Twitter Responds To CATS Movie Trailer

(screen capture via CATS trailer/Youtube)

Yesterday I shared the newly-unveiled trailer for the upcoming film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical, CATS, due out at Christmas.

Having been a part of the CATS family back in the 1980s, as a cast member of the original national touring companies, I have a personal fondness for the show.

And as a creative person, I knew the movie might take a different direction here and there, and I'm one to keep an open mind.

That said, apparently the trailer didn't sit all that well with some folks on the interwebs, and they made themselves known on Twitter.

I'll say up front - let's not bash the movie before we see it. But, some of these tweets are pretty funny.

Take a look:

My favorite thing about the #Cats trailer is that it didn’t awaken anything (new) in me, sexually. So. Phew.

— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) July 19, 2019

Reasons why I am a dog person:#CatsTrailer pic.twitter.com/tG2kX1KzvJ

— sophie (@sophxthompson) July 19, 2019

The Cats trailer scared me. It's what would happen if an elderly hoarder with a Hummel figurine fetish dropped acid, ran into the street naked and was happy for the very first time, right before getting hit by a bus#Cats pic.twitter.com/q5B6V0Lt48

— Paul Rudnick (@PaulRudnickNY) July 19, 2019

the judy dench cat wears a fur coat. but is her coat made of cats? or is her flesh made of coat? she screams, for she does not know pic.twitter.com/SDTMfe434p

— erin chack (@ErinChack) July 18, 2019

the James Corden cat is what I see in the corner of my room when I have sleep paralysis pic.twitter.com/l9I9CBh9VG

— georgia 🦁 (@brightroars_) July 18, 2019

They walked so that Cats (2019) could run. #CatsMovie pic.twitter.com/hTA6xGNNKa

— private (@private_2222) July 18, 2019

my therapist: Jason Derulo cat isn’t real he can’t hurt you

Jason Derulo cat: pic.twitter.com/oCuea5Gm7q

— nico 🦇 (@fkanico) July 18, 2019

my therapist: james corden tuxedo cat person isn’t real he can’t hurt you
james corden tuxedo cat person: pic.twitter.com/A9J7fHucTu

— 🍸 (@oscarewilde) July 18, 2019

I've seen the face of death, and it's Taylor Swift as a cat giving me fuck-me eyes #CatsMovie pic.twitter.com/ff15r8KZ6t

— UnkiJakey (@JakeyUnki) July 18, 2019

And, of course, that burning question:

Why do the cats have boobs

— Dana Schwartz (@DanaSchwartzzz) July 18, 2019

Trailer: CATS The Movie

Jennifer Hudson as 'Grizabella' in CATS

The trailer for the upcoming live-action movie of CATS the musical has landed.

I think it has some amazing visuals going on, although the anthropomorphic/naked cat look will take a bit of getting used to.

Along the way, there looks to be some fantastic casting with Rebel Wilson as 'Jennyanydots,' Sir Ian McKellen as 'Gus the theater cat,' Dame Judi Dench as 'Deuteronomy,' and James Corden as 'Bustopher Jones.'

Oh, and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson belts out the show's hit tune, "Memory," throughout.

Judi Dench in CATS

In theaters this Christmas. Take a look below.

Longtime readers of The Randy Report may recall being cast in the national touring company of CATS back in the mid-80s was my first big gig after moving to New York City.

Ah yes, 'the magical Mr. Mistoffelees'...

Go Behind-The-Scenes Of The Upcoming CATS Movie

Universal Pictures shares a look inside the upcoming Cats movie and announces that the first trailer will be released on Friday.

Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.

Featuring a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street to tap.

(via press release)

Daily Dance: Finola Hughes As 'Victoria' In CATS

Finola Hughes as 'Victoria' in CATS

In honor of the passing of Dame Gillian Lynne, whose choreography graced two of the biggest musical theatre blockbusters of all time, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, I share this lovely moment from the early 80s when Andrew Lloyd Webber shared a bit of Cats on a talk show as the musical launched in the West End.

