Displaying items by tag: Cats

Music Theater Works is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the first production of its 2026 season, CATS, in the North Theatre, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, March 5 - 29, 2026. CATS, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical CATS” by T.S. Eliot, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is directed and choreographed by Mandy Modic and music directed by Linda Madonia. The production includes a preview performance Thursday, Mar. 5 at 7:30 p.m., with a press opening Friday, Mar. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $19.50 to $106 with tickets for guests 25 years old and younger available at half-price at MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center, 847.673.6300. Memberships for the 2026 season are also available at MusicTheaterWorks.com and group discounts for 10 or more people are available by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Music Theater Works kicks off its 46th season with CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s electrifying, Tony Award-winning musical. In this immersive production set in a larger-than-life British flat, audiences may join the magical and all encompassing world of the Jellicle cats as they gather for the annual Jellicle Ball, where one will be chosen for a new life. Through a series of dazzling musical numbers, each cat shares their story— from the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger, to the mysterious Macavity, and the once-glamorous Grizabella. Featuring unforgettable songs, breathtaking choreography, and a whimsical atmosphere, CATS is a celebration of life, community and the power of memory.

The cast of CATS includes Ava Lane Stovall (she/her, Grizabella); Luther Lewis (he/him, Old Deuteronomy); Nick Johnson (he/him, Mr. Mistoffelees/U/S Munkustrap); Ethan Lupp (he/him, Rum Tum Tugger); Daniel Hurst (he/him, Munkustrap); Sterling Ford (he/him, Macavity/Plato/Rumpus); Molly Bremer (she/her, Jellylorum); John Cardone (he/him, Bustopher Jones/Asparagus); Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor (she/her, Demeter); Danny Spagnuolo (he/him, Skimbleshanks); Emma Jean Eastlund (she/her, Bombalurina); Morgan Schoenecker (she/her, Jennyanydots); Alex Villaseñor (he/him, Mungojerrie); Madison Jaffe-Richter (she/her, Rumpleteazer); Irene Lo (she/her, Sillabub/U/S Victoria); Tola Abitogum (he/him, Tumblebrutus/U/S Skimbleshanks/Mungojerrie); Mikala Curless (she/her, Victoria); J'Nae Howard (she/her, Electra); Ciara Jarvis (she/her, Tantomile/U/S Demeter); Albert Johnston (he/him, Coricopat/U/S Rum Tum Tugger); Mia Hilt (she/her, Cassandra/U/S Rumpleteazer); Emily Ann Brooks (she/her, Carbuckety/U/S Jennyanydots/Jellylorum, Dance Captain); Alex Iaobucci (he/him, Pouncival/U/S Macavity); Whitney Turner (she/her, Exotica/U/S Bombalurina/Sillabub); Raymond Cam Truong (he/him, Alonzo/U/S Mr. Mistoffelees); Rachael Dec (she/her, Off Stage Chorus Alto/U/SCarbuckety/Cassandra/Tantomile); Andrew John Baker (he/him, Off Stage Chorus Tenor/U/S Tumblebrutus/Pouncival/Alonzo/Coricopat); Jake Elkins (he/him, Off Stage Chorus Bass/U/S Deuteronomy/Bustopher Jones/Gus) and Mai Hartwich (she/her, U/S Grizabella).

CATS’ creative team includes Mandy Modic (she/her, director/choreographer); Linda Madonia (she/her, music director); Alina Lowenstein (they/them, assistant music director); Jordan Beyeler (she/her, assistant choreographer); Danielle H. Gennaoui (she/her, circus artist); Jay Donley (he/him, violence choreographer); Amber Wuttkle (she/her, intimacy choreographer); Kathy Logelin (she/her, dialect coach); Rachel Rock (she/her, stage manager); Milo Bue (he/him, scenic designer); Nga Sze Chan (she/her, props designer); kClare McKellaston (she/her, costume designer); Kristen Brinati (she/her, wardrobe head); Melanie Saso (she/her, hair, wig and makeup lead); Adam Jezl-Sikorski (he/him, lighting designer); Jackson Mikkelsen (he/him, head electrician & light board programmer); Anthony Churchill (he/him, media designer); Forrest Gregor (he/him, production sound engineer); Keely Vasquez (she/her, casting director), Chris Chase (he/him, production manager); Katie Meine (she/her, company manager) and Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc (any with respect, producing artistic director). 

