A feline frenzy makes its way to the Julia Morgan Theater for Berkeley Playhouse’s production of “Cats,” ensuring an evening of poetic choreography, soaring musical numbers like “Memory,” and fantastical fun for all ages. This spectacle of a musical is not often performed locally.

“Cats” begins May 22, Berkeley Playhouse, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. Fridays-Sundays, and select weekdays. Tickets $19-$55 with group discounts at Berkeleyplayhouse.org or (510) 845-8542 ext. 351.

“Cats” is a sung-through musical (meaning little to no spoken dialogue) by famed composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the poetry collection “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot. 

Debuting on the West End in 1981, and Broadway in 1982, this seven-time Tony Award-winning musical has dazzled audiences for decades.

One of those dazzled years ago was Berkeley Playhouse Artistic Director Kimberly Dooley.

“For my tenth birthday my family brought me on a day trip to San Francisco. Little did I know, it was a ruse,” Dooley said. “We were actually there to see the Broadway tour of “Cats.” 

“From the moment a dazzling feline creature danced past me in the aisle my mouth dropped open in awe and I sat mesmerized for the whole rest of the show. It was not only my big birthday surprise, but also my first live musical and the beginning of my lifelong love affair with the art of theater.”

“Cats” explores the hijinks and heart of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The musical follows a non-traditional structure, providing vignettes that introduce each member of the Jellicle tribe and concluding with the cat chosen to be reborn. The musical places the spotlight on each cat’s personality while incorporating the poetic movement of their story and interactions with each other.

While the musical is traditionally set in a junkyard, Berkeley Playhouse’s production moves it to a theater, “an old theater – once forgotten but with the spark of pure magic still alive within it — to be brought back by this troupe of wonder-filled cats,” Dooley said. The Julia Morgan venue, itself, is a historic Berkeley building.

The production will blend the movement of many dance and acrobat styles, such as ballet, lyra, jazz and tap.  The old vaudeville stage combines classic with contemporary.

Hannah Martinez-Crow plays Rumpleteazer in Berkeley Playhouse’s production of “Cats,” directed by Kimberly Dooley, beginning May 22.  Credit: Thomas Campitelli

“Cats” is directed by Dooley, who last directed “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Rent,” for Berkeley Playhouse. Clara Holland is the assistant director. The music is directed by Michael Patrick Wiles. Choreography is by Kevin Gruwell.

The “Cats” cast includes: Kyle Herrera as Old Deuteronomy, Tielle Baker as Grizabella, Lucca Troutman* as Demeter, Ted Sclavos as Munkustrap, Roeen Nooran as Rum Tum Tugger, Karen Canfield as Jennyanydots, Liam Cody as Skimbleshanks, Dale Tanner as Bombalurina, Aleshani Altan as Jemima, Johan Raymundo Casal as Mistoffelees / Quaxo, Ariel Anderson as Macavity / Busotopher Jones / Admetus, Diella Wottrich as Jellylorum, Ronnie Anderson as Asparagus, Hannah Martinez-Crow as Rumpleteazer, Mateo Urquidez as Mungojerrie, Casey Dela Cruz as Victoria, Samantha Ayoob as Cassandra, Scout Del Real as Alonzo, Ayani Dorsey as Tantomile / Coricopat, Sasha Holton as Pouncival, Meaghan Wottrich as Etcetera / Electra, Mark Kanazawa as Carbucketty / George. (*Denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.)

With treasured songs, elaborate costumes, and mesmerizing choreography, Berkeley Playhouse’s “Cats” will bring an evening of feline mischief and mystique in a unique theatrical experience bursting with whimsy and heart.

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