#Shakeel Kimotho

[white-cat-of-doom]

A goodbye from one half of the psychic twins, Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat.

Happy Trails Shakeel!

[junkyard-gifs]

admetus just wants to be involved 👀

Daniel Timoney covering Admetus, sneaking on Milan Cacacie (Tantomile) and Shakeel Kimotho (Coricopat). International tour, 13 February 2023.

[cryptidvoidwritings]

Kayleigh Thadani still offering gems

source

[jelliclekit]

Audio Gift

Cats International tour - October 29th, 2022 (matinee) - Tampere, Finland.

Master: bestwillgowrong. Do not share the link outside of tumblr (privately sharing/gifting through e.g. discord is okay I just don't want this being publicly posted). Do not send this link to the performers.

Please note that I will be taking the link down eventually but when that happens, you are always welcome to message me and ask me to gift this again and I'll put up a new link for you. If you use this audio for trading, please put up your own link.

CAST: Sebastian Goffin (Alonzo), Aaron Hunt (Bill Bailey), Lizzie Nance (Bombalurina), Hal Fowler (Bustopher Jones/Asparagus/Rumpus Cat), Joel Cooper (Carbucketty), Erin Gisele Chapman (Cassandra), Shakeel Kimotho (Coricopat), Frances Dee (Demeter), Jacinta Whyte (Grizabella), Aimee Hodnett (Jellylorum), Lottie Stephens (Jemima), Sarah-Marie Maxwell (Jennyanydots/Gumbie Cat), Aaron Elijah (Macavity/Admetus), Harry Robinson (Mungojerrie), Russell Dickson (Munkustrap), Martin Callaghan (Old Deuteronomy), Liam Mower (Quaxo/Mistoffelees), Harrison Wilde (Rum Tum Tugger), Ella Kemp (Rumpleteazer), Philip Bertioli (Skimbleshanks), Milan Cacacie (Tantomile), Maiya Hikasa (Victoria/White Cat), Carrie Willis (Swing/"Baby Griz")

NOTES: Clear audio. A few cheers can be heard between the songs. Carrie Willis (swing) played "Baby Griz" in both Acts. Untracked. Does not include the playout. Master: bestwillgowrong

https://mega.nz/folder/CctUESjZ#_QUab7pmS4v1zXz-pVOwTQ

[cassandra-has-moonlit-eyes]

Cats, Stuttgart 04.02.2023 14:30 and 19:30

It’s the remix!

So, first things first: I woke up at four o’clock in the morning to see this wonderful show two times on the same the and one time on the next day. So disclaimer: I was tired and kind of exhausted and stressed out because the actors were going into the audience, so it could be that I saw things differently or my memory broke after being awake for too long. None the less I loved every second I spent there. I wouldn’t see two shows on the same day ever again but I’m glad I did it. Also sorry for the contant time tense switches but I can’t be bothered to descide in which tense I want to write this.

Following text is a mix of both shows. I once sat second row and once first row, so I was able to see the show from both sides, once from left and once from right.

I couldn’t find a cast list, but I think I saw the following actors on this day. ! means I’m certain, ? means I’m not certain and ??? means ???

Alonzo: Sebastian Goffin (!), Bill Bailey: Aaron Hunt (!), Bombalurina: Kayleigh Thadani (!), Gus: Hal Fowler (!), Carbucketty: ????, Cassandra: Erin Gisele Chapman (!), Coricopat: Shakeel Kimotho (!), Demeter: Francis Dee (!), Grizabella: Aimee Hodnett (!), Jellylorum: Anna Campkin (?), Jemima: Lottie Stephen (!), Jennyanydots: Sarah-Marie Maxwell (!), Admetus/Macavity: Aaron Elijah (!), Mungojerrie: Harry Robinson (!), Munkustrap: Russel Dickson (!), Old Deuteronomy: Connor McAllister (???), Mistoffelees: Liam Mower (!!!), Rum Tum Tugger: Daniel Timoney (?), Rumpleteazer: Ella Kemp (!), Skimbleshanks: Freddie Clements (???), Tantomile: Milan Cacacie (!), Victoria: Maiya Hikasa (!).

