News / ‘Cats’ musical at Garrison this summer
A PERFORMANCE of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s world renowned ‘Cats’ musical is coming to Shetland for a three-night stint this summer.
Shetland Arts has teamed up with the Kirkwall Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS) to confirm that the latter’s 2014 Orkney sell-out show will be taken to Lerwick’s Garrison Theatre from 11 to 13 July.
Lloyd Weber’s musical is one of the most successful ever written and it is said to be unusual for rights to the full show to be granted to an adult amateur group in the UK.
The show’s producer Dennis Gowland said: “Shetland was the obvious choice as there are already many successful sporting and cultural links as well as family links within some of the cast.
“The society contacted Shetland Arts who have been extraordinarily helpful and supportive from the outset and have made what was initially an idea into a real event.”
‘Cats’ has had almost continuous performances in London’s West End, on Broadway in New York and by professional touring companies in other major world cities since its 1981 debut.
Some 64 people will make the trip north in July: a cast of more than 50 along with the production team and helpers. Most of the cast appeared during its February run in Orkney but some new recruits will be making their debuts on the tour.
Tour director is Lesley MacDonald, with choreography by Joanne Davies and original musical direction by Glens Hughes. Elaine Bain is musical director and Denni Gowland is producer.
KAOS president Sandra Shearer said: “As an amateur company we are thrilled to take the show ‘Cats’ to Shetland and are looking forward to our first tour and meeting old friends and relations – and of course making new friends. Roll on July!”
Shetland Arts drama development worker John Haswell said he was “delighted” the production is coming to the Garrison.
“It has been a while since there has been a full blown musical production in Shetland, particularly such an ambitious show as this,” he said.
“To be able to present a show of this size is a considerable achievement and a great deal of work has been done both in Orkney and Shetland to make it happen. The reputation of KAOS precedes their visit and I know the company will present a very special show for Shetland audiences.”
• Tickets for CATS at the Garrison Theatre go on sale this Friday at 10am from Shetland Box Office.
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