Programme 2007 – Cats : Hawke's Bay Knowledge Bank

NOS
Est. 1887
NAPIER OPERATIC SOCIETY INC

Napier Operatic Society presents

CATS

Musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot
“Prologue – Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats”

Additional material written by Trevor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe

“Memory” additional material written by Trevor Nunn

By arrangement with ORiGiN THEATRICAL on behalf of THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP LIMITED

Directed by Gillian Davies
Choreographed by Briar Horrocks
Musical Direction by Tony Ferner
Assistant Musical Direction Karyn Briggs
Produced by the Napier Operatic Society

5 – 20 October 2007
Napier Municipal Theatre

The use of cameras and recording devices during the performance is prohibited. For the enjoyment of the people around you, please ensure your mobile phone is switched off for the duration of the show.
Attention: Strobe lighting is used in this production

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CITY OF NAPIER

President’s Message

Directly after our stunningly successful season of Beauty and the Beast and for the second time in 2007 it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to another magnificent Napier Operatic Society production. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS is one of the most successful musicals ever brought to the stage; and our original “Art Deco influenced” concept for CATS perfectly suits the show, the wonderful Napier Municipal Theatre and the City of Napier.

Gillian’s love of T S Eliot’s collection of poems known as Old Possums Book of Practical Cats is evident in her unique ideas, creativity and direction of CATS. Watching our show come together over the past months has truly given me a new appreciation and real understanding of this award winning musical. Gillian’s incredible gift for brilliant theatre and her ability to serve the Writer, Company, Society and Public never ceases to amaze me. Gillian, again we all thank you.

We are fortunate to be able to bring back the creative talent of Briar Horrocks, whose love and enthusiasm of dance is apparent in her absolutely stunning inventive choreography. Tony Ferner for Musical Direction and Karyn Briggs, Assistant Musical Direction; their musicality and sensitive ability enables our orchestral and vocal performances to be the very best.

We are grateful to our many sponsors and supporters who make it possible for us to stage major Musical Theatre shows. I thank them all for their invaluable support and generosity.

We are also grateful to our consortium partners in this project, Showbiz Christchurch, New Plymouth Operatic Society and Abbey Musical Theatre. It is this co-operative approach that enables us to share the massive financial cost of major Musical Theatre productions.

The Company of CATS has dedicated an incredible number of hours using creative and technical expertise to bring our unique show to the stage. They have my utmost respect and admiration not only for their talent but for their commitment and dedication. Together we thank you our patrons for your continued support and invite you to sit back and enjoy CATS as much as we enjoy the opportunity of bringing it to you.

Dale Reid
President
Napier Operatic Society

Gillian Davies
Director

From simple beginnings – the love of literature – the desire to dream – to pretend. From these simple pastimes of childhood, Gillian has given theatre casts and audiences so many opportunities to share in that quite separate and yet often parallel world.

Educating, entertaining and informing as a young director, Gillian first worked with Napier Repertory Players, then the Napier Operatic Society, before moving on to Professional theatres – Downstage in Wellington and Palmerston North’s Centrepoint.

Acting, directing, supporting, promoting and teaching Drama, she is conscious of encouraging new Directional blood into the scene.

OF CATS, Gillian insists – I have had so much joy and satisfaction witnessing work passionately, creatively, tirelessly and skilfully undertaken by Choreographer, Briar Horrocks. CATS is a gift and a fitting tribute to her enormous talent and I thank her so much for realising so many of my plans and dreams.

This also applies to Karyn Briggs, resident Assistant Musical Director for her dedicated and conscientious attention to detail – to friend and Musical Director/Conductor Tony Ferner for his musical prowess – to our official and much celebrated accompanist Marina Baillie, what a contribution and what a musician.

This team has brought real joy and knowledge to a hungrily inspired cast and ensemble who are absolutely immersed and desirous to serve.

To you all we are indebted and to this wonderful Society, Alan and Leigh Jones, Darryl Mitchell, Gwyn Ace, Terry Molloy and Glen Ruske and the Society’s many minions (who (by the way) are the unsung heroes of all good theatre) – my heartfelt thanks.

Briar Horrocks
Choreographer

Inspired by ballet from seven, Briar enrolled with Jean Ballantyne’s Studio. During her high school years, she taught at the studio after school and upon leaving began fulltime teaching with Jean Ballantyne. An introduction to Show Biz started when she sold programmes for Zip Goes A Million for Hastings Musical Comedy, later to become Theatre HB. Briar has directed her own highly successful ballet studio for 35 years, with pupils having performed nationally and internationally (Footnote, Impulse, Southern Ballet, Canadian Ballet Company and The Royal NZ Ballet to name a few).

In 1975-1978, Briar formed her own dance company which performed at the Hastings Cultural Centre and in 1978 won the NZ Federation of Ballet and Dance Choreographic Seminar, with a classical ballet which later was performed by The Royal NZ Ballet. Briar is versatile. In 1985 she won the Hastings Musical Comedy Company Playhouse Award for Best Actress in Fings Aint Wot They Used to Be and later acting the demanding role of the choreographer in the Broadway Hit Musical A Chorus Line. From 1994-2001 Briar tutored for the EIT Performing Arts Course, choreographing 18 productions. HB Musical Theatre has benefited from her expertise for at least 27 productions working with directors Richard Campion, Robert Hickey, Dick Johnstone, and her delight is working with her good friend Gillian Davies, who is always innovative and inspiring. Briar says “I have been impressed with the enthusiasm, ability and commitment for CATS. Each rehearsal has been a pleasure and a privilege to attend” and thanks her husband, Brian for his support, enabling her to do so.

Tony Ferner
Musical Director

Experienced professional flautist and conductor, Tony has played principal flute in the Sydney Symphony and The Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra. He is presently fully occupied both as Principal Flute and Outreach Co-ordinator of the Christchurch Symphony. As a teacher at The University of Canterbury he was appointed as Senior Fellow in 2004.

Having studied in England, Russia, Italy and Australia he has conducted orchestral concerts, opera and musicals in Australia and New Zealand. Highlights have been conducting the Christchurch Symphony “Classical Sparks in the Park” and conductor/soloist in the “Classical Series”. Recently he received critical acclaim for conducting the Dvorak Wind Serenade for the 2007 Christchurch Festival.

His recently released CD for Flute and Harp (2007) described in the NZ Listener “Here’s the year’s dinner-by-candlelight CD. This flute/harp repertoire has utter taste.”

“It was a great thrill working with Gillian Davies (Director) and Briar Horrocks (Choreographer) with their inspirational leadership in rehearsals, Karyn Briggs, for her dedicated musical assistance in my absence and the Cast and Orchestra, as Musical Director for CATS. I am looking forward to conducting the performances of this production of the record breaking blockbuster of 26 years.”

Karyn Briggs
Assistant Musical Direction

“I am blessed to have been surrounded by music my entire life, as my Mother was a piano teacher and the organist at St. Patrick’s Church. It was some years before I realised not everyone had this in their lives. My involvement with and love of musical theatre also began through Mother’s involvements. I went along as page-turner, come moral support (so my Mother said) to rehearsals for Brigadoon when I was 14. They were well into rehearsals when Ces Fitzwater, the Musical Director extraordinaire of that era, realised I had learnt all the alto parts. With people who like singing harmony always being in demand, I was promptly included in the chorus. Hence began a lifelong involvement in Musical Theatre.

“I have so enjoyed sharing my love of music and the skills God gave me which my Mother nurtured, with the talented Cast and Directing Team of CATS. Thanks Mum for the legacy.”