CATS Special Events

Post Show Discussions

Audiences are invited to stay after the 2 p.m. performances on Sunday, March 8 and Sunday, March 15 and join musical theater historian Thomas M. Shea, author of “Broadway’s Most Wanted,” for a post-show talk exploring the behind-the-scenes history of CATS. Free with your performance ticket, this engaging discussion is perfect for audiences to learn about the production, its history and more.

Binny’s Broadway Lounge

Music Theater Works’ donors of any level and season subscribers are welcome to access Binny’s Broadway Lounge before the performance and at intermission of CATS. Sponsored by Binny’s Beverage Depot, the Lounge is located on the second floor at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie and offers complimentary drinks and snacks. Reservations are not required. The Lounge will be available for CATS, Saturday, Mar. 7 (opens at 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, Mar. 14 (opens at 1 p.m.).

ASL Interpreted Performance

The Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. performance will be ASL interpreted.

ABOUT MANDY MODIC, DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER

Mandy Modic is so excited to return to Music Theater Works where she directed Legally Blonde last year! Some other favorite directing credits include: Guys and Dolls (Berkie Award Winner for Most Outstanding Musical), Matilda and Dear Jack Dear Louise. Some favorite choreographer credits include: Something Rotten! (Berkie Award Winner for Best Choreography), 42nd Street, Beauty and the Beast, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, State Fair, White Christmas, R&H Cinderella, Wedding Singer, Guys and Dolls, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sound of Music and Newsies. Modic is passionate about educational theater and has helped build musical theater programs abroad in Shanghai, China and Lima, Peru. Proud AEA member.  

ABOUT LINDA MADONIA, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Linda Madonia is thrilled to be back at Music Theater Works for CATS where she has previously music directed Guys and Dolls, Shrek, Mamma Mia and Camelot. Other recent projects include Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages and Sister Act at Mercury Theater Chicago. Anything Goes, Cabaret and A Chorus Line at Porchlight Music Theatre. Madonia also serves as the contractor for the Chicago Federation of Musicians for Porchlight Music Theatre and Music Theater Works. She is the vocal coach for the master’s degree program in Music Theatre Pedagogy at Carthage College and owns American Eagle Productions, which has been at the forefront of Theatre Education in the Chicago area for the past 35 years.

MUSIC THEATER WORKS 2026 SEASON

The 46th season opens with CATS, March 5 - 29, 2026 and is followed by West Side Story, August 13 - 30, 2026. The season will continue with Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, October 8 - November 1, 2026 and concludes with Hairspray, December 17, 2026 - January 3, 2027. Memberships and single tickets are now available. For more information on the 46th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com. 

ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS

Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in

1980. During its 45-year history it has presented more than 150 productions and intimate presentations. Music Theater Works is a professional theater company whose mission is to present works for the musical stage including historic repertoire, revitalizing the Golden Age of Broadway and earlier works, celebrating the Great American Songbook and introducing modern classics. 

I’ll just say it - Cats is going to blow your mind. Now running at the Paramount Theatre, this spectacular production elevates the famous musical to magnificent new heights—both figuratively and literally. While Cats has always been an extravagant, surreal whirlwind of theatrical magic, this version cranks up the spectacle with breathtaking Cirque-inspired gymnastics and aerial acrobatics. Part fever dream, part feline fantasy, and entirely unforgettable, this is Cats like you’ve never seen before.

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show transports audiences into the world of the Jellicle cats, a mysterious tribe that gathers once a year for their sacred Jellicle Ball. During this mystical night, their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, perfectly played by Lorenzo Rush Jr., selects the worthiest feline to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—a realm of renewal and rebirth, where a cat is granted a magical, new life. It’s a premise unlike any other in musical theater.

