Tecumseh Youth Theater to present ‘CATS’ March 27-29

Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) is about to be invaded by local felines as Tecumseh Youth Theater (TYT) presents “CATS” as its spring musical. The hit Broadway play is cast with local high school students who strut their tails Friday-Sunday, March 27-29.There is also a special presentation on Thursday. The Gala is a fundraiser for TYT, and features a full cast meet and greet on stage after the show.“The Gala is the same evening as Diva’s at Dusk. We are inviting any divas to have dinner in town and come and enjoy some theater,” said producer Molly Rice.This challenging production may have only one set used for the whole play, but the performers get a workout with extensive singing and dancing. In the past, TYT productions have focused on singing or dancing, but “CATS” requires both talents at the same time.“This is like walking and chewing gum at the same time,” Rice said. “It’s a hard thing to get used to. With the talent we have in our small town we knew we could pull this production off. Our kids are so incredibly talented. We knew vocally we had no worries whatsoever.”Fight scenes were part of the production for the young men acting in the show. They had to learn the craft of stage fighting, and there were a few bumps and bruises for the actors.“They had to learn how to tumble and learn how to land,” said Rice. “I am amazed. The boys are young and agile and they learn very quickly. The actors are dancing and singing all at the same time. They are tired. We have put them through their paces. It’s been a long rehearsal process.”As the choreographer, Jennifer Williams worked with the kids on the movement for the play, while Dr. Tom Hodgman took on the duties of music director. Paired with director Emily McCormerly, the three worked with 23 high school actors to bring together the perfect mix of musical theater.“We’re lucky our director Emily McCormley is a former dance student of Jennifer’s,” Rice said. “When Jennifer couldn’t be there, Emily put the kids through their dance paces. Dr. Hodgman is absolutely phenomenal.”In addition to the cast members, one high school student is running the lights for the show and another is in charge of the soundboard. The set is stationary, so the production does not require as big a tech crew as many TYT shows.“We try very hard to make sure these kids are getting the complete theater experience,” said Rice. “We’re always looking for something new and exciting.”The storyline of “CATS” can be challenging to follow. The program for the TYT play will include information designed to help audience members understand what is happening.“The show is not a particularly long show, but it’s not easy to follow. You really have to be paying attention to what’s going on,” Rice said. “Every child in the show has a pivotal role. There’s something going on all the time. I think the most moving part of the show for me is when Crisabella, played by Sarah Hodgman, is chosen from all the cats to have a chance at a new life. She isn’t as attractive as she once was, and with her transformation suddenly all of the cats are embracing her. It’s very emotional.”For the Thursday gala, TYT sent out 350 tickets to local business and will have 150 tickets available that night one hour before showtime. There will be adult beverages and hors d’oevres. To raise money for TYT there will be a raffle with door prizes donated from local businesses.The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, with a 3:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for the gala and $8 for the other shows.“I hate to see anyone miss this show,” Rice said. “‘CATS’ is certainly worth their time.”To order tickets visit the TCA box office on Maumee St., online at www.thetca.com or call 423.6617. TYT and TCA are also on Facebook.