For soap opera fans, yes, that's General Hospital's Finola Hughes dancing the role of the white cat, 'Victoria.'

Regular readers know that I was an actor and dancer for many years on Broadway and in national touring companies, and my first big break was as 'the magical Mr. Mistoffelees' in a new national touring company of Cats back in the mid-80s.

I smile thinking about my 'Victoria,' the now-super successful Broadway choreographer JoAnn Hunter (School of Rock, Disaster!, On a Clear Day). I watched JoAnn do this every night for hundreds of performances as the very next moment after her solo ended I made my entrance to 'break the spell.'

Good times. Thank you, Gillian Lynne.

Watch below.

Finola Hughes @finolahughes performs "The Invitation" pic.twitter.com/iH10a1piNw

— SoapRomance (@soapromance) July 18, 2018

Dame Gillian Lynne (CATS, Phantom Of The Opera) Passes Away At 92

A legend leaves us.

With heavy heart I share the news that acclaimed director/choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne passed away today at the age of 92.

Best known for her choreography for two of the longest running shows on Broadway - CATS and The Phantom of the Opera - Gillian's career spanned decades and knew no boundaries.

From ballet to opera to theater to television to movies, Dame Gillian was triumphant in every medium she approached.

More career details from BroadwayWorld:

Gillian was a leading soloist with Sadler's Wells Ballet, the star dancer at the Palladium, played opposite Errol Flynn in the movies and danced with all the greats on TV. She became instrumental in the development of jazz dance in Britain and her distinctive style - a fusion of classical and jazz - led to her groundbreaking work on the world-famous Cats, which was recognised with a new category of Olivier Award, specially created for her to acknowledge Outstanding Achievement of the Year in a Musical. Cats continues to be produced worldwide Gillian's 50-plus Broadway and West End shows include: Tonight at 8.30, Love on the Dole, The Match Girls, TomFoolery, Jeeves Takes Charge, Cabaret, The Roar of the Greasepaint, Pickwick, The Card, Phil The Fluter, Hans Christian Andersen, My Fair Lady, Songbook, The Phantom of the Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

For the Royal Shakespeare Company: A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Comedy of Errors, The Way of the World, As You Like It, Once in a Lifetime and The Boy Friend. She has previously worked with Adrian Noble on the RSC production The Secret Garden.

Gillian's opera productions include the direction of Bluebeard, The Trojans, The Midsummer Marriage, The Flying Dutchman and Parsifal. Among Gillian's ballets are Breakaway, Lippizaner, The Brontes and Journey for the Bolshoi.

On television, Gillian has directed The Various Ends of Mrs F's Friends, Easy Money, The Look of Love, The Morte d'Arthur, which won the Samuel G Engel Award in America, and A Simple Man, which won a 1987 BAFTA.

She staged many of The Muppet Shows for ATV and her 11 feature films include A Wonderful Life, Half a Sixpence, Man of La Mancha and Yentl.

She was honored with the Olivier Award for her choreography for CATS, as well as Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for the Broadway production. Another Tony nomination came for her gorgeous work on Phantom.

My first big job as an actor in New York City was being cast as "The Magical Mr. Mistoffelees" in a brand-new national touring company of CATS. The job, and the show, saved my life in many ways.

Years later I was able to thank Dame Gillian for her brilliant work that in very real terms created jobs for thousands and thousands of people.

A total class act, she could also be very bawdy and fun.

Rest in Peace, Dame Gillian.

Rest In Peace my darling Gillie. I am heartbroken to write that Dame Gillian Lynne DBE & my dearest wife & friend & love for 40 years passed away at 6.20pm tonight 1st July 2018 at the Princess Grace Hospital. She leaves behind a huge legacy&is adored by many espec @peterland_uk pic.twitter.com/Rn3182mRPt

— Dame Gillian Lynne (@Gillian_Lynne) July 1, 2018

Gillian Lynne created some of the most incredible bits of movement for the musical theatre stage. Her work is on par with the greats and is terribly under appreciated. I can’t help but think if she had been a man she’d have been one of the most acclaimed directors of our time.