So, as you see, lot of swings and covers. Additional to this cast Carrie Willis was on stage too. She wore the “BabyGrizz” costume. I will refer to her as Grey Cat when writing this “review”. Different from Vienna I looked a lot at the Cats who were singing at the moment.

Act 1

First cat I saw was Mistoffelees with his green eyes. He was running infront of the stage looking at the audience. This and him getting Old Deut later on are the only two occasions he goes into the audience (aka lava). I was very exhausted but as soon as Demeter stepped on stage I was smiling and happy to be here. During the first number I was mostly looking at who was playing who and I was so happy when Grey Cat stepped out because I was hoping on seeing a female swing.

Bill is best trapez boy.

During the Naming on the Cats Tugger stared directly in my direction. It really seemed like he was directly looking into my eyes. I liked him, very catlike in his staring and movements. The second time I was the man over there (again) and was stared at by Munkustrap and Gus (Munkustrap was so creepy in a good way). 

When everybody was greating each other you could see that Demeter was very stressed out, but she joined the Gumbie Cat song with a bright smile.

I love Jenny in this production. Sarah’s facial expressions are amazing. She portrays Jenny as show cat through and through. The tap dancing seems a little bit more “military” than in Vienna, I think she calls the cockroaches company (like in regement) and tells them to salute.

When Tugger comes in she, Misto and Deme are not happy, but Bomba was really excited and happy, as well as the younger Cats. Admetus couldn’t wait to present the ball to him. Daniel is a very good looking Tugger and I really liked his make up and expressions. He was so much fun. After Bomba’s line she did a follow me gesture with her finger and he did follow her. When he said no, she didn’t seem too sad about it and shrugged it off, joining the dance again with a smile, but Bill none the less laughed at her for being rejected.

(Also, I had one first row ticket and I was so stressed when Tugger went down to pick somebody to dance but I crossed my arms and legs to signal: HELL NO! Also, Daniel seemed very polite when choosing both times and he picked a woman who was there with her partner. He said something to the partner but he talked so fast I couldn’t understand anything even though they were sitting next to me.)

Grizabella enters the stage. Tugger and Bomba are not happy, Munkustrap seems kind of sad, Demeter confused and sad. I love how Victoria and Jemima just walk up to her like it’s the most normal thing to greet her like they greeted every other cat before but the adults react so much, it confuses them.

It also seems like Munkustrap is protecting Grizabella from Bucky, Billy and Admetus. Skimble sits on the left side of the stage, protecting Jemima while Jenny sits with Victoria, Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie on the right side of the stage. She seemed very concerned and checked especially on Teazer and Jerrie, but Munkustrap also walked up to them, took Teazers face in his hands and seemed to check if they were alright with the situation. Rumpleteazer und Mungojerrie were mostly looking down. They didn’t seem to know what to do with the situation.

When Demeter is not allowed to touch Grizabella, Grizabella looks after her but before she starts singing, she turns around to sing at Munkustrap. She seemed angry and sad, not really weak but very powerful.

Bustopher Jones is so much fun. I started with looking at the girls. Jenny and Bomba were acting some of the lyrics out with dancing and gestures. F.ex. Bomba “showed” her leg while singing about the trousers and Jenny was clawing Jelly’s back while singing about his coat. The boys were so much chaos in the meantime. The older ones kind of had to sort the younger ones in a row. Bustopher Jones seemed to be in a hurry and showed Misto is pocket watch, like he was saying I need to go on, but Misto insisted on him staying so he sat down on the top hat.

At this moment the boys and girls are all sorted in two groups. Cori seemed to want to sit with the girls but Jenny gestured him to sit with Bustopher, so he sat before him, Skimble was sitting on his other side, and listened to him. At one time during the song Bustopher Jones “knights” Skimbleshanks with his spoon, and Cori was like, me too, me too, so Bustpher knights him too. Cori was very proud, turned around to Billy and looked at him, like: Look, I was knighted by Bustopher and you weren’t! He was very proud and cocky.