Marina Baillie
Official Accompanist

Marina was born in Volgograd (the south of Russia) where she studied piano from the age of seven at the Music College of Arts. From 1977 until 1982, she studied in Leningrad at the St. Petersburg Music Academy and graduated with a Diploma of Concert Pianist, Chamber Soloist, Accompanist and Piano Teacher. Teaching master and chamber ensemble classes at the Volgograd Municipal Institute of Arts. As an accompanist, Marina participated in the Delphi Games (the musical version of the Olympic Games) and has accompanied many musicians in International competitions and events.

This is Marina’s first time involvement in such a fantastic musical project and she is extremely grateful and proud to be involved in this amazing environment of creativity, support and friendship and wishes to thank Dale Reid, Gillian Davies, Karyn Briggs, Briar Horrocks and Tony Ferner for the wonderful opportunity to be a member of the Napier Operatic Society’s production of CATS.

Lois Reefman
Wardrobe Manager

Lois a qualified designer, has organised wardrobe for Napier Operatic Society many times over the last 30 years. Lois has also organised and made the costumes for Opera Hawke’s Bay. In 2002 she was awarded the Hastings District Council Civic Honour for Voluntary Achievements, the Merit Award from Musical Theatre Federation and also made Life Member of the Napier Operatic Society.

Paul Collier
Lighting Designer

Paul is a third generation member of Napier Operatic Society and has a lifetime involvement with the Society. Employed fulltime at the Napier Municipal Theatre since the mid 1990s, Paul has gained a reputation as being one of the finest technicians in the theatre industry in New Zealand. Whether working alongside the touring crew of The Royal New Zealand Ballet or leading a local crew for a dance recital, Paul gives 100% of his energy, time and talents to ensure that each event will be a success. This production of CATS has been an exciting journey for Paul, being able to utilise his knowledge and skills with pyrotechnics, lighting and special effects, he is once again transforming Gillian’s remarkable dreams into reality.

Chris Green
Makeup Designer

Having spent the last 23 years solely involved as a set designer and artist, Chris has added “another string to an old bow” by moving house into the makeup arena. Having been given the responsibility of “making up” the principal character in Beauty and the Beast, Chris is grateful for the opportunity to head the makeup design team for NOS’ production of CATS. “A big thank you to all who have assisted me during this production; your help has been invaluable.”

Costumes

Throughout the years, we have highly valued the creativity and outstanding input to our Society. Without it theatre would not flourish. When we decided to stage CATS, the original team of Lois Reefman and Chris Shields stood up and volunteered to take on the amazing feat of creating our own Art Deco cats. With the ingenious and seeming simplicity of design by Art Deco exponent Penny Madden, along with Hilary Anderson for the head pieces, we indeed salute their real and valued achievements.

To the Collier boys, Paul and Marc, with Gwyn Ace and Neill Page, for their masterly and creative contributions and hours of passionate productivity. To Darryl Mitchell and his bevy of secretaries and Sonya Aifai and her team, we extend our heartfelt thanks.

This colony of Classic Deco Cats pounced from the pen of the poet T. S. Eliot during those very years of our city’s reconstruction after the earthquake of 1931 and of which we now commemorate.

What could be more appropriate.

Eliot’s celebration of the Cat – that central symbol of family life, love and literature has been depicted by many but none so deliciously as those felines who pad through the pages of Eliot’s ‘Old Possums Book of Practical Cats’.

The faded period background of a dilapidated and abandoned fairground (designed for the consortium by Julian Southgate, Scenic Artist the Late Ian McDonald) lingering from the Art Nouveau and blended with Deco, cried out for our own dramatic Deco Cats to animate or perhaps the word is “animalate” it!

The sensitivity and symbolism of lines from Eliot’s contrasting lyrics included in “Memory” and “Moments of Happiness” call for a sense of the ethereal – the hope, the light our city forbears must have yearned for after the First World War and the devastation of our city.

The very essence, the very sense of the piece is our City’s parallel. One Cat …. One City.
Chosen to be reborn – to rise again in Beauty and in Light.

The simple lines of “Moments of Happiness” sung by the colony’s Patriarch, Old Deuteronomy insisting ‘this is not about one person only (Grizabella) but of many generations’ particularly those generations who in 1931 suffered against all odds.

This was my driving force and hidden secret within this production – and, of course, the Cats must celebrate as do we all annually and regularly and with a Deco Ball –

But for tonight – tonight it is THE JELLICLE BALL

Enjoy
Gillian

T. S. Eliot

Thomas Stearns Eliot was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on 26 September 1888, the youngest of seven children. The family is of English origin, the American line descending from Andrew Eliot who went to Massachusetts from the Somerset village of East Coker in the 17th Century.

T. S. Eliot was educated at Harvard, at the Sorbonne in Paris, and at Merton College, Oxford. His early poetry was profoundly influenced by the French symbolists, especially Baudelaire and Laforgue. In his academic studies, he specialized in philosophy and logic. His doctoral thesis was on F. H. Bradley.

He settled in England in 1915, the year in which he married, and also met his contemporary Ezra Pound for the first time. He taught briefly at High Wycombe Grammar School and, in 1916, spent four terms at Highgate Junior School, where John Betjeman (aged ten) was one of his pupils. In March 1917, he joined Lloyds Bank in the City of London, in the foreign and colonial department. In this year, he published his first volume of poems, Prufrock and Others Observations. His second book, Poems (1919) was hand-printed by Leonard and Virginia Woolf. The Sacred Wood, a collection of critical essays, appeared in 1920. His most famous work, The Waste Land, came out in 1922 in the first issue of the quarterly ‘The Criterion’, which he edited. Three years later, he left the bank to become a director of the publishing House of Faber.

In 1927, he was received into the Church of England and also became a British citizen.
Ash-Wednesday was published at Easter 1930. Eliot soon became one of the leaders of Anglo-Catholic opinion and a devoted churchwarden in Kensington.

There have been various collected editions of his poems and volumes of his literary and social criticism, notably Selected Essays, On Poetry and Poets and Notes Towards the Definition of Culture.

During the 1920s, he frequented the ballet, the theatre and the London music halls, especially the Palladium. He wrote a celebrated tribute to Marie Lloyd on her death in 1922. His verse writing for the theatre began with the Sweeney Agonistes fragments in 1927. He wrote the London churches’ pageant play The Rock in 1934. Murder in the Cathedral, about the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, was commissioned for the Canterbury Festival of 1935 and was later filmed. The Family Reunion was first performed at the Westminster Theatre in 1939, with Michael Redgrave as Lord Monchensey. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats appeared in October 1939. (‘Possum” was Eliot’s alias among his friends.) Four Quartets, now generally regarded as his masterpiece, began with ‘Burnt Norton’ in 1936, continued with ‘East Coker’ in 1940, ‘The Dry Salvages’ 1941 and ‘Little Gidding’ 1942. The separate poems were gathered together in 1943.

Eliot received the Order of Merit in January 1948 and, in the autumn of the same year, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Among many other honours and distinctions, he was an Officier de la Légion d’Honneur. He was awarded the Hanseatic Goethe prize in 1954, and the Dante Gold Medal in 1959.

He subsequently wrote three more verse plays, each of which had its première at the Edinburgh Festival; The Cocktail Party (1949), The Confidential Clerk (1953) and The Elder Statesman (1958).

Eliot married for the second time in 1957. He died in London in January 1965. There is a memorial to him in Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey, beside those to Tennyson and Browning. His ashes rest in St Michael’s Church, East Coker.

A Propos of
“Practical Cats”

In an early poem, ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’, T. S. Eliot likened the yellow fog of St. Louis to a cat.

“that rubs its back upon the window-panes,
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes,
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from Chimneys,
Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap,
And seeing that it was a soft October night
Curled once about the house, and fell asleep…”

There are other references to cats in his work, but it was to his Godchildren, particularly Tom Faber and Alison Tandy, in the 1930s, that he first revealed himself as Old Possum.

