Several years ago we did Cats and it went so much better than we could have expected. It was one of our most attended shows ever and with 988 seats in our auditorium we almost packed it out every performance and even considered a third weekend encore.
I think a lot of people came thinking it would be a disaster and they wanted to watch the train wreck. I think others came because they love the show. The rest were just moms, dads, and grandparents who will come for anything. Every one of those groups expressed how surprised they were that they enjoyed it and how well it went.
I hate that people don't like the show or say it has no plot, when it really is a cool and very interesting show. It's super challenging in terms of vocals and dance for your students, but it does have the advantage of pretty much one set and generally one costume per character, which really makes your time and money for tech go far. It also leaves room for as many students as you'd like to participate, since some of the big dance and chorus numbers could incorporate a huge cast or sections of cast moving on and off. We used a lot of our choir students for challenging vocal areas, and we used band dance line and other dance students to fill in some big dance breaks, and of course highlighted our triple threats in named roles and solo dance/song numbers, plus had room for growing students who weren't yet strong in any area. If you have the kids for it, I'd say go for it. So much room to play and explore the story in so many different ways.
The audience will come. Especially if you have a reputation for good work the way it sounds like you do. Plus you will draw in some people who might not have come otherwise, just from the title. I don't think you'll scare off potential audience members with it at all.
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Kathleen McNulty Mann
mcnulkl@bay.k12.fl.usArnold High School Theatre
Panama City Beach, FL
Program Director and Thespian Sponsor
Florida Association for Theatre Education
Board Member
Membership Committee Chair
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-05-2017 06:08
From: Rachel Sparks
Subject: Musical Advice Needed!
School of Rock was awesome, but the most challenging show I've ever done! Used two sound boards and 40 wireless mics, 20 moving head led lights, and had 3 sets of speakers. Balancing the pit and on stage instruments as tough. There are 22 scene transitions too. That being said... it was also the BEST show I have ever done. The hard work paid off. You have to have a Dewey who can really sing and who is phenomenal comedic and physical actor to pull it off though.
As as far as CATS go... I think I'll pack the house... just not sure how High School audiences will respond. I have the kids who can sing it for sure. The dancing will take lots of practice... but I think we can get it.
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Rachel Sparks
Ches Beach MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2017 10:41
From: Shira Schwartz
Subject: Musical Advice Needed!
I'll admit to being a little biased (I love Cats... probably the dancer in me) and would love to hear more high schools are doing the show. That being said, I think it's probably a better idea to steer away from it if you have any concerns. You know your audience and community so if you think there is a potential issue you are probably correct.
How many strong singers do you have? Here are some potential shows that are completely different in style but are a lot of fun (if you can do them)
Drowsy Chaperone
Aida
SPAMalot
Urinetown
Chicago
Into The Woods
I'm not sure how conservative your community is, so I just threw out some names. :^)
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Shira Schwartz
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler AZ
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2017 19:33
From: Rachel Sparks
Subject: Musical Advice Needed!
Ok,
So I just finished a very successful season (Peter and the Starcatcher and The School of Rock). I have done Spelling Bee and Wedding Singer in the past, they were also well received. I am considering doing CATS because I think it would be fun, I have the performers for it, it will be challenging, and definitely very different than School of Rock. But, I am worried that it will not go over as well because people are so polarized on the show. They either love it or hate it. I am really at a loss as to where to go after my last show, especially because of how much people loved it. Thoughts?????
Sent from my iPhone