I find the first Macavity scare (pre M&R scare) very interesting. The last four Cats on the stage are Alonzo, the twins and Munkustrap. Alonzo leaves first, Munkustrap seems disapointed. The twins show him which way to go. He takes a deep breath and walks out on the right side of the stage, it seemed like he was getting ready to chase Macavity away while Cori and Tanto leave on the other side.

Mungojerrie and Rumpletezer entrence. The number is fun as always.

Old Deut enters. Tugger and Munkustrap really seemed to like each other during this number. Also, when everybody was rejoicing Demeter had a cute interaction with Bill and she was smiling but then the next Macavity scare happens and suddenly she was stressed again. The cats leave the stage.

Munkustrap is in full on protector mode now. He stands on the right side of the stage, monitoring the audience. There was a cute moment, when Jemima walked up to him and nuzzeled his side as to say, come, nothing to worry, dance with us. For a moment he was still tense but then he walked back to dance and sing with Victoria, Jemima and old Deut. I love the Ball so much. It is so much fun to watch. On one moment Old Deut goes down and walks before the audience which confused me and broke my focus. He kind of blocked the view to the stage which I didn’t like at all, because I love the dance so much. But it is what it is.

This time I looked who was center in the end (in Vienna it was Electra), here it is Jemima! There was so much joy on her face, she smiled a lot.

Also funny, when Griz comes back at the end of the ball, Victoria doesn’t want to leave. Cassandra even passes her when leaving the stage. Victoria really feels for the old lady, she really wants to touch her. Cassandra is not having it.

Grizabella sings her first Memory and then the first Act ends.

Act 2

I personally really didn’t like that they went into the audience because I was always concious of where my legs were so nobody would fall over them, but at the end of the intermission I could hear people laughing from behind. So if you sit further back I think it’s really cool that you get the chance to see them up close too. One time Cassandra passed me on her way to the stage and she was the proudest most beautiful, the other time it was Skimble. Sadly I didn’t see what he did but people laughed. His facial expressions were gold.

We also had the Demeter an Munkustrap flirting with each other at the beginning of the second act. Demeter was very flirty and smiled and him, but at the same time she seemed kind of not yet. Munkustrap was VERY interested in her, but when she showed him her shoulder he proceeded to stare into the audience again. Demeter also looked very sad during the moments of happiness.

To the theatre cat: Deme is now cuddeling with Alonzo, I support. Back in June I already liked Hal Flower a lot. I would categorize his Gus as an entertainer. He is very fun and engaging. I also love looking at the kittens when he sings about the cats these days jumping through the hoop. Cassandra crossed her arms infront of her body and looked so offended. Cori covered over Bucky and put his hands over his years so poor bebe wouldn’t hear the mean old man. Tanto looked at Bombalurina and Bomba looked back at her like: Yeah, he’s talking about you. It is just so much fun.

Also this Gus seems less older and frail (?) than Vienna Gus. I really do like the Pekes and the Pollicles here too. Bill and Rumpleteazer are too early in their part as lead Peke and Pollicle and Gus is just like nonononono and shoos them away again. I love how Munk plays the police dog similiar like he does it in the original choreo. They do not sing the dogs out of every nation part and the part with the scottish dogs. The dogs are very scared of the Rumpus Cat but all in all compared to the older version of the number I think that it lacks dynamic, if that makes sense. They get the costumes and then most of the time they just sit around in them. But what was really funny was Cori throwing a shoe at Mungojerrie in the beginning of the number and Mungojerrie didn’t catch it. Munkustrap was next to him and he looked so done with his chaotic children.

Skimbleshanks was gold. I really liked the actor a lot (I think it was Clements). It’s really hard to put into words but he seemed like somebody who knows that he’s really cool but at the same time doesn’t take himself too serious.

Rumpleteazer tells Billy to misbehave and Cass is quick to tell on him. In the second row Mungojerrie tells a joke to Jemi and Jemi to Victoria and when both girls laugh Mungojerrie tells on them. Very naughty.

