St. Clair College students bring musical CATS to Chrysler stage

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St. Clair College performing arts students hope to inspire audiences to support the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society as they put a modern twist on the perennial stage musical CATS.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic masterpiece, based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry collection titled Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, delves into themes of acceptance, love, forgiveness and the impact of one’s legacy.

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Director and choreographer Kristyn Wiklanski hopes the themes will resonate deeply with audiences, stirring emotions and sparking introspection.

Wiklanski also said her aim is to honour the essence of CATS while infusing it with a modern-day flair.

“My vision for the choreography is to maintain the intensity and shape of the original while adding contemporary elements,” Wiklanski said.

Donation boxes for the local humane society will be placed at the entrance to the Chrysler Theatre during the production, with proceeds going towards adoption programs, humane education initiatives, cruelty investigations and a pet food bank.

“We are proud to support the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society and their important work in our community,” Wiklanski said.

“Through this partnership, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need and promote compassion and kindness towards all living creatures.”

CATS, the fifth-longest-running Broadway musical, is set in a mystical world inhabited by the Jellicle cats on the night the cats gather to make the “Jellicle choice” — determining which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life.

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One of the most challenging aspects of staging CATS is that it lacks a traditional script.

Wiklanski and the cast embraced the challenge, delving into character research and development to create a cohesive and compelling narrative.

As well, to bring the production to life, students will dance, sing and act.

“My vision for the choreography is to maintain the intensity and shape of the original while adding contemporary elements,” Wiklanski said.