Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has lifted the lid on more of the feline stars joining the highly anticipated 40th Anniversary Australian tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical, CATS. The iconic production is set to return to its original Australian home, Theatre Royal Sydney, from June 17, before heading to Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, from September 20, and Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, from December 21.
Adding to the excitement, tickets for the Adelaide season are now on pre-sale, with general public sales commencing Friday, May 2. Dance enthusiasts and musical theatre lovers in Sydney also have cause to celebrate, as the final block of performances for the Sydney season, running up to September 6, have been released for pre-sale, with general public sales also opening on Friday, May 2.
Stepping into the poignant role of Grizabella, the once-glamorous "memory" cat, is Gabriyel Thomas. Currently gracing the stage in Sister Act as Michelle and understudying Deloris Van Cartier, Gabriyel's impressive credits include The Sound of Music, Ragtime, and the Australian and US tours of Hairspray. Her casting as Grizabella is a dream come true, marking a full-circle moment as CATS was her introduction to the world of musical theatre.
The nurturing Jellylorum, who keeps a watchful eye on the kittens and the esteemed Gus the Theatre Cat, will be brought to life by Lucy Maunder. Most recently acclaimed for her portrayal of Roxie Hart in the sold-out national tour of Chicago and the intimate musical No Love Songs, Lucy's extensive career since graduating from WAAPA in 2006 includes lead roles in Mary Poppins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Pippin, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Matilda the Musical, and Doctor Zhivago, among many others.
The mischievous and rebellious Rum Tum Tugger will be embodied by Des Flanagan. Known for his captivating performance as Christian in the Australian tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Des is currently treading the boards as Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers.
The role of Munkustrap, the Jellicle tribe's storyteller and protector, goes to WAAPA graduate Jarrod Draper. Jarrod is currently performing as Artie Green in Sunset Boulevard in China, having previously played the role in Melbourne, Sydney, and Singapore. His credits also include Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Promises, Promises.
The newly announced company also features a host of talented performers, including Sarah Bourke (Tantomile), Olivia Carniato (Demeter), Mia Dabkowski-Chandler (Bombalurina), Tom Davis (Shimbleshanks), Ella Fitzpatrick (Jemima), Charlie Follows (Bill Bailey), Joshua Gordon (Coricopat), Chaska Halliday (Cassandra), Dominique Hamilton (swing), Claudia Hastings (Victoria/White Cat), Aimee Jones (swing), Savannah Lind (Rumpleteazer), Jake O'Brien (Mungojerrie), Xavier Pellin (swing), Guy Pik (Carbuckety), Rania Potaka-Osborne (Alonzo), Edward Smith (Admetus/Macavity), Thalia Smith (swing), and Tod Strike (swing).
They join the previously announced principal cast members: the versatile Todd McKenney, who will take on the dual roles of Bustopher Jones and Asparagus (Gus the Theatre Cat); acclaimed classical performer Mark Vincent as the wise Old Deuteronomy; and Leigh Archer as the tap-dancing Jennyanydots (the Gumbie Cat).
"We have assembled a purr-fect cast for this 40th Anniversary Australian tour of CATS, led by Gabriyel, Todd and Mark," said John Frost. "It’s a wonderful clowder of seasoned artists and new performers to the industry. CATS was revolutionary when it first opened and to celebrate the production in the theatre where it first played is a real thrill. Australia has an enduring love for CATS and it’s time to let the memory live again."