When they build the train, Misto is holding the light and Tantomile and Rumpleteazer were sitting next to him. Misto and Tanto waved in my direction and I was so confused for a moment I nearly waved back at them lol.

When Macavity appears at the end Cassandra hides behind Skimble.

I loved the Macavity number today. Dee was absolutly amazing. Acting and dancing wise she seems very torn between yeah I had good times with him and no that cat is disgusting. She smiled and then the smile waniched and the disgust/fear came back. Absolutly amazing. I also love that she frees herself from Macavity. Afterward she covers at the side of the stage and Bomba put an arm over her shoulder. I also loved Bomba, she had more of a deeper more rhaspy voice compared to the principle Bomba.

I love love love the fight so much. Munkustrap is so dramatic. Here Munkustrap and Macavity are the same hight which looks very good when they are dancing next to each other. When Munk was hurt Cori, Jenny and Tanto are by his side but when Demeter comes, they move back so Deme and Munk can have their moment. Bomba is the first one to look after Alonzo but then she gets up to fight Macavity off together with the others.

 During the light scene they were so close to each other it seemed like they would nearly kiss. During Misto they sat next to each other and were holding hands.

I really loved the Misto number again. Liam Mower is amazing. More on him on my other review. Cassandra hides her face behind her hand, she really doesn’t want to be chosen and when she is chosen, she seems kind of defiant (trotzig?) but when Tugger tells her to go back she does.

I was really so confused with them going into the audience but I had two “interactions” with Bomba. First time she “hit” me on the arm and when I was sitting first row she came down and sang to me and the people around me. She really wanted us to know that Mistoffelees is absolutly amazing.

At the end Grizabella comes again. Hodnett doesn’t play her old and broken and more proud. I don’t know if it was the lighting but her eyes were shining as if she had tears in them. She is a really beautiful Griz and I liked her singing a lot but from the acting I prefer Grizabellas who seem really hurt and weak, she seemed to strong and well in my opinion.

The second cat taking her hands after Victoria is Skimble (?). Munkustrap played so well but hard to describe, unsure at first but when Grizabella nearly falls afterwards he supports her with his hands so she doesn’t fall.

Some other things I noticed in no order: 

Admetus is very popular: Vicky, Tanto, Misto, Billy ... they all seemed to really like him.

Towards the end of the play, Cori was sitting on Tugger and Tugger was holding him.

Deme had some cute interactions with Bill and Cass.

All in all, Cori and Tanto are played very young here as well as Mungo and Rumple so the whole group seems more chaotic and youthful, which is really fun. The “kittens” are basically: Jemima, Victoria, Bill and Bucky, Cori, Tanto, Mungo and Rumple as well as Cass and Admetus during some scenes and Tugger at times, so like half of the cast. I don’t know if Liam also tries to play Misto younger but he interacts a lot with the adults (especially Skimble, Munk, Jelly, Gus, ...) and because he is some sort of second in command after Munkustrap he didn’t seem like a kitten to me (though he does have is chaos moments). Munkustrap, Skimble, Jenny, Deme and Bomba all interact a lot with the “kittens”, same for Mistoffelees. Jelly and Gus more stick to each other. Jenny seems to look after Mungo and Rumple a a lot, same for Munkustrap, while Skimble and Misto had a lot of interactions with Jemima (but more to that in my other review). Munkustrap also listens to Tanto and Cori.

While Vienna seemed more like the usual “horny cats” meet stereotype this tour seems more like a family meeting. The “orgy” does not exist here, It’s not even a cuddle pile if you ask me. They more lie next to each other. Tugger, Bomba and Alonzo “toned down the sexyness” a lot compared to Vienna. But I really enjoyed it!  There were some interesting dynamics here, different from Vienna but really fun and positive.

[rice-pudding-slaps]

(From Milan Cacacie's Instagram)

Milan Cacacie as Tantomille

Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat

[jennanydots]

Ella Kemp, Lottie Stephens, Erin Gisele Chapman, Maya Hikasa, Shakeel Kimotho, and Milan Cacacie on opening night of the 2022 International Tour. 

