Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre - "Circus CATS (Paramount Theatre, Aurora) - ★★★★ REVIEW"

Episode Release Date: July 4, 2025
Podcast Title: MickeyJoTheatre
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Rating: ★★★★
Reviewed Production: Circus CATS at Paramount Theatre, Aurora

Introduction

In this engaging episode, Mickey Jo, a seasoned theatre critic and the voice behind the popular YouTube channel MickeyJoTheatre, delves into his latest theatrical experience: Circus CATS at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois. With a passion for all things theatre and a particular fondness for Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical Cats, Mickey Jo offers a comprehensive and enthusiastic review of this innovative rendition.

Overview of Circus CATS

Circus CATS reinvents the traditional Cats musical by infusing it with circus aesthetics, choreography, and themes. This unique adaptation aims to blend the whimsical nature of Cats with the dynamic energy of circus performances, creating a fresh and visually spectacular experience for audiences.

Mickey Jo introduces the concept enthusiastically:

"It's Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats, but presented with circus aesthetics, circus choreography, circus themes and visuals and everything that comes with that" ([01:34]).

He highlights how this production stands out from the myriad of Cats adaptations by incorporating elements such as trapezes, acrobatics, and circus-themed props, all while maintaining the essence of the beloved musical.

Creative Elements and Production Design

One of the standout features of Circus CATS is its innovative set design. The entire production is set within a big top tent, cleverly realized on stage without overwhelming the auditorium. An empty trapeze early in the show serves as a symbolic and recurring motif throughout the performance.

Mickey Jo praises the introductory animated slideshow that acquaints the audience with the characters in their new circus roles:

"In order to acquaint you with the new context of the production... they had a silent slideshow that did all of that work for them" ([05:20]).

This seamless introduction allows the audience to quickly grasp the new setting and character dynamics, enhancing their overall understanding and enjoyment of the show.

Choreography and Movement

The choreography in Circus CATS is a harmonious blend of traditional Cats dance language and circus acrobatics. While paying homage to Gillian Lynne's original feline-inspired movements, the production introduces high-flying trapeze acts and synchronized acrobatic sequences that elevate the performance to new heights.

"Was this dance language created by Gillian Lynne that felt, you know, appropriately feline... adding in an acrobatic and circus element to that and adding in scale and drama feels like a natural extension of that same idea" ([18:51]).

This fusion not only preserves the graceful and dynamic essence of Cats but also introduces exhilarating elements that captivate the audience.

Performances and Cast Highlights

Mickey Jo commends the exceptional performances delivered by the cast, particularly spotlighting key characters:

• Emily Rome as Grizabella:
  "Emily gave us all of the requisite drama and sorrow and eventual jubilation of Grizabella coupled with an astonishing vocal" ([14:10]).

  Her portrayal of Grizabella, who longs to return to the Jellicle fold, is both emotionally charged and vocally impressive, drawing comparisons to Betty Buckley's iconic performance.

• Lorenzo Rush Jr. as Old Deuteronomy:
  "Lorenzo did a really fantastic job... tasteful, subtle, just little moments in there" ([15:30]).

  His nuanced performance adds depth to the character, making Old Deuteronomy a compelling figure within the circus-themed narrative.

• Donovan Hoffa as Rum Tum Tugger:
  "The Rum Tum Tugger... had this sort of like glam rock, Adam Lambert kind of a vibe. It was sensational" ([16:05]).

  His energetic and charismatic portrayal infuses the role with a fresh, modern flair that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Innovative Storytelling and Staging

Circus CATS excels in its storytelling through innovative staging techniques. One of the most memorable moments involves Grizabella's poignant interaction with the empty trapeze, symbolizing her outcast status within the circus community. This visual metaphor underscores her longing and eventual redemption as she gracefully ascends to the Heaviside Layer.

"There is something about the elegance of her being suspended there and going up at that moment in the music that just works" ([17:00]).

Additionally, the production incorporates interactive elements, such as audience participation with balloons during the Jellicle Ball, reminiscent of immersive staging seen in productions like A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Technical Excellence

The technical aspects of Circus CATS receive high praise from Mickey Jo. The creative collaboration among the production team, including director Trent Stork and choreographers Casey Alfonso and Sylvia Hernandez de Stasi, is evident in the seamless integration of circus elements with traditional musical theater.

Mickey Jo highlights the impressive use of projections and stage mechanics:

"I have to credit here the brilliant individual who is responsible for projection design. That's Paul de Zeal... projecting the silhouette of Macavity falling out of the top of the tent" ([16:50]).

These technical enhancements not only enhance the visual storytelling but also contribute to the overall immersive experience of the production.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In his concluding remarks, Mickey Jo lauds Circus CATS as a "really magical and extraordinary production" that successfully marries the beloved elements of Cats with the thrilling aspects of circus performances.

"It is a huge bravi from me to everyone at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora for their production of Circus Cats. I hope that this may get remounted in the future" ([28:00]).

He encourages listeners to experience the production firsthand, emphasizing its appeal to both long-time fans of Cats and newcomers alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Circus CATS offers a fresh and innovative take on the classic Cats musical by infusing circus elements into its choreography and staging.
• The production excels in creative design, seamlessly integrating circus aesthetics with traditional musical theater.
• Exceptional performances by the cast, particularly Emily Rome and Lorenzo Rush Jr., elevate the production's emotional and vocal impact.
• Technical prowess in projection design and stage mechanics enhances the immersive experience for audiences.
• Mickey Jo highly recommends Circus CATS for its magical and extraordinary reinterpretation, deserving of future remounts.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats, but presented with circus aesthetics, circus choreography, circus themes and visuals and everything that comes with that." ([01:34])
• "There is something about the elegance of her being suspended there and going up at that moment in the music that just works." ([17:00])
• "It is a huge bravi from me to everyone at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora for their production of Circus Cats." ([28:00])

Recommendations:

Listeners interested in musical theatre, innovative stage productions, and creative reinterpretations of classic works will find Mickey Jo's review insightful and compelling. For a deeper dive into his experience, Mickey Jo also shares a vlog of the production on his YouTube channel, providing a visual complement to his detailed analysis.

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