Writing to Tom in January 1931, he described and drew his Lilliecat called Jellylorum whose ‘one idea is to be USEFUL… and yet is so little and small that it can sit on my ear! … I would tell you about our Cus Cus … except that I can’t draw Dogs so well as Cats, Yet; but I mean to…’ .. When Tom was four, TSE suggested that all pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats should be

“INVITED to Come
With a Flute & a Fife & a Fiddle & Drum
With a Fiddle, a Fife & a Drum & a Tabor
To the Birthday Party of THOMAS ERLE FABER!”

Then there was a “very Grand Cat … a Persian Prince and it is Blue because it has Blue Blood, and its name was MUIRZA MURAD ALI BEG but I said that was too Big a Name for such a Small Cat, so its name is WISKUSCAT. But it is sometimes called The MUSICAL BOX because it makes a noise like singing and sometimes COCKALORUM because it looks like one. (Have you ever seen a Cockalorum? Neither have I)”. In April 1932, Tom learnt that “the Portentine cat has been in bed with Ear Ache so the Pollicle Dog stopped At Home to Amuse it by making Cat’s Cradles”.

Both children were sent ‘The Naming of Cats’ in January 1936. The words “Jellicle Cat” came from when T. S. Eliot’s niece tried to say “dear little cat” and the words “Pollicle dog” came from when she tried to say “poor little dog”.

TSE was always inventing suitable cat names, as he was often asked for them by friends and strangers. I remember ‘Noilly Prat’ (an elegant cat); ‘Carbuckety’ (a knock-about cat); ‘Tantomile’ (a Witch’s cat); he also liked ‘Pouncival’ with its Morte d-Arthur flavour and ‘Sillabub’, a mixture of silly and Beelzebub.

Alison received “the last poem I have written; ‘The Rum Tum Tugger’” in October 1936. A year later, TSE wrote “Some time ago I mentioned in a letter that I was meaning to write a poem about TWO cats, names Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer – and here it is. You may not like it because those two Cats have turned out to be even worse than I expected”. On Ash Wednesday 1938, he told her “I am trying to do a poem about a Railway Train Cat and if I can do it I will send it to you in due course. ‘Skimbleshanks” followed.

Although Faber & Faber announced ‘Mr. Eliot’s book of Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats As Recited to Him by the Man in White Spats’ in their 1936 Spring catalogue, TSE had run into difficulties over his general approach. “The idea of the volume was to have different poems on appropriate subjects … recited by the Man in White Spats … At the end they all go up in a balloon, self, Spats, and dogs and cats”.

“Up up up past the Russell Hotel,
Up up up to the Heaviside Layer”.

Three more years, as his publisher put it, brought “a growing, perception that it would be impolite to wrap cats up with dogs” and the realization that the book would be exclusively feline. Ralph Hodgson, the poet who bred bull-terriers, had hoped to illustrate it but at the crucial period he was house-hunting in America. He felt that “the fun of doing it – or – attempting it – is the thing, and that is only possible with my feet up on the mantelpiece, as the saying is”.

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats was published on 5 October 1939 in an edition of 3005 copies at 3/6d 35¢) with TSE’s drawings on the front cover and the dust-wrapper. He was nervous about its reception. His verse play The Family Reunion had appeared in March and The Idea of a Christian Society was due in three weeks. “It is intended for a NEW Public” he informed Geoffrey Faber, “but I am afraid I cannot dispense with the old one”. He need not have worried. “Cats are giving general satisfaction” the Sales Manager reported shortly afterwards. Today, they have become a minor classic and are to be found in Danish, German, Italian, Japanese, Swedish, Hungarian and Polish.

‘The Marching Song of the Pollicle Dogs’ and “Billy M’Caw: The Remarkable Parrot’ appeared in The Queen’s Book of the Red Cross in 1939; ‘Grizabella: the Glamour Cat’ is an unpublished fragment of which only the last eight lines were written as TSE thought her history too sad for-children.

Valerie Eliot

P.S. Whenever he was unwell or could not sleep, TSE would recite the verses under his breath.

Synopsis

ACT 1

Out from the protective confines of a dilapidated, abandoned fairground, “JELLICLE CATS” emerge. At first suspicious and reluctant to include humans (the audience) into their domain – then challenging them with both question and answer about their (the cats) unique abilities and special qualities.
….. Are you blind when you’re born?
Can you see in the dark?
Because Jellicles do and Jellicles would…..

In the “NAMING OF CATS” however, they begin to reveal who they are and that cats have three different names. The one the family uses daily, a more dignified name and a secret name. It is the contemplation of these secret names that keeps felines deep in thought:
….. When you notice a cat in profound meditation
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name ….

Victoria, the newly born white kitten, dances to signal “THE INVITATION TO THE JELLICLE BALL”, Munkustrap, the storyteller of the colony, explains that the Jellicle Cats meet once a year for their leader, the wise Old Deuteronomy, who will choose which of the Jellicle Cats will journey tonight to the Heaviside layer to be reborn.
…. Jellicle cats come out tonight
Jellicle cats come one, come all
The Jellicle moon is shining bright
Jellicles come to the Jellicle ball …..

And so begins our introduction to the cats. One by one they eagerly step forward to audition. They tell their stories with individuality, energy, hope, hilarity and persuasion. Firstly introduced by
Munkustrap is Jennyanydots, “THE OLD GUMBIE CAT”
….. All day she sits beside the hearth
or on the bed or on my hat
She sits and sits and sits and sits
And that’s what makes a Gumbie Cat …..

“THE RUM TUM TUGGER”, an attention seeking, bold, fickle, but appealing Tom
….. The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
And there isn’t any call for me to shout it
For he will so as he do, do
And there’s no doing anything about it …..

The evening takes a dramatic turn – Grizabella, the once beautiful and glamorous female – after leaving the colony, now wishes to return, belong and join in the festivities. Bedraggled and ostracised, she is the object of ridicule and taunt.
….. Remark the cat who hesitates toward you
In the light of the door which opens on her like a grin
….. And who’d have ever supposed that THAT
Was “GRIZABELLA THE GLAMOUR CAT?” …..

The huge and hopeful “BUSTOPHER JONES” – an immaculately groomed, twenty five pounder joins the proceedings. Clad in his signature white spats, fattened by high society living, he nevertheless is loved by all.
….. He’s the cat we all greet
as he walks down the street
in his coat of fastidious black …..

A thunderous crash, followed by the sound of a police siren and flashing red lights signals the villainous Macavity is on the loose!
The Cats scatter.

Breaking glass and distant giggles herald the arrival of that loveable Vaudevillian duo “MUNGOJERRIE AND RUMPELTEAZER”, the cause of much amusement and mayhem in the colony and amidst the family who own them.
….. and the family’ll say: “Now which was which cat?”
It was Mungojerrie AND Rumpelteazer
And there’s nothing at all to be done about that …..

The occasion is heightened by the arrival of their patriarch, “OLD DEUTERONOMY” – greeting him with the love, warmth and respect that only such a benevolent and wise leader would deserve.
….. Old Deuteronomy’s lived a long time
He’s a cat who has lived many lives in succession
He was famous in proverb and famous in rhyme
A long while before Queen Victoria’s accession …..

From the sublime to the ridiculous! The cats imitate rival dog factions re-enacting their “Annual” Production of “THE AWE-FUL BATTLE OF THE PEKES & THE POLLICLES”.
….. Together with some account of the participation
Of the Pugs and the Poms
And the intervention of the Great Rumpus Cat …..

