Cats (1999)

I've very rarely watched musicals, but Cats is one I've wanted to see for some time, if only out of curiosity. I mean, anthropomorphic cats singing and dancing.I was not disappointed. In fact, I underestimated the musical badly. The performers' are incredible in a purely physical sense, the moves, maneuvers, routines, dances, gymnastics, acrobatics, it's almost too much to take in. All of the performers are incredibly skilled, and many move about on all fours much of the time, their movements emulating actual felines.The songs and music are also mind-blowing. My favorite being 'Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer' as the duo sing, dance, perform cartwheels while holding each other and perform cheeky comedy as they brag about their mischievous activities. 'Gus, The Theatre Cat', on the other hand, featured no dancing, as Sir John Mills was far too elderly to do so, but relied on emotional impact, bringing tears to my eyes as he sang of his glory days on the stage, taken from him by advanced age. All of the songs are in different styles and different genres, and all are excellent.The characters.It's hard to begin, with so much talent, so I will start with my favorite cat. Pouncival, portrayed by Karl Morgan. For a background 'chorus kitten' Pouncival has loads of charisma and is involved in almost every song routine except 'Macavity,The Mystery Cat' and 'Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer'. He has only one half of a line solo 'merry and bright.', but my eyes were on him throughout almost every scene, He's mischievous, clumsy, a 'knockabout cat', always trying to emulate the older Toms with usually comical results. He's expressive, excitable and childish, though he can be mature when the situation calls for it. Whether trying to outdo the other Toms for a Queen's affections or simply goofing off, he's impossible to ignore. The scenes where he's playing a (very) small Pollicle are some of the most memorable, trying doggedly to swing at his 'enemy' Munkustrap, who he just can't seem to reach while the latter is holding him back with one palm by his shoebox mask. He's an excellent dancer and acrobat as well, he had to be, as understudy for Mister Mistoffelees. His design, while not as flashy as Alonzo or Rum Tum Tugger, was one of the best, in my opinion.Now, my second favorites. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Drew Varley and Jo Gibb. The two orange tabby thieves, cat burglars in the truest sense. Cheeky, immature mischief makers, lovable rogues, 'tightrope walkers and acrobats', they perform the greatest routine in the show, with their Cockney accents, exuberance, acrobatic and vocal skills. Part of their routine was unfortunately cut for time, but it was recorded, so hopefully one day an extended version will be released with all of those cut scenes. They remain for the rest of the show, Rumpleteazer fawns over Tugger, Mungojerrie tries to help fight Macavity, and, of course, they continue to sing, dance and show off their considerable skills.Quaxo/Mister Mistoffelees, it's hard to imagine Cats without The Magical Mister Mistoffelees, portrayed by Jacob Brent. His dance routine is said to be the most complicated of any of the performers, and he pulls it off well, mixing youthful naivete with his magical prowess. He's much like a kitten himself, and his actions often reflect that, hiding behind Old Deuteronomy when he thinks Macavity is near, playfully grabbing Bustopher Jones' tail... Another lovable character.Alonzo, Jason Gardiner, had a design that was absolutely beautiful. White with black patches around one eye and one corner of his mouth, with black stripes in his hair and body, he stood out immediately among the Jellicles. His role was mainly seductive, from what I took away, anyway, showing off, wooing various Queens, much to Pouncival's jealousy, but he was also a fighter, saving Demeter from Macavity and fighting him himself, but being easily taken down. And, of course, an excellent dancer and singer, as all of the cast.Jemima, Veerle Casteleyn, was the wide-eyed, innocent kitten who felt sympathy for the scorned and shunned Grizabella. She matched Elaine Paige's rendition of 'Memory' beautifully, and her movements are always graceful.Macavity, Bryn Walters, who also played Plato, was a mainly unseen menace until he arrived in all his evil glory. A terrifying villain, beautifully designed to be monstrous yet obviously feline. Mysterious, yet clearly ill-intentioned. A Fiend in Feline Shape. The character of Plato was also well done, his dance with Victoria was both beautiful and passionate, and he appears often with Pouncival and Tumblebrutus, dancing, singing and causing trouble.Gus the Theatre Cat, Sir John Mills, as I've already mentioned, was far too elderly to dance, but his soft, trembling voice and tragic song made up for that. He rivals Grizabella as a tragic soul who has lived to see his life fall apart.Grizabella, Elaine Paige, what can be said that hasn't already been said before? She was magnificent as a bitter, lonely old cat, desperate for affection and shunned and hated by her tribe for some unknown action, pouring out her grief and bitterness in song.Exotica, Femi Taylor, was made specially for the show, and can often be seen in the background, occasionally she is also in the foreground as well. Nothing is really known of her, but Mrs. Taylor is an incredible dancer, singer and actress, and part of the original London cast, and deserves mention, though her part was small.Tumblebrutus, Fergus Logan, like Pouncival, Plato and George, was mainly a 'chorus kitten', but his distinctive voice, appearance and skill make him stand out as well and worthy of mention.Bombalurina, Rose Marie Ford, and Demeter, Aeva May, are powerful, sensual characters with equally powerful voices and skill. They make a killer duo in 'Macavity, The Mystery Cat'.I could go one, Ken Page as the fatherly Old Deuteronomy, Tommy Siiden and Kaye Brown as the psychic twins Coricopat and Tantomile, with their perfect synchronization and excellent design, Munkustrap, Michael Gruber, The Jellicle narrator and protector, The alluring Cassandra, Rebecca Parker, Skimbleshanks, Geoffrey Garrett, with his wonderful voice and excellent song.But then this review would never end. And it must, as it's getting very late.All in all, Cats is a masterpiece.

