It has been years since I attended a live production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic show CATS based on the Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by author T.S. Eliot, so I jumped at the opportunity to see it live last weekend. One never tires of seeing this hit revival with its reworks of the original show written by Webber back in 1978.
Performed in Brisbane’s iconic Twelfth Night Theatre, I had a fabulous afternoon purring along as the Queensland Musical Theatre presented CATS, the Musical – Live On Stage with theatre orchestra. Apart from the cast making it all such fun on stage, there is great pressure on them physically and vocally as our furry friend’s purred, prowled, pounced and resonated their delightful singing meows with words.
After successful seasons around the world, Queensland Musical Theatre, the company that brought you The Sound of Music to Brisbane is now set to wow again. Delighting a new generation of fans and for those who are returning a second or third time.
Queensland Musical Theatre was founded by Brian and Denise Cahill in June 1984 with the aim of furthering the cultural opportunities for people of all ages in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. Community theatre is vital for our arts and provides a stepping stone for many.
I discovered that all the cast, orchestra and crew volunteer their services, working around their existing jobs or schooling to rehearse, then perform live. I was delighted to see young and old on stage embracing their passion of live musical theatre. One regular cast member is in her eighties, not that you would know it, as she is full of life and energy and shows no sign of slowing down.
Many performers are of school age pursing their dream, who also include after-school acting and singing classes around their existing studies. Others are retired picking up on their not long lost dreams which I found incredibly inspirational. And of course the much needed families and friends of the cast who volunteer their time in supporting the running of the theatre.
After Saturdays matinee performance, the family members had cooked a BBQ in readiness for the cast and crew to be fed prior the 7.30 evening performance that night. The whole company is made up of wonderful heart-warming, clever, talented group of individuals who produce professional, fun entertainment for young and old.
CATS by Queensland Musical Theatre is fabulous for all and worth attending for a purrfect time.
Information: Recommended for all ages.
Remaining performances: 17, 18 and 19 May 2023 @ 7.30pm, Saturday 20 May @ 1.30pm and 7.30pm, Sunday 21 May at 1.30pm.
Venue: Twelfth Night Theatre, Bowen Hills, QLD
Ticketek bookings: QMT Tickets — Queensland Musical Theatre
Web: https://www.queenslandmusicaltheatre.com/tickets
Box Office: Mon-Fri 9-5, 3252 51212 including 60 minutes prior to performance times.
Doors Open 60 minutes prior to Act One
Concessions available: pensioners, seniors, full-time students, unemployed. Free for children under 2 years, on the knee.
Social Media: #QMTCATS
Feature Image by Creative Street.
Ruth Greening holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology & Philosophy. Before retirement, she worked for over 40 years in the corporate world in Melbourne and Brisbane and progressed into senior management positions and project roles for both private industry and government.
In her 70th decade, she continues in casual roles as a freelance writer, model, and actor participating in small movies, TV commercials and User Generated Content.
As a grandmother, she is known as Nanny Babe to her grandchildren and writes from a Baby Boomer perspective on her blog www.nannybabe.com. An avid crafter Ruth actively participates in sewing, crocheting and knitting.
While she continues to pursue her artistic passions, Ruth is dedicated to maintaining her health and fitness as she ages by attending the gym, dancing and walking and thrives on mentoring others.
Connect with Ruth or our moniker Nanny Babe; nannybabegengp.blogspot.com.au/
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