— Alan Henry (@AlanHenry) July 1, 2018

International treasure, dancer, choreographer and director, Dame @Gillian_Lynne - bless her. What a lady & what a lifetime. 🌺🌺🌺 pic.twitter.com/sBhMmpcDzV

— Bryan John (@mrbryanjohn) July 1, 2018

RIP Dear Gillie... you supported and inspired me from the very beginning... your spirit & love of dance & dancers lives on in all of us who share that love ❤️ @Gillian_Lynne #DameGillianLynne all love to @peterland_uk x pic.twitter.com/g2jzQwNaGf

— Matthew Bourne (@SirMattBourne) July 1, 2018

Tony Award winner Betty Buckley, who worked with Dame Gillian on CATS and the London premiere of Jerry Herman's Dear World, shared her thoughts on the loss on Instagram:

I just heard that beautiful, brilliant, beloved Dame Gillian Lynne has passed away today. Her lovely husband Peter Land just posted this: “I’ve had to say goodbye tonight to my greatest love: Dame Gillian Lynne DBE or as she’d rather be known Gillie, Mrs Peter Land. Gillie passed away at 6.20pm - the 1st July 2018 at the Princess Grace Hospital. I am heartbroken but she is finally out of the pain the wracked her and for that I am grateful. I am also grateful for the life we had together (40 years) and lift my arms up towards the sky because it will be from there that her nipples will be famously firing. px” Heart breaking...💔💕

A post shared by Betty Lynn Buckley (@blbuckley) on Jul 1, 2018 at 2:06pm PDT

News Round-Up: December 7, 2017

Some news items you might have missed:

• Fitness guy Ben Zerbst posts on Instagram he thought he heard a dog. Actually, it was just me woofing.

• One of the gay men Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis denied a marriage license has announced he will run for her office.

• Actor/athletes Terry Crews is suing his former William Morris Endeavor agent, Adam Venit, alleging Venit grabbed Crews by the balls at a party.

• Folks were wondering about Donald Trump's unusual speech impediment during his announcement that the U.S. would recognize Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel. Many suspect his dentures came loose. Take a listen and decide for your self.

🔥🔥Sooo this is interesting. Trump’s dentures are trying to escape his mouth as this speech is ending. Join the club dentures! Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/QqYv7whxDF

— Melania's Sausages (@KeepMyPowerOrg) December 6, 2017

• Pot meet kettle: Steven Bannon criticized 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney saying he avoided military service by serving his Mormon mission during Vietnam. Ironic since Bannon shepherded Donald Trump to the presidency. Trump famously received deferment after deferment for "bone spurs" during Vietnam.

• For the first time in history, a cast member of the Broadway production of CATS was involved in an incident with a dog during a performance.

• Retired pro soccer star Robbie Rogers married TV and film producer Greg Berlanti. The twosome have been a couple since 2013 and became engaged last December. They are parents to adorable Caleb, who they had via surrogate in February 2016.

Still recovering from the most emotional beautiful day, exceeding any dream I ever had. To marry the man I love in front of all of my loved one’s was not something I grew up thinking would ever happen. Thank you to the men and women who made this day possible. Also thank you @hanaasano for capturing this picture, convincing Caleb to smile at the camera this long was impressive ;)

A post shared by Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers) on Dec 6, 2017 at 3:43pm PST

Flashback Friday: 30 Years Ago

Me (2nd from the left) during my CATS days in 1987

I don't do many Flashback Friday posts, but I'm thinking of a dear friend from my CATS days in the 1980s who recently passed away.

In light of that passing, several of my former cast mates have shared pics from the 1986-1988 national tour of CATS, which was my first big job in theater. For two years I was "the magical Mr. Mistoffelees" traveling across the country. Our company was the first to share the hit musical with major American cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, St. Louis, Louisville, Miami, Memphis and more.

This picture, which I've never seen, shows me as a scruffy-faced 24 year old at some opening night party somewhere in America. How I painted over that furry face, I can't recall.