And, of course (as it must be) it is the Cat who triumphs!
….. All hail and all power to the great rumpus cat …..

Old Deuteronomy with care, humour and understanding, delights in his colony’s more than simple efforts.
….. Jellicle cats and dogs all must
Pollicle dogs and cats all must
Like undertakers come to dust …..

Macavity, that “Napoleon of Crime” is heard once more – but soothed by the presence of Old Deuteronomy preparations for “THE JELLICLE BALL” begin.
….. Jellicle cats come out tonight
Jellicle cats come one, come all
The Jellicle moon is shining bright
Jellicles come to the Jellicle ball…..

The cats dance the night away with high energy, social comment and confrontation, while Old Deuteronomy must ponder which cat is deserving of the ultimate honour of being reborn.

Grizabella again appears wishing to rejoin her family and celebrate too – but her appearance causes the cats to freeze in disdain.

Unbeknownst to her, Deuteronomy listens to Grizabella’s dejected cries as she yearns to be accepted and is spurned once more.
….. I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again…..

ACT 2

Having listened and heard Grizabella’s insistent plea, Old Deuteronomy, intent only upon choosing a cat who understands the true meaning of happiness he or she has experienced – speaks to his colony of “THE MOMENTS OF HAPPINESS”
….. Is not the experience of one life only
But of many generations …..

They must listen and learn from both the young and the old. Jemima, the grey kitten, heralding the next generation sings
….. Moonlight
Turn your face to the moonlight
Let your memory lead you
Open up, enter in
If you find there the meaning of what happiness is
Then a new life will begin …..

For the Older Generation – “GUS, THE THEATRE CAT”, an aged stage actor, supported by the loving Jellylorum, recounts with simplicity his theatrical triumphs insisting that theatre (as well as life today) is not what is used to be –
….. and I say now these kittens, they do not get trained
As we did in the days when Victoria reigned
They never get drilled in a regular troupe
And they think they are smart just to jump through a hoop …..

He yearns to perform again and with the motivation of his memory, Gus finds himself a much younger thespian portraying one of his favourite characters “GROWLTIGER” (if only time could turn back the clock so easily for us!)
….. From Graves End up to Oxford
He pursued his evil aims
Rejoicing in his title of
The Terror of the Thames …..

Generation! Generation! Young and old father and son join in a phenomenal and frenetic journey and compelling dissertation on the import of the ethics of the workforce in Skimbleshanks the
Railway Cat
….. You could play no pranks with Skimbleshanks
He’s a cat that can not be ignored
So nothing went wrong on the northern mail
When Skimbleshanks was aboard …..

The angered, uninvited Macavity, aided by two henchmen, invade the proceedings – kidnapping the beloved Patriarch, Deuteronomy.

Unaware, two sensuous felines, Demeter and Bombalurina sing of what they know of the notorious “MACAVITY”, whose evil deeds have dubbed him the equal to Sherlock Holmes’ infamous “Moriarty”.
….. Macavity, Macavity, there’s no one like Macavity
He’s a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity
You may meet him in a byestreet, you may see him in the Square
But when a crime’s discovered then Macavity’s not there! ….

The villain himself returns disguised as Old Deuteronomy – his true self is revealed, a fight ensures – Macavity battles with Munkustrap and other cats. Macavity’s cohorts, with evil intent, kidnap Demeter and Bombularina. Tired and defeated, Macavity resorts to detonating an explosion, leaving the colony in darkness and anxiety.
….. We have to find Old Deuteronomy …..

Rum Tum Tugger to the rescue – calls upon “MR. MISTOFFELEES” (the original conjuring cat) to use his magical powers to bring back their leader.
…..And not long ago this phenomenal cat
Produced seven kittens right out of a hat! …..

Mistoffelees succeeds in re-instating the lights, enthralling the cats with his energy and experience and more importantly, returning Old Deuteronomy. The Jellicle Cats rejoice!

Dawn approaches! Jemima – the grey kitten, delights in the day and the promise of the future – but saddened for the distraught Grizabella she invites her back to their confines.
….. Daylight, see the dew on the sunflower
And a rose that is fading
Roses wither away
Like the sunflower I yearn to turn my face to the dawn
I am waiting for the day ……

But Grizabella – “IN MEMORY” – shares with the kittens and the colony her belief that you must remember and relive the past, for it is the past that shapes the future – and she begs of them:
….. Touch me, it’s so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me you’ll understand what happiness is …..

It is then obvious to Old Deuteronomy which cat is the most deserving. Munkustrap (his favourite) heralds his choice and in love, beauty and light, Grizabella is given the ultimate gift.
….. Up up up past the Jellicle Moon
Up up up up to “THE HEAVISIDE LAYER”
The mystical divinity of unashamed felinity
Round the cathedral rang ‘Vivat”
Life to the everlasting cat! …..

It is now nearly morning. Old Deuteronomy prepares to take his leave. He reminds you (the audience) in the “AD-DRESSING OF CATS” of the special privileges given them – but he adds for all our unique qualities and differences, Cats are very much like you.

Act 1

Overture
The Orchestra

Prologue
Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats
Company

The Naming of Cats
Company

Jellicle Cats (Reprise)
Munkustrap, Victoria and Company

The Old Gumbie Cat
Munkustrap, Jennyanydots, Demeter, Bombalurina, Jellylorum and Company

Rum Tum Tugger
Rum Tum Tugger and Company

Grizabella, the Glamour Cat
Grizabella, Aida, Plato, Demeter, Bombalurina and Company

Bustopher Jones
Bustopher Jones, Syllabub, and Company

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser

Old Deuteronomy
Old Deuteronomy, Munkustrap, Rum Tum Tugger and Company

The Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles
Rum Tum Tugger. Alonzo and Company

The Song of the Jellicles and the Jellicle Ball
Company

Grizabella, the Glamour Cat
Grizabella

“… A cat’s entitled to expect these evidences of respect.”

Admetus – William Waitoa
Aida – Rose McDonald
Alonzo – Kyle Baxter
Bombalurina – Tamsyn Miller
Bustopher Jones – John Newland
Cassandra – Sarah Hegarty
Coricopat – Diana Shand
Demeter – Nicole Taylor
Electra – Sonya Hitchcock
Etcetera – Kim Davey
Exotica – Corrine Bowey
George – Daniel Smith
Griddlebone/Noushka – Janine Hill
Grizabella – Tracy van der Zwet
Gus/Growltiger – Linstead Castle-Allen
Jellylorum – Sarah Kerr
Jemima – Lucy Cresswell

Act 2

Moments of Happiness
Old Deuteronomy, Jemima and Company

Gus, The Theatre Cat
Gus and Jellylorum

Growltiger’s Last Stand
Growltiger, Griddlebone and Company

Gus, The Theatre Cat (reprise)
Gus

Skimbleshanks, The Railway Cat
Skimbleshanks (Father and Son)
Jennyanydots and Company

Macavity, The Mystery Cat
Demeter, Bombalurina and Female Company

Macavity Fight
Macavity, his Cohorts and Company

Magical Mister Mistoffelees
Rum Tum Tugger, Mistoffelees and Company

Memory
Jemima and Grizabella

Journey to the Heavyside Layer
Company

Epilogue
The Ad-dressing of Cats
Old Deuteronomy and Company

Jennyanydots – Alison Beale
Jum Jum – Kathryn Hunt
Katya – Delwyn McLeod
Macavity/Tumblebrutus – Lance Bridges
Mistoffelees/Quaxo – Reiss Jenkinson
Mungojerrie/Plato – Rick Behague
Munkustrap – Daniel Munro
Old Deuteronomy – William Winitana
Rumpelteazer – Lisa Jane Hay
Rum Tum Tugger – Jon Fletcher
Skimbleshanks (Father) – Alister Miller
Skimbleshanks (Son) – Simon Crook
Syllibub – Zoe Harris
Tantomile – Lee Patrice
Victoria – Rachel Doohan
Zachariah – Brian Bulford
Zebediah – Wray Ewens

“… When finally you reach your aim and call them by their name.”

