paige, also aged 12, was on props.

Brendan Weatherley, whose voice is like a warm embrace, plays the lead role of Old Deuteronomy. He married another cast member, Laura Weatherley earlier this year. He’s a local teacher and she’s a bank manager. The programme also lists Delwyn Weatherley as Green Room Manager, and Rob Weatherley as one of the two assistant stage managers.

Kelsey Andrew who plays the lead role of Victoria, is also the choreographer. Her dancing is stunning. To balance both roles would be challenging, but she’s done it magnificently with the choreography at times leaving the audience breathless.

Superb choreography. Photo: Alisha Taylor.

From the start when a cat spirals down unravelling from a long piece of fabric onto the stage below, to the tap dancing, high kicks, leaps and cat antics turned into dance, the well-rehearsed and coordinate display of movement around the stage is mesmerising.

A stand out dancer is John Tetley-Jones who plays the lead role of Mr Mistofelees, A former student of KJ Studios, John is a professional dancer who has just finished a season of performing on cruise ships.

Chris Grange who plays the lead role of Gus - short for Asparagus - is 67. He played the same role in CATS 15 years ago at Baycourt.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this cast,” says Chris. “I’m thoroughly enjoying it and playing this wonderful role again.”

Father and son Rick and Rhys Hopcroft. Photo: Alisha Taylor.

Father and son Rick and Rhys Hopcroft are both in the cast. Rhys at 13 is one the youngest cast members.

“I’m so proud of Rhys and how much he’s learnt during this show, says dad Rick.

“It’s been great to spend so much time with him on and off stage together."

“Inclusivity is an important part of what we do at the Stage Right Charitable Trust,” says Toni.

“It’s not about having the perfect show, but having diversity. We have cast where all ages, sizes and ethnicities are supported. We’re putting the community in community theatre."

The creative team behind this CATS production deserves immense praise. The set design by Ben Hambling effectively transformed the stage into a whimsical junkyard, complete with atmospheric lighting that enhanced the mystical aura of the evening.

The lighting, sound quality, and drifting Moon and clouds across the back of the stage added to the overall ‘wow’ factor, with the creativity and technical expertise of Dale Henderson, Kees Fransen, Jordan Bailey, and Gareth Wallis being clearly well utilised.

Cats climbed out of a filing cabinet, crawled out of stormwater pipes and pounced off a chair - with these items giant size on stage to reflect the proportional size of a cat.

Dale Henderson on the barbecue being created for the set of CATS. Photo: Supplied.

The set has been built from scratch by the Stage Right Trust with Dale Henderson at the helm, and one of the builders, John Geor, is in his 80s.

Toni’s mum Trina Hughes is also in her 80s and has helped make the costumes.

The costumes, wigs and makeup were another standout aspect, intricately designed and coloured to capture the essence of each feline character, from the sleek and mysterious Macavity to the charming and nimble Mistoffelees.

Marlise Hughes did an excellent job with costume and wig design, aided by a team of around 12 people who completed the wardrobes for the show including painting the costumes. Paula Baxter and her make up team of Frith Mudge and Shy Eruiti did a superb job colouring the cats to match their costumes.

The crew for CATS the musical. Photo: Alisha Taylor.

Under Toni Henderson's meticulous direction, the pacing of the musical was flawless, seamlessly transitioning from moments of high energy to those of quiet introspection.

Musical director Elisabeth Hanna has done an outstanding job of coaching the leads to another level of singing. She has also taught the chorus the wonderful harmonies and shaping that really gives the show depth and roundness.

The 16-piece live orchestra, led by talented musical director and conductor Hiro Kobayashi, provided a rich and dynamic accompaniment that perfectly complemented the on-stage action.

Stage Right's production of "CATS" is a testament to the incredible talent present in Tauranga's theatre and music community. It was clear that every member of the cast, crew and band poured their heart and soul into the performance, resulting in a show that was both professionally polished and emotionally resonant.

In conclusion, the opening night of "CATS the Musical" at Baycourt Theatre was a resounding success. A joyous celebration of theatre, music, and dance leaving the audience eager for more despite the more than two hours length of the show.

Whether you're a long-time fan of "CATS" or experiencing it for the first time, this production is not to be missed. Congratulations to Toni Henderson and the entire Stage Right team for delivering a truly memorable and magical evening.

CATS the Musical is on at Baycourt from June 15-22.