Also in the photo are Austin Jetton, Jackie Reilly, Jonathan Cerullo and now big-time Broadway conductor Patrick Vaccariello.

It was around this time last year that many of my CATS family gathered together to take in the new Broadway revival of the show. All the chemistry, all the quirks I love about these folks, all came back in seconds :)

It's stirring how the passing of old friends reminds us of the power of our long-time friends.

Betty Buckley On The Dignity Of "Grizabella"

From the terrific newsmagazine MetroFocus, Tony Award winner Betty Buckley, forever the greatest "Grizabella" in the Broadway musical CATS, discusses how she developed the role and how "Memory" came to life thanks to observations of the dignity of the homeless.

My 30 Year Journey With "CATS - Now And Forever"

That famous logo

I'm currently back in the Big Apple to see a few Broadway shows,  but more importantly to catch up with my former cast mates of 30 years ago (!!!) when I and a lot of way young actors were cast in a new national touring company of CATS.

At the time, in 1986, CATS was still the hottest ticket on Broadway. And while the powers that be had opened a Los Angeles company and a first national company which sat down in cities like Chicago, Boston and Washington D.C. for over a year at a time, our company - technically called CATS III - was really the first opportunity most of the U.S. had to see the feline phenom. Dallas, Houston, Miami, St. Louis, Memphis, Baltimore, Detroit and more would host us for two, three, four weeks or more.

It was a very heady time for most of us as the show was so hot at the time.

Yesterday, several of my fellow kitties took in the matinee of the newly opened revival of CATS currently playing at the Neil Simon Theater on Broadway.

I'll write more about the new production in another post, but suffice it to say it's still the amazing theater experience you expect. At one point in the nine minute "Jellicle Ball," the music kicked into high gear and I could feel my heart pumping as if I was on the stage myself dancing my butt off. Clearly, hundreds of performances embeds that awesome rush into your DNA.

Afterwards, I joined my longtime partners in feline fun onstage to meet some of the new kittens on the block. Here's a few pics from the day.

Michael snuck this pic as I approached the Neil Simon

Cats past and present

The "senior" cats take the stage - from top left: Tony Bova ("Tumblebrutus"), Joanna Beck ("Jellylorum"), Amiee Turner ("Cassandra"), Arminae Reames ("Grizabella" standby), and me ("Mistoffelees")

"Mistoffelees" past and present - me with So You Think You Can Dance winner Ricky Ubeda, who absolutely KILLED it as the magical cat

"Tumblebrutus" past and present - Tony Bova and daughter Annarose with Kolton Krouse (R)

My hubby Michael became a "Tumblebrutus" cover in CATS in the early 90s while doing PR work in Europe; here with the new "Tumblebrutus" Kolton Krouse

The group at cocktails after the show with our awesome company manager Jeff Capitola in the front

After the show party: from top left - Lisa Dawn Cave (swing), Aja Kane ("Bombalurina"), Arminae Reames ("Grizabella" standby), me, Joanna Beck ("Jellylorum"), and Amiee Turner ("Cassandra")

Me with my best bud Tony Bova ("Tumblebrutus")

My connection with Aja Kane ("Bombalurina"), stretching over 30 years, is still magical

With our fantastic "Gus/Growltiger" Richard Poole

First Look At New Broadway Revival Of CATS

Entertainment Weekly has a first look at the new Broadway revival of CATS currently in previews at the Neil Simon Theater in NYC.

The feline reboot features Leona Lewis as "Grizabella, the Glamour Cat" and So You Think You Can Dance champ Ricky Ubeda as "The Magical Mr. Mistoffelees."

Check out the video below with mucho dancing plus that famous "Touch Me" moment by Leona Lewis in the eleven o'clock number, "Memory."

Broadway Revival Of CATS Begins Previews Tonight

The Broadway revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber mega-hit CATS begins previews tonight at the Neil Simon Theater.

I have a soft spot in my heart for the show as it was my first big - and I mean BIG - break in theater after moving to NYC in the 80s.