Cast

William Waitoa
– Admetus
Adopted by Great Cutz and Colour
William appeared in Beauty and the Beast as Monsieur D’Arque (as well as being the hot blonde in the ensemble) and the Society welcomes him into the cast of CATS. Character roles are his forte and after a little persuasion he is pleased to be back “on all paws” – energetic and capable of much innuendo – CATS is William’s thing.

Rose McDonald
– Aida
Adopted by Anthony Whaipakanga and Waylyn Tahuri Whaipakanga
This is Rose’s first involvement with NOS, having previously been involved with many productions with the Waipawa M & D Society, including Chess, Jekyll and Hyde, Les Mis and Tommy. Rose loves travelling from Central Hawke’s Bay and the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast and crew, and thanks her family (Buster, Maddie and Reuben) and work colleagues for making it possible.

Kyle Baxter
– Alonzo
Adopted by Graemor Holding Ltd
Kyle moved to New Zealand 3 years ago from Fife in Scotland. CATS is his first show with the Napier Operatic Society and is actually one of his favourite musicals, although he definitely wishes to be involved in future shows. I have enjoyed working with both the cast and the crew and have made some great friends. I would like to thank my partner, Andrea and her family for their support throughout. I hope you all enjoy this truly amazing musical.

Tamsyn Miller
– Bombalurina
Adopted by Somerset Smith Partners
2007 has been an exciting year for Tamsyn, with Beauty and the Beast in the first half and CATS in the second. Now 19 and having worked towards two performance diplomas for voice and violin, as well as teaching singing and keyboard, these last few months have been rather full-on but she has loved every minute of it. It has been her dream since childhood to be part of CATS, so to be chosen for the role of Bombalurina was very exciting and a great honour. She constantly thanks God for the gifts and opportunity He has given her.

John Newland
– Bustopher Jones
Adopted by Newland Directions
This production has brought John back to the stage after a break of many years. He is delighted to be playing the role of Bustopher Jones and has combined this with singing in the vocal backing troupe. John’s first production with NOS was My Fair Lady, in 1973. He has featured in a variety of productions with Hastings Musical Comedy and Hastings Operatic with lead roles in The Sound of Music, The Pajama Game and Guys & Dolls. He sings with the Bay Harmony Barbershop Chorus. CATS will be the first stage show seen by John’s twin grandchildren, Natalie & James.

Sarah Hegarty
– Cassandra
Adopted by Alexandra, Annabelle and Phoebe Pearson
Sarah has had a life long interest in dance, song and drama, and has been involved in local productions for as long as she can remember. She has studied ‘Musical Theatre’ and ‘Circus Skills’ at the National Youth Drama School and was a member of Havelock North School’s top choir ‘Colla Voce’. After finishing seventh form, Sarah spent five months travelling through Europe and is intending to study Mathematics and German at Victoria University in Wellington next year.
She would like to thank Elizabeth Curtis for her help and support, and giving her the confidence to get up on stage again.

Diana Shand
– Coricopat
Adopted by Plus Rehab Hastings
Diana first performed with the Napier Operatic Society as a child in one of the early Music Halls. She went on to dance extensively both nationally and internationally with The Royal New Zealand Ballet; retiring as a Principal dancer in 1999. Diana also enjoyed performing in Beauty and the Beast earlier this year. She would like to thank her friends, family and especially her mother for their help and babysitting. “Without you all I would not have been able to be a “Cat”, so thank-you.”

Nicole Taylor
– Demeter
Adopted by Vintage Tours & Weddings
Nicole is a graduate of the EIT Performing Arts, and has a long involvement with the stage. Her involvement with Napier Operatic Society spans nearly a decade. Nicole is a singer who has in recent years toured with the War Birds and more recently enjoyed lending her voice to the production of Beauty and the Beast as a backstage singer. She is enjoying being back on stage as a member of the cast of CATS.

Sonya Hitchcock
– Electra
Adopted by Hardy’s Healthy Living
Sonya has been dancing since the age of 4, training in both classical and modern dance. In 2001 she successfully completed her Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts degree in dance at Unitec, Auckland. Sonya’s passion for the arts and media allowed her to participate in all genres, which included The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, various music videos and television commercials. In 2006 Sonya was selected to dance in a production in Hong Kong. After 8 years in Auckland she is excited to be back in Napier and part of Beauty and the Beast and now CATS. She would like to thank her partner and family as without them she would not be able to dance. Enjoy!!!!

Kim Davey – Etcetera
Adopted by Langly Twigg
Kim’s love for theatre began back in the days of Junior Frivs, school productions and dance recitals. Since leaving the Hawke’s Bay in 2003 Kim has been studying law, politics and theatre at Victoria University. Having recently returned from a semester exchange in San Diego, California, Kim decided to postpone her final semester to take part in this world renowned show. Kim would like to thank all her fellow feline friends for a truly memorable experience and especially her parents for having her back home again.

Corinne Bowey
– Exotica
Adopted by Ormlie Lodge
This is Corinne’s first show with Napier Operatic since playing an orphan in ‘Annie’ in 1983, making it a great opportunity to catch up with so many familiar faces from the past. Her successful Hastings Dance Studio – Born to Move – is both a passion and a life style. Teaching dance and creating choreography is an incredibly rewarding experience and Corinne enjoys being able to perform alongside her students at local events. Being involved in CATS has been a big commitment for Corinne which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her children Madison & Keegan, and her wonderful friends, dance teachers and team of babysitters who have made it possible xxx

Kathryn Hunt
– Jum Jum
Adopted by Chard Drainage & Dance Express Ltd, Pilates in Focus
Kathryn loves dance and Theatre. At 16 years, she left rural Hawke’s Bay and travelled to England to further her ballet training. She qualified with Ballet teaching Diploma, Tap. On her return to New Zealand 3 years later, Solo Seal Ballet and foundation member of Northern Ballet Company, Auckland. She would like to thank Napier Operatic Society for this opportunity, her supportive family and is grateful for the encouragement of her youngest Teenage Daughter to Audition for CATS. Kathryn enjoys Spanish dance and is teaching Pilates and Dance in Onekawa, Napier.

Delwyn McLeod
– Katya
Adopted by Character Builders
Stage performance began for Delwyn at the age of 5 ….. as a mouse. Many years, a husband and four tom-cats later she finds herself still drawn to the stage lights ….. this time as a cat! Trained in both classical and modern dance, Delwyn has choreographed and performed in the Hawke’s Bay productions of “Cabaret” (Theatre HB 2006), “Rush” (Theatre HB 2004) and Chess (Waipawa M&D 2004). She is grateful to have worked with such an outstanding production team, cast and crew. Thanks to husband Ross and her sons for being such supportive CAT lovers … to Valda Peacock for the opportunities she has given …… and her Mum and Dad for all those years of dancing fees!!!

Lance Bridges
– Macavity/Tumblebrutus
Adopted by Roost Mortgages
Lance grew up in Hawke’s Bay where his involvement in Gymnastics for 15 years progressed into a passion for Fitness & Dance. He has been working as a Aerobics & Fitness Instructor for the past 20 years, within the Bay and around the North Island. Has competed in Aerobics competitions, Nationally and Internationally. Since returning to Hawke’s Bay, Lance is working as a Personal Trainer and Instructor at Peak Fitness and Health. He is enjoying his involvement in this Production with Napier Operatic Society. It has been a great opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends.