Anakin Jace White plays Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, riding astride his Railway Car in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Cats is an indulgence in music, movement, and character-driven storytelling. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the musical is more of a series of dazzling introductions featuring larger-than-life feline personas like the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger (Donovan Hoffer), the cunning Macavity (Matthew Weidenbener), and the forlorn Grizabella (Emily Rohm). Each cat has its moment in the spotlight, showcasing spectacular choreography and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infectious melodies. The pinnacle of the show’s emotional depth, of course, is “Memory,” an achingly nostalgic ballad incredibly performed by Rohm as Grizabella, the once glamour cat now outcast, who longs for her lost youth, beauty and forever home. Sung with heart-wrenching intensity it’s no wonder that it has become one of musical theater’s most iconic songs—soaring with raw emotion. This hauntingly nostalgic ballad doesn’t just tug at heartstrings—it resonates far beyond the stage and has cemented itself as an anthem of longing and transformation.

But Cats isn’t just about one song—it’s an entire universe, brimming with movement, mystery, and spectacle. Traditionally, the stage morphs into a sprawling junkyard, but in this production, it transforms into an abandoned circus tent—a hauntingly whimsical playground where feline characters leap, twirl, prowl and perform aerial stunts through mesmerizing choreography. The environment is immersive and fantastic, pulling audiences into a world where the ordinary rules of storytelling dissolve, leaving only the magic of dance, music, and theatrical wonder. What sets Cats apart is its fearless originality—an entirely sung-through musical without a conventional storyline, instead relying on a kaleidoscope of feline personalities brought to life through magnetic direction and expressive movement. It’s a high-energy spectacle packed with soaring melodies, iconic characters, and a trancelike atmosphere that keeps audiences spellbound. Whether you find yourself hypnotized by the haunting strains of “Memory” or captivated by the playful antics of Rum Tum Tugger, one thing is certain: Cats isn’t just a musical, it’s an experience—one that has pounced its way into the hearts of millions for good reason.

Alexandra Palkovic plays Demeter in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Luminously directed by Trent Stork with wild imagination, Paramount’s hypnotic choreography, shimmering feline costumes, and a stunning atmosphere that teeters between enchanting and dreamlike, Cats is less of a conventional production and more of a theatrical experience that defies expectations. This show is sure to leave audiences awe-struck; it remains a singular, extraordinary phenomenon in the world of musical theater.

But this isn’t just Cats—it’s Cats 2.0, a turbo-charged, high-octane reinvention of the classic musical. Paramount Theatre goes all out, delivering a one-of-a-kind, show-stopping spectacle that takes the experience to exhilarating new heights. From the moment the curtain rises, Cats launches into a dazzling display of jaw-dropping acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts that never let up. Theatergoers are instantly swept into the whirlwind of movement, perching on the edge of their seats as the enchanting performance unfolds. But beyond the sheer athleticism, it’s the clever feline nuances—the subtle catisms—woven seamlessly into each performance that add an extra layer of charm, making this production both thrilling and delightfully amusing.

This production doesn’t just purr—it roars.

Guided by the expertise of Circus Captain Hayley Larson, Dance Captain Christopher Kelley, and Flight Captain Matthew Weidenbener, the performance unfolds as a mesmerizing visual masterpiece, leaving audiences breathless with wonder. Yet, it’s the extraordinary cast that truly ignites this enthralling production, seamlessly weaving every awe-inspiring moment into an unforgettable event. The breathtaking vocal performances perfectly complement the hypnotic dance sequences, high-flying maneuvers, and breathtaking aerial acrobatics, creating a spectacle that is as beautiful to hear as it is to watch.

In addition to the aforementioned ensemble actors, Chicago stage veterans like Gene Weygandt and Allison Sill add their brilliance to this exceptional, multi-talented cast. Alongside them, standout performers such as Tiffany Topol, Alexandra Palkovic, Jake DiMaggio Lopez, Selena Robinson, Christopher Kelley, Sophie Liu David and a host of other gifted artists help bring this production to life with energy, skill, and undeniable stage presence. Unforgettable musical moments like “Magical Mister Mistoffelees,” “Gus: The Theatre Cat,” and “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” are just a few of the amazing numbers that will stay with you long after the final bow. With their infectious melodies and gripping performances, these songs make Cats an experience that lingers far beyond the theater doors.

Circus artist Ryan Huemmer (Coricopat) flies through the air with the greatest of ease in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Long before Cats made its grand entrance onto the Paramount stage, this legendary musical had already clawed its way into theater history, leaving a trail of wide-eyed audiences and notable performances in its wake. Since its West End debut in 1981, Cats has dazzled, bewildered, and utterly enchanted theatergoers with its boundary-pushing theatrical appeal.