I often joke "I did CATS when it was a good credit!" - meaning that when I did the show it was as part of a brand new company and only a handful of people on the planet had performed in the show at that point. Now that it's back on Broadway I'm going to have to give that line up I think.

I was the "Magical Mr. Mistoffelees" from 1986-1988 in the national touring company. Quite heady doings for someone from Fort Worth, Texas, who was not yet 22 when I was cast.

I danced my ASS off. I danced so much that I lost 14 pounds in the first month or so, and never gained it back over the entire run.

I learned so much about how to handle a role over a long run (over 800 performances) over two years - stamina, staying in shape, finding new acting moments each night, working with the same actors, and then new actors in the same roles.

I also came to terms with myself as a young, gay man. I fell in love for the first time. I had my heart broken for the first time. Not a single day of which I would ever change. All inside a pretty safe environment of a traveling theatrical family. 

It was a wonderful gift. One I've never lost appreciation for.

In any case, I'm wishing all those new kitties a fab run. Especially Ricky Ubeda - winner of So You Think You Can Dance - who gets to wear the black and white costume now as "Mistoffelees." He's a brilliant dancer and I can't wait to see him spin!

"So this is this, and that is that,
And there's how you address - a cat."

Me back in 1986 as "the magical Mr. Mistoffelles"

Broadway Revival Of CATS Announces Casting Of "Grizabella"

Pop star Leona Lewis will play "Grizabella, the Glamour Cat" in Broadway revival of CATS

From BroadwayWorld:

Producers The Shubert Organization and The Nederlander Organization announced today that chart-topping British pop star Leona Lewis will play the role of "Grizabella," the Glamour Cat, in the first-ever Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical, Cats.

One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, Cats will return to Broadway this summer at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 W 52nd Street) with preview performances beginning Thursday, July 14, 2016, and an official opening set for Sunday, July 31, 2016.

"Leona has one of the greatest voices of her generation," said Andrew Lloyd Webber. "We are all hugely excited about working with her."

"It is an incredible honor to be asked by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to join the Cats family," said Lewis. "I will never forget seeing the show as a little girl and how blown away I was by the magical experience of it. I am beyond thrilled for my Broadway debut to be in such an iconic show. To work with a team as legendary as those on Cats is an experience I will cherish every moment of. I cannot wait to see the audiences out in NYC!"

British Singing Sensation, Leona Lewis has sold over 20 million records worldwide, reached #1 in over 35 countries, and is a 3-time GRAMMY nominee, a 7-time BRIT Award nominee also has also been nominated for MTV VMAs, EMAs, Billboard and most recently in 2016 a CMT award for her performance of 'Girl Crush' with Adam Lambert. Leona became the first British female solo artist to top the US Billboard 200 album chart in more than 20 years. Leona is a vocal powerhouse who is renowned for her massive four octave mezzo-soprano vocal range and power.

CATS - Now And Forever - Will Return To Broadway This Summer

Playbill shares the news that CATS - the mega-hit Broadway musical of the 1980s and 90s will return to the Great White Way this summer:

Grizabella is headed for the Heaviside layer once more! Broadway’s The Shubert Organization and Nederlander Organization are teaming up to produce the long-rumored revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/T.S. Eliot musical Cats this summer.

The onetime longest-running show in Broadway history has booked the Neil Simon Theatre, with previews beginning July 14 and an official opening set for Aug. 2.

Trevor Nunn, who staged the original London and Broadway productions, will direct the revival. His creative team includes Mick Potter (sound design), Natasha Katz (lighting design) and John Napier (scenic and costume design). It will have choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, based on the original choreography and associate direction by Gillian Lynne.

My first major theater job was being cast in the original company of the national touring company of the show during the height of it's popularity, as the "Magical Mr. Mistoffelees." It was a rush to be in the "hottest show in town" back in the day.

With just under 18 years, the original run of CATS ranks as the fourth longest-running Broadway show behind The Lion King (18 years), the revival of Chicago (19 years - I was actually in that one, too, early in the run), and Phantom Of The Opera (28 years later this month.) The top three are still running.