Reiss Jenkinson
– Mistoffelees/Quaxo
Adopted by Richard Howell Motors Ltd
A diverse dancer and performer Reiss has had an extensive career in both professional & amateur theatre including Hot Shoe Shuffle & 42nd Street. After performing in Broadway Revue shows on cruise ships throughout the Caribbean, Reiss returned to the Bay where he currently teaches dance at ‘Born to Move Dance Studio’ and is a Tutor at EIT. He is pleased to return to the stage after playing the part of ‘Le Fou’ in Napier Operatives Beauty & the Beast earlier this year. Since watching CATS as a teenager in Sydney Australia, it has always been a passion for Reiss to perform in this dynamic and mesmerizing dance musical.

Rick Behague
– Mungojerrie/Plato
Adopted by The Copy Company Ltd
After an 8 year hiatus, Rick is back on stage playing the role of Mungojerrie. Mungojerrie reminds him of Arthur Daly from the BBC show Minder, a bit of a likeable rogue. Previous roles that Rick has played include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Tony in Westside Story and Jacob in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat plus numerous others. I’ve enjoyed this role, it’s quite different from anything I’ve done in the past. With all the dancing, it’s great to rediscover the muscles I’d forgotten about!

Daniel Munro
– Munkustrap
Adopted by Somerset Smith Partners
Traditionally a guitar wielding troubadour, CATS is a change of pace for this Singer/Songwriter. Daniel has an extensive performance background including the Performing Arts course at EIT and 3 years as a professional musician here in Hawke’s Bay. A support act for Eric Clapton at the Mission Concert, Daniel has just received $10,000 NZ On Air funding to record a single and music video. This summer he is embarking on a five week New Zealand tour to promote his debut album, ‘psychoanalyse’, available in all major record stores nationwide.

Daniel Smith
– George
Adopted by Credit Union Baywide
Daniel Smith moved to Napier from Auckland at the end of 2006 to live with his family. He is currently in his second to last year at Taradale High School. CATS has played a major role in helping Daniel settle in to Napier and has boosted his confidence immensely. Once he has finished school, Daniel hopes to move to Wellington and study acting at Toi Whakaari and press forward onto the big screen in the acting world. Thank you to all the helping hands he has received so far.

Janine Hill
– Griddlebone/Noushka
Adopted by Shirley & Bill Dalton
As a member of the society for over 27 years, Janine feels that 2007 is one of the most spectacular years she’s ever experienced with NOS. Janine says being a part of CATS, following Beauty and the Beast earlier in the year, is a dream come true. Janine loves the music and drama of CATS and has long been a fan of the T. S. Eliot poems which inspired the show. Janine has loved working with a stellar company and is grateful to her husband, Nigel and children, Taylor and Brayden for supporting her to once again ‘tread the boards’.

Tracy Van der Zwet
– Grizabella
Adopted by Danks Furnishers & Tamatea Pharmacy
Tracy has been away from the musical theatre stage for a while; you may remember her as Tracy Crosse, she now spends her days being a mother of two young children. Tracy gained her Diploma in Performing Arts (Opera) and went on to play Eponine in the 1995 production of “Les Miserables” directed by Gillian Davies, then as Cossette in the 2002 production. A major highlight for Tracy was to be invited to sing as a guest artist for Rob Guest when his national tour performed in Napier. Tracy has enjoyed being back in the Operatic family where she grew up and which nurtured her special talents.

Linstead Castle-Allen
– Gus/Growltiger
Adopted by Pussyfoot Boarding Cattery
Linstead has always loved theatre and has been involved in it for most of his life. He now prefers to be entertained as an audience member rather than walking the boards himself. Anyone who has seen Linstead on stage knows how hard he works at his craft and how seriously he takes it, and how much joy the roles have given him. And from Linstead himself: Enjoy both this performance and the happiness it will undoubtedly give you. Kia Ora.

Sarah Kerr
– Jellylorum
Adopted by Tennyson Motor Inn
After being part of the Vocal Team for Beauty and the Beast, Sarah caught the stage bug again and had to be a part of CATS. Involved with NOS from a very early age and a third generation member, he first stage appearance was also under Gillian’s direction for Music Hall (1981). Since then she has been involved with many NOS productions both on and off stage and loves the theatre environment. By day devoted mum to 2½ yr old twins Bayley and Luke, and thanks to her very supportive husband Paul, by night Jellylorum Jellicle Cat.

Lucy Cresswell
– Jemima
Adopted by Bellissimo Hair
Lucy returned from the United Kingdom at the beginning of the year and is currently teaching Drama at Hastings Boys’ High School. She has been involved in musical theatre most of her life and has had lead roles in such shows as Les Miserables, West Side Story, Grease, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady. Lucy is thoroughly enjoying being part of such a great cast and crew
in CATS, her first Napier Operatic Society production and hopefully not her last.

Alison Beale
– Jennyanydots
Adopted by HB Opera House
Alison studied and completed a Diploma (EIT) and Post Grad Diploma (Auckland University) in performing arts – Opera. She has appeared on stage for NOS, HOS, Theatre HB and Waipawa M & D. She has also worked local dinner and street theatre in HB over the last 10yrs. Recently she joined the cast of CornEvil and will be Production Manager for the coming season. Although she freely admits she isn’t a dancer, the fun and challenge of CATS has been an exciting roller coaster ride.

William Winitana
– Old Deuteronomy
Adopted by Physiocare – Raewyn Newcomb
Local boy, William Winitana studied music at EIT before moving to Auckland to study with Rosie Barnes at the University of Auckland. A scholarship with Opera New Zealand then followed, launching him into a fun-filled solo career. This is William’s second time around with Napier Operatic Society since performing the lead in Sweeney Todd back in 2001. William continues to sing, as well as teach voice privately from his home in Flaxmere.

Lisa-Jane Hay
– Rumpelteazer
Adopted by CHB Vets Ltd.
Lisa-Jane completed her theatre training at Mercury Theatre in 1991 before moving overseas to study. During that time she trained with renowned voice tutors Cecily Berry and Pasty [Patsy] Rodenburg. Having been back in Hawke’s Bay now for nearly 10 years, she has worked as a director and performer with many local companies, including a four-year stint as Director of the EIT Performing Arts Drama Dept. She now works as a Performance Coach with her own company, One Voice Productions. A big thanks to her partner, Jonothan for his love, family and friends for all their continued support, and to her son Sohl for “giving up” his mum for so many months.

Jon Fletcher
– Rum Tum Tugger
Adopted by Brenda Kupa-White, CEO Te Whatuiapiti Trust
The Rum Tum Tugger is a very bad pussy cat. I’m what you’d call a “Playa” by today’s standards.
The Lady’s man of the show. Just as well it’s acting huh, otherwise his poor long suffering wife of 25 years, Kinena and three children Dane, Soleil and Keshia may have to give him the boot. Just
as well they love me ….. Past shows have included Jesus Christ Superstar, Blood Brothers, and with Waipawa M&D Tommy, and Les Miserables. To be working with such a fantastic cast, crew, NOS and of course, Gillian, Briar and Karyn, makes this even more special for me to be a part of this spectacular show.
God Bless

Alister Miller
– Skimbleshanks (Father)
Adopted by Leading Notes
Having seen the immense fun and camaraderie his daughter enjoyed performing in Beauty and the Beast, Alister is thrilled about the exciting challenge CATS offers. He’s had little active theatre involvement since school and university operettas or dramas, except occasional variety sketches. Alister is honoured by this opportunity to work with Napier Operatic Society. In ‘real life’ he helps run the E.I.T. Hawke’s Bay health centre, and plays in his Church worship group. He is lovingly supported by his wife and three adult children (all musical).