Despite early skepticism, Cats scratched its way to legendary status, running for 21 years in London and 18 years on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running musicals in history. It helped usher in the era of the "megamusical," paving the way for grand theatrical productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, which would go on to define modern musical theater.

Beyond its record-breaking success, Cats sprang onto pop culture, leaving an impressive legacy. Its intricate choreography inspired generations of performers, its distinctive aesthetic became the subject of countless parodies, and its impact spread into film, television, and even internet culture. Whether adored or furiously debated, Cats remains one of the most influential—and delightfully eccentric—productions in musical theater history.

That being said, it’s truly exhilarating to see Cats return to the Chicagoland area—especially in such a grand, spectacular fashion. This production doesn’t just bring the beloved musical back; it elevates it to dazzling new heights.

Paramount’s production of Cats is an excellent homage to the legendary stage musical, staying true to its spirit while adding its own unique flair. This rendition not only honors the show’s original magic but elevates it with fresh creative choices, making it an even more extraordinary experience.

Cats is being performed at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL through June 15th. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

Highly recommended for audiences of all ages!

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!

If you've never seen Cats before, or if like me you have seen Cats many times over the years, this is the production of Cats you should make the effort to take your whole family to enjoy. This production was skillfully and joyfully directed and choreographed by Marc Robin. Robin does a fantastic job of bringing Cats, the second longest-running musical in Broadway history to life.

The Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre is hands down one of the best venues to see musical Theatre in the Chicago area. The space is cozy and houses an intimately sized ‘Theatre in the round’ and director Robin uses every single inch of the space to bring the mystifying and heartwarming movement of real cats to life. I was completely enamored by the way cast members mingled with the audience throughout the show just as cats mingle and cuddle and caress us at home. By leaving some groupings of seats empty and allowing the performers to perch and watch the goings on from the carpeted aisles at our feet and even in our laps occasionally, we got to feel both part of the show and as though the performers had truly become the graceful and mystical creatures they were portraying.

The dancing and choreography is spectacularly playful and impressive. This production really captures the magical quality of cats. If dogs reflect the qualities in human beings that are childlike and innocent throughout life, then cats surely reflect human beings when they reach maturity and progress into old age. The variety of cats portrayed from plump, round and lazy to skinny, aged and falling apart really help humans identify themselves as loveable, and salvageable even with all their odd foibles, scars and matted fur.

The enchanting and complex lyrics of Cats are all based on poetry, the enchanting poems of T.S. Eliot. The “Jellicle Songs” introduces the audience to the wonderful cast of cat characters who are about to attend the mystical tradition of a cats-only “Jellicle Ball”. At this magnificent dancing cat ball held in the middle of night by the light of a full moon, their elder cat, Old Deuteronomy selects one worthy cat to be re-born.

The hit song, “Memory” is sung by Grizabella, the chosen cat. It is essential that this song, which is the catharsis and climax of Cats, is sung by a mature vocal performer whose voice really soars and Heidi Kettenring (with six Jeff nominations, Man of Steel) really knocked it out of the park with her vocally rich and moving rendition in this production.

There is a universal appeal to this show, which has maintained its second position in popularity on Broadway for 23 years between Phantom of the Opera and Chicago. “Cats” makes you feel good about being who you are no matter what odd type of cat you have matured into when you attend the “Jellicle Ball”.

Cats and their mysterious, unpredictable feline natures are often identified with the female human, and sometimes in negative ways like the terms ‘catty’, ‘cat fight” or the myth that black cats bring bad luck.  In a way, “Cats” has a wonderful underlying feminist message to embrace the female, the changeable, and the vulnerable in our psyches.

 “Cats” the musical, with its challenging dance numbers throws all those negative myths right out the window and reminds us to embrace the marvelous grace, the ballet of acrobatics, that cats hypnotize us with and not to fear it.

Kudos to EACH of the talented dancers in this production, and also to set designer Thomas M. Ryan, and costume designer, Nancy Missimi, for bringing the exciting, loveable and playful nature of actual cats to life so fully in this production.

“Cats” is being performed at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire through May 25^th. For tickets and/or more information, visit www.marriotttheatre.com.