After much debate and delay, I finally ordered this movie - before it gets any more expensive! I love the music. I can only think of one song I don't like - Gus' song - though it's supposed to be well done in this - but I doubt it. However despite Amazon's official review, I do not expect to find ALW's music to be revealed as "twaddle"! A common objection I've read to this movie is that it wasn't expanded - it's done like a filmed stage show. For me, that's a plus. I also love "Evita" - the music - I would have bought that long ago, but I've seen some of it - the outdoor shots - like "Cats", want it to be filmed "onstage" - I prefer it. In my opinion, "Camelot" (one of my all-time, childhood favorites) was destroyed by Hollywood - I can't stand the movie - with Redgrave's voice replacing Julie Andrews', no Burton, no Roddy MacDowall, and most of the songs cut! My flick of "Cats" will probably be here in a couple of days, and I'm looking forward. Oh. One thing that did turn me off - apparently lots of the singing in it is dubbed - that nearly kept me from buying it - I only hope they did a good job.It came and I watched it. Fantastic. A glorious 2 hours of singing and dancing. Kept thinking the people in it must have been brilliant, to have learned all those steps (much in unison, subtle, slight movements) for a continuous 2 hours. The lip-sinching was perfectly fine (if in fact there was any). No booklet or info, just the disc in a box. Wonderful anyway. Highly recommended if there is anyone left alive who hasn't already seen it!

Bought this a long time ago. (Apparently forgot to comment about it.) Absolutely LOVE it!!! This had been viewed many, many, many times!!

Having never seen this musical, I was thoroughly captivated by this dvd. The music and the dancing were terrific. I know I will watch this musical many times in the future. The pure fantasy and art of it takes one to a different place. This is something we all need.

My son had been wanting a CATS cd for quite some time. It was difficult to find. I casually thought I should check Amazon and was pleasantly surprised to locate it. We love the Broadway production of CATS so we are delighted to have this CD. Quick delivery, securely packaged, and as advertised. Would definitely do business with this seller again

One copy for me, one for a birthday gift...Cats still has a broad appeal as it out performed all of Broadway and Elaine Paige was skillfully way above all other singers! A winning show all around..."Memories" is of course a landmark ballad.

A good video at a great price. Thank you.

I like all musicals.. item came quickly.