Simon Crook
– Skimbleshanks (Son)
Adopted by Ericksen Honda
Eunuchs, Strippers, Hopeless-Romantics, Street Kids, Hatstands. Although this may sound like a conversation with Rainman, this is actually Simon’s Napier Operatic Society resume. After taking part in six NOS shows, Simon is now thrilled to finally have the chance to be a cat… And after being covered in bruises and enduring multiple injuries in the rehearsal process, he is now proud to be part of a great team bringing this show to you. Enjoy!

Zoe Harris
– Syllibub
Adopted by Sabiston Family
It would seem fitting that Zoe be a part of the cast of CATS, since all her friends know her as an avid cat lover! As Head of Arts at Taradale High School, Zoe enjoys sharing her passion for the arts with her peers. Zoe has been lucky to appear in numerous NOS shows over the years, including Annie, Back to the 80’s, and more recently, Beauty and the Beast. She would like to thank her mum for all her love and support in what has been a rather busy year!

Lee Patrice
– Tantomile
Adopted by Plus Rehab
As principal dancer with The Royal NZ Ballet, Lee danced many leading roles, touring extensively overseas and throughout New Zealand. Highlights remain her New York debut, for which she received critical acclaim and her final performance of Giselle in Hawke’s Bay. She appeared in many television productions including Gotta Dance, featuring Gene Kelly and Jean Batten in which Lee created the title role. Lee represented NZ at the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival USA and appeared at Royal Gala Performances. Lee has performed for The Hawke’s Bay Opera in Die Fledermaus and for NOS in Cabaret, 42nd Street, Westend to Broadway and Broadway and Beauty & The Beast. Lee is a freelance ballet coach, adjudicator and mother of three.

Rachel Doohan
– Victoria
Adopted by Dance Stiles
Rachel is 17 years old and proud to be a senior student and Cultural Leader at Sacred Heart College, Napier. Her life literally revolves around school, ballet classes and Cats and she loves every moment of it. Rachel learns from Dancestiles Studio in Havelock North. Rachel is dedicated and passionate about performance. She says “… but I couldn’t do it without the support I get from my family, friends and teachers!” CATS is Rachel’s first production with the Napier Operatic Society. “It’s such an awesome experience, everybody is so talented and caring. I am truly honoured to have been selected to be the White Kitten in this fabulous production”.

Brian Bulford
– Zachariah
Over the years Brian has seen many of the Society’s productions having always had a love of musicals. His only participation in show business has been 25 years in the Savage Club and a costume part in a religious musical, Abraham. Brian auditioned and gained a part as a gargoyle in Beauty and the Beast. Having seen CATS in Wellington, he has had a long wish for a chance to see it again. This wish has been excitingly thwarted as Brian unexpectedly finds himself part of this magical production.

Wray Ewens
– Zebediah
Wray first became involved in Napier Operatic in the early 60’s as a builder and stagehand. He made his debut on stage as the “Man on the Flying Trapeze” in Musical Hall 12 years ago. Although he thought he could have made it as a gargoyle in Beauty and the Best, he is thrilled to be directed by Gillian in this production of CATS.

Theatre Cats

Brian Bulford, Wray Ewens, Norah Griffin, Janine McCutcheon, Farani Penitito, Molimuaina Petelo, Tony Smith and Company Members.

Ensemble

Roger Burley
Claire Chittenden
Roy Clement
Ross Corbett
Angela von Dadelszen
Eileen von Dadelszen
Lagi Farani
Makena Houston
Allison-Mary Kelly
Penny Larkins
John Marshall
John Newland
Ray Seymour
Maurie Smith
Tony Snell
Orlena Wakeman
Brian Wright

Orchestra

Orchestra Manager Raewyn Newcomb
Flute Raewyn Donaldson
Flute/Clarinet/Sax Anton Wuts
Oboe Julian Pook
Cello James Donaldson
Trumpet I David Kempton
Trumpet II Christopher Redfern-Wilson
Trombone Roberta Hickman
Lead Guitar Paul Bongiovanni
Bass Guitar Paul du Fresne
Drums Cameron Budge
Percussion Ben Garland & Jeremy Ironside
Keyboard I Marina Baillie
Keyboard II Stephen Fisher
Keyboard III Wendy Hunt/Jan Beck
Keyboard IV Frances Burch

Absent: David Kempton, Roberta Hickman, Julian Pook, Jan Beck

Technical Team

Darryl Mitchell
– Production Manager
Darryl went to see “Cats” many years ago and loved it, so the chance to work on this production and help bring it to the stage has been very exciting and challenging. Darryl has been in the role of Production Manager for many shows for the Society including Les Miserables, 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie and My Fair Lady. In this unique and very Art Deco Hawke’s Bay production of Cats, he wishes to thank all the very talented people who have contributed so much and made this show a great success, in particular a huge thank you to Gillian for her incredible vision, unstoppable energy and creativity.

Alan Jones
– Stage Director
As noted in another programme recently, “Alan seems to have been around theatre forever”. He has been an active member of Napier Operatic since New Moon in 1956. This long association onstage, backstage or serving on the executive has seen him earn Life Membership of the Society, along with a Merit Award from Musical Theatre New Zealand and a Citizen’s Award from the Napier Council. Alan has been happy to assist schools and other musical groups in the region and thrives on the challenge and enjoyment that theatre brings.

Leigh Jones
– Stage Manager
“Another opening another show” and for Leigh there have been many since dancing in the ballet of Napier Operatic’s 1963 production of Where’s Charley. She has enjoyed being involved in many areas of theatre both onstage and off, from tea lady to choreographer and finally stage management. A Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance, Leigh also stage manages for Opera Hawkes Bay and the Regional Orchestra.

Sonya Aifai
– Properties Manager
Sonya has been a member of NOS for 19 years and has played various roles within the Society ranging from directing to production management to catering. In this production Sonya is pleased
to return to her first role, as a ‘Props Manager’. She has enjoyed working with Gillian Davies again and admires the efforts of the cast in this extremely energetic show.

Marc Collier
– Mechanist
Marc is a third generation member of the Society and over his 20 year involvement has worked in most areas of theatre from set design and construction to stage managing shows such as Les Miserables, Chess and Westend to Broadway. Having been involved with some highly skilled theatre crews and working professionally for Auckland Opera, he now enjoys passing on his knowledge and stagecraft skills to the younger members of the Society.

Allan Howes
– Head Flyman
Participating in HOS Shows since Grease in 1979, Allan has both danced onstage and been active in many roles backstage, especially flying scenery. Having worked with the team during the latest successful show Beauty and the Beast, he has again taken on the challenge of Head Flyman for CATS.

Margot Minett
– Production Secretary
A year after returning to Hawke’s Bay, Margot has been fully embraced back into the theatre. Thoroughly enjoying being on stage in Beauty and the Beast, Margot decided to get behind the scenes for Cats as part of her training in the Society’s Director’s programme. With Arts training and management qualifications, combined with a lifetime of theatre performance experience, Margot is keen to continue to develop her skills and share her love of theatre with Hawke’s Bay audiences in future productions.

Sharron Pardoe
– Production Secretary
Sharron has been involved with Napier Operatic for 20 years. Usually performing in front of the stage curtain, she has enjoyed the challenging behind-the-scenes role of helping to make the production run smoothly. She has been impressed with the dedication of the artistic team in bringing you this wonderful season of “Deco Cats” and the enthusiasm and energy of the performers.

Gwyn Ace
– Artistic Advisor

Norah Griffin
– Production Assistant
Norah has had a lifelong interest in dance and the theatre and performed in Napier Operatic shows during the 1950’s/early 1960’s. Over the years she has assisted with various productions in backstage roles but what a challenge Cats has been – being the Production Assistant and also a Theatre Cat really has her purring!