[littleoddwriter]

Cast list for CATS International Tour 2022 today (26th of June).

A lot of the cast members have been sick, so some are understudies or have been flown in from London to help out.

Written out list:

Grizabella = Sarah-Marie Maxwell; Old Deuteronomy = Russell Dickson; Gus/Bustopher Jones = Hal Fowler; Munkustrap = Sebastian Goffin; Rum Tum Tugger = Ed Wade; Mr Mistoffelees = Liam Mower; Skimbleshanks = Freddie Clements; Rumpelteazer = Kirsty Ingram; Mungojerrie = Harry Robinson; Jennyanydots = Anna Campkin; Jellylorum = Elizabeth Futter; Bombalurina = Lizzie Nance; Demeter = Frances Dee; Victoria = Maiya Hikasa; Cassandra = Erin Gisele Chapman; Carbucketty = Roan Pronk; Jemima = Carrie Willis; Coricopat = Shakeel Kimotho; Tantomile = Ben Mundy; Macavity/Admetus = Aaron Elijah; Bill Baily = Aaron Hunt; Pouncival = Dane Quixall; Alonzo = Daniel Timoney

Talking about my experience(s) under the cut for anyone interested (in the end, it’s for myself anyway)!

So, I’ve actually seen CATS live for the third (and last) time today! I’ve seen three different Grizabella’s now, which were all phenomenal and made me cry. Each cast member is truly amazing. Every single time I was blown away by all of them! It’s so exciting to watch them perform and to see what they’re doing when they aren’t in focus at all. I love, love, love their background acting. It’s a lot of fun! My favourite cat has been and always will be Skimbleshanks. First two times he was played by Philip Bertioli, who unfortunately came down with covid this week, so today it was Freddie Clements. Both of them are truly fantastic versions of this character! Would love to see them again, heh. Freddie’s Skimble today also paid so much attention to Admetus and Mungojerrie, out of the younger cats, which I found quite lovely to watch. Generally, I’m still blown away. The show is just so great (I mean, duh, it’s mf CATS) and since today was the last performance here it had a bit of a different feeling to it and I like that the cast (especially Rum Tum Tugger in this case) let you feel how much they enjoyed performing this all month long. Of course, the tour just started, so I’m sure they’re all eager to continue as well. It just felt amazing, is all. Their fun was palpable. <3 I’m still collecting my thoughts, so I’m pretty much just gushing right now, ah, well! All in all, I’m incredibly grateful and lucky to have seen it three times. Unforgettable, truly. <3

Also my seat today was phenomenal. I’m so lucky!!! I was so close and got hit by tails as they walked past me a couple of times, hjskfhkjhkl! This was my view:

[white-cat-of-doom]

A few photos from the UK/International Tour 2022 from the last two days (29-30 December 2022) in Frankfurt, Germany.

Erin Gisele Chapman made her Bombalurina cover debut last night.

With Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat, Lottie Stephens as Jemima, Maiya Hikasa as Victoria, and Milan Cacacie as Tantomile.

Daniel Timoney is on again covering Rum Tum Tugger.

And it is Milan Cacacie's birthday today!

[white-cat-of-doom]

Super Swing and Dance Captain extraordinaire posted her goodbye to CATS and to the UK/International Tour 2022.

Perhaps most known for her Swing 'Babygriz' character, Carrie covered Cassandra, Demeter, Jellylorum, Jemima, and Tantomile during the tour, and was also a Victoria cover. She never went on as Victoria because Maiya Hikasa only swung out once, the second last week, in all the 212 shows!

With Anna Campkin covering Jellylorum and Jennyanydots, Kayleigh Thadani as Electra and covering Bombalurina, Lizzie Nance as Bombalurina, Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat, and Sebastian Goffin as Alonzo.

Happy Trails Carrie! It was great fun to see you as a Swing and your different cover roles!

[white-cat-of-doom]

A summary of the UK/International Tour 2022 for the first of three weeks in Frankfurt (20-25 December 2022).

