“Cats” Takes Locals by Storm in Spring Lake

For less than half of what the average price of a ticket to see a show on Broadway would cost, the Spring Lake Theatre Company has housed sold out crowds for the musical “Cats" during its running this summer. Guests enjoyed the outstanding talent and effects in the show and the locality of it. 

“It was fabulous! The costumes, the singing, the dancing. It was outrageous - a fantastic show! I’ve been to another production of “Cats” and this was just as superb," exclaimed Susan Huben of Point Pleasant.

“My mother and I have been coming here for years. She is afraid to go to NYC. Tonight we wanted to share this experience with the kids,” said Dana Martin of Forked River.

“More than half of the cast did their own makeup. The ones who did not do their own had other cast members do it for them. Our director and volunteers did the costumes,” said stage crew member Connor Langston.

According to house manager Meredith Munro, the show includes traditional choreography with a flair designed just for this cast. The crew and cast worked extremely hard to make everything come together. 

“The cast would arrive at 4 p.m. and practice before rehearsal began at 7 p.m. until it ended at 11 p.m. They are amazing dancers and it’s been a lot of fun,” said director Kerry Baglivio. 

Interactive and fun, cats were everywhere as they crawled their way around the audience that grew to learn the stories of the cats making their way in a junkyard. From Grizabella the glamour cat who had lost her sparkle, to Macavity the mystery cat and villain, then Mister Mistoffelees - the magical cat, the cast did not skip a beat with each movement and sound. Additionally, the stage and costumes were both bright and colorful - almost storybook like. The show mainly included students of the Spring Lake Theater Dance School with cast members from ages 14 to 56.

“Cats is based off a series of poems written by T. S. Eliot. Each year one cat is chosen to go to cat heaven and they (the cats) are saying why they should go there,” said Langston. 

"Cats" first opened on Broadway in 1982 and has won numerous awards.

“It makes you feel good,” said Meghan Rice of Wall.

The show was not just exciting for attendees, but also for the cast and crew.

“This was the most fun show I’ve ever been in. It not only made you think but it was really tough on your body,” said Colleen Roberts who played Bombalurina, a flirtatious cat.

Roberts has been doing theatre for 8 years and is really excited to be apart of this cast.

“Cats” runs until July 23 at the Spring Lake Theatre located at 300 Madison Avenue in Spring Lake. An adult ticket costs $28, a senior or student ticket costs $20, and children 12 and under pay $20 to enter. For more information on show times and to book your tickets, visit www.springlaketheatre.com.

The Spring Lake Theatre has been home to the Spring Lake Theatre Company since 1978 and seats over 350 people. Many locals rely on it for good affordable theater close to home.