Donna O’Shaughnessy
– Cast & Crew Suppers
Here I am again – ‘the coffee, tea & biscuits lady’, providing for the Cast & Crew of CATS. They are such an appreciative and happy lot. Once again my special thanks to my willing team of Lynne, Bev, Anthony, Pam & Ngaire.

Production Personnel

Artistic Advisor – Gwyn Ace

Aerial Consultant – Deborah Pope, Wellington

Booking Office – Venues Ticketing

CCTV Technician – Peter Eade

Construction – Marc Collier, Neill Page, Alan Holt, Colin Pritchard

Dressers – Friends of the Society

Fly Crew and Stage Crew – Patteson Aifai, Chris Atkinson, Blair Burtenshaw, Clive Buttery, Quentin Clarkson, Martin Crook, Brendan Hey, Bevan Howes, Barry Hughes, Malcolm Kenah, Eoin McKinnon, Farani Penitoto, Molimuaina Petelo, Michael Peterson, Ian Scott, Nigel Stilwell, Perry van der Zwet

Front of House Managers – Dale & Ian Reid

Front of House Team – Friends of the Theatre and Friends of the Society

Lighting Team – Anne Collier, Peter Eade, Brendan Hey, Tim Mason, Mike McConnell, Michael Peterson

Magic Consultant – Bill Reid

Makeup Team – Jude Allen, Diane Bentley, Leah Browning, Fiona Charlton, Marc Collier, Ann Bulford, Gemma Green, Karen Green, Michelle Kardos, Janine McCutcheon, Lois Otter, Sharon Pook, Derryn Toomey, Kerry Unsworth

Photographer – Clive Ralph

Programme – Gillian Davies, Norah Griffin, Dale Reid, Dylan Findlay

Props Team – Sonya Aifai, Bennett Aifai, Harriett Barker, Josie Bell, Pam Christensen, Anne Collier, Anthony Collier, Marc Collier, Jeff Foley, Deidre Hitchcock, Gail Jones, Chris Kenah, Craig McKinnon, Irene McKinnon, Rachael McKinnon, Alice Pardoe, Farani Penitito, Eloise Puller, Jacque Wilton, Michelle Winter, Keiran Wright

Radio Mic Team – Darryl Mitchell, Sonya Aifai, Anne Aifai, Anne Collier, Jeff Foley, Nicky Manning, Nicky McGrath, Lesley Reid, Jacque Wilton, Judy White

Publicity & Profile Team – Anne Collier, Sonya Aifai, Barbara Brown, Donald Hurley, Karen McLean, Judy White, Jacque Wilton

Sound Design – Terry Molloy, Redd Acoustics

Sound Operator – Glen Ruske, Redd Acoustics

Sponsorship – Bill Dalton, Dale Reid

Stage Effects – Anthony Gouder, Carsten Smits

Stunt Co-ordinators – Farani Penitito,Molimuaina Petelo

Supper and Refreshments – Donna O’Shaughnessy, Pam Christensen, Lynne Gibson, Anthony Hatch, Bev O’Neill

Wardrobe Team – Chris Shields, Penny Madden, Hilary Anderson, Beverly Carroll, Margery Gurney, Joanne Liddy, Wendy Mooney, Adrienne Parsons, Carol Robertson

Officers of the Society
Patron Peter Cox OBE
President Dale Reid
Vice President Sharron Pardoe
Chairman Neill Page
Secretary/Treasurer Kaye Wishart
Honorary Solicitor John Matthews
Honorary Photographer Clive Ralph
Committee
Sonya Aifai, Chris Aitkinson, Peter Austin, Anita Davies, Karen Green, Janine Hill, Allan Howes, Alan Jones, Irene McKinnon, Colin Pritchard

Life Members
Gwyn Ace, Cliff Allen, John Briggs, Barrie Brown, Lyndsay Brown, John Collier, Gillian Davies, Peter Eade, Donald Hurley, Alan Jones, Brian Nathan, Colin Pritchard, Lois Reefman, Ian Reid, Les Robertson, Peter Shepherd, Fred Twyford, Dawn Unsworth, Ros van de Ven

The Ad-dressing of Cats

You’ve heard of several kinds of cat
And my opinion now is that
You should need no interpreter
To understand our character
You’ve learned enough to take the view
That cats are very much like you
You’ve seen us both at work and games
And learnt about our proper names
Our habits and habitat
But how would you ad-dress a cat?

… Before a cat will condescend
To treat you as a trusted friend
Some little token of esteem
Is needed, like a dish of cream
And you might now and then supply
Some caviar or Strassburg pie
Some potted grouse or salmon paste
He’s sure to have his personal taste

And so in time you reach your aim
And call him by his NAME
A cat’s entitled to expect
These evidences of respect
So this is this and that is that
And there’s how you ad-dress a cat

The End

Cats Facts

The original production opened at the New London Theatre, in the West End, on 11 May 1981. Eight years later, it celebrated its first important milestone – after 3,358 performances CATS became the longest running musical in the history of the British theatre.

On 29 January 1996, the London production of CATS celebrated its 6,141st performance and became the longest running musical on the history of the West End theatre.

In April 1999, the gross box office for the London production was over $115 Million.

CATS closed in London in 2002, the same year it celebrated its 21st birthday, notching up a staggering 8,950 performances.

CATS opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on 7 October 1982 and continued to live up to its motto of playing “Now and Forever” until 10 September 2000. On 19 June 1997, the show became the longest running musical on Broadway until 9 January 2006 when it was overtaken by The Phantom of the Opera.

Since its opening, CATS has been presented in nearly 30 countries and over 300 cities, including such diverse destinations as Buenos Aires, Seoul, Helsinki and Singapore.

CATS has been translated into ten languages; Japanese, German (three versions for Germany, Austria and Switzerland), Hungarian, Norwegian, Finnish, Dutch, Swedish, French, Spanish (two versions for Mexico and Argentina) and Italian. The Swiss production required a bilingual cast who performed in German and English on alternate nights.

Despite its international appeal, the title of the show has rarely been translated – the Mexican producers did a survey as to whether the Mexican audience would like their production to be called GATOS – the response in favour of keeping the English original was unanimous.

Within two and half years of the London opening, there were productions in New York, Tokyo, Budapest and Vienna and the first of four US touring productions had hit the road.

“Memory” has been recorded by a variety of over 150 artists ranging from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace. Barry Manilow’s rendition was a top-40 hit in the USA.

A techno/dance version by European singer Natalie Grant topped the European dance charts in 1999.
On 1 October 1991, CATS became the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history. The CATS four US tours have thus far played a combined total of nearly twenty years.

The Original London Cast Recording of CATS won the 1982 Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. The next year, the Original Broadway Cast Recording win the same award.

The show has not only been presented in theatres, but also in tents in Japan and Korea, an engine shed in Switzerland and school gymnasiums across the USA.
A specially filmed production of CATS was released by Really Useful Films in 1998 which is available on video and DVD. It features a “dream cast” including Sir John Mills and Elaine Paige.

While most productions replicate the original show as closely as possible, there have been exceptions to this rule, most notably, the Norwegian production which placed the action in an attic, the Swedish production which placed it on the rooftops the Finnish production whose setting is best described as “futuristic” – and now an abandoned fairground.

The awards that CATS has won include; the 1981 Laurence Olivier award for Musical of the Year, the Evening Standard award for Best Musical and seven Tony awards including Best Musical (1982/3), the much coveted Moliére Prize for Best Musical in France, seven out of ten Dora Mavor Moore awards including Best Musical in Canada and seven awards in Japan.

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Programme 2007 – Cats

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