Lottie Stephens covering Rumpleteazer, Maiya Hikasa as Victoria, Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat, Milan Cacacie as Tantomile.

Lottie with Harry Robinson as Mungojerrie.

Kayleigh Thadani was Electra most of the week, but had the chance to cover Bombalurina on Christmas, with Lizzie Nance watching the show in the theatre.

The first show saw Daniel Timoney covering Munkustrap, a first time for him and for a role he does not officially cover.

With Ella Kemp as Rumpleteazer.

The next day covering Admetus.

Lastly, a Gumbie wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Sarah-Marie Maxwell as Jennyanydots.

[white-cat-of-doom]

Backstage photos from yesterday (and last day) in Frankfurt, Germany in the UK/International Tour 2022, 07 January 2023.

Carrie Willis has been covering Demeter for a few days while Frances Dee recovers from injury, and was ecstatic to dance with Lizzie Nance as Bombalurina.

Kayleigh Thadani covered Tantomile once more, here with Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat, Martin Callaghan as Old Deuteronomy, Daniel Timoney covering Alonzo, and Aaron Elijah as Admetus.

A few performance photos from the week, with Erin Gisele Chapman as Cassandra, Aaron Hunt as Bill Bailey, Martin Callaghan as Old Deuteronomy.

Roan Pronk covered Mungojerrie again, with partner Ella Kemp as Rumpleteazer.

However yesterday's show was a bit more smooth compared to Friday's entire booth onstage!

[white-cat-of-doom]

Some recent backstage photos from the UK/International Tour 2022 on 30 October 2022.

Carrie Willis has been playing a Swing Cat based on Babygriz, but with an Asparagus wig, seen here with Aaron Hunt as Bill Bailey.

Kayleigh Thadani covered Tantomile, here with Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat.

Maiya Hikasa, who plays Victoria, posted a camera roll of backstage photos from the last month or so.

With Lottie Stephens as Jemima and Ella Kemp as Rumpleteazer.

Ella Kemp as Rumpleteazer relaxing backstage.

A clowder celebrating the 100th show at the beginning of October.

Sebastian Goffin covering Munkustrap, Aimee Hodnett as Jellylorum, Anna Campkin out of costume, Sarah-Marie Maxwell as Jennyanydots, and Aaron Hunt as Bill Bailey.

Frances Dee as Demeter and the Gumbie ballon.

[white-cat-of-doom]

Kayleigh Thadani posted a few photos of herself covering Bombalurina for the two show day in Frankfurt yesterday (28 December 2022).

With Freddie Clements covering Skimbleshanks, Frances Dee as Demeter, Russell Dickson as Munkustrap, and Erin Gisele Chapman as Cassandra.

With Carrie Willis as Swing 'Babygriz' and Jacinta Whyte as Grizabella (our first backstage photo of her!).

With Milan Cacacie as Tantomile and Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat.

Another photo of Kayleigh, this one from last week when she was Electra, with her dog.

[white-cat-of-doom]

Asparagus, played by Hal Fowler, has some flowers for a loving admirer!

Who will he give them to?

Photo courtesy of Kayleigh Thadani, who is Electra once more today, 02 October 2022!

With Milan Cacacie as Tantomile and Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat.

UK/International Tour 2022.

@the-cat-at-the-theatre-door

Flowers for you maybe? :)

[white-cat-of-doom]

The cast of UK/International Tour 2022 has made it to Portugal for the start of the last two weeks of the shows, and during the lead up to the travel to the last country provided some photos.

Sarah-Marie Maxwell will miss playing the Gumbie Cat!

With Frances Dee as Demeter, Lizzie Nance as Bombalurina, Aimee Hodnett as Jellylorum, and Hal Fowler as Bustopher Jones.

Some backstage Kitties, photos taken by Maiya Hikasa, who plays Victoria.

Shakeel Kimotho as Coricopat, Milan Cacacie as Tantomile, Daniel Timoney covering Admetus, Sarah-Marie Maxwell as Jennyanydots, and Lizzie Nance as Bombalurina.

Kayleigh Thadani only has so much longer as a super Swing, here covering Bombalurina.