- Synopsis
- Cast & Crew
- Production Team
- Show Dates & Info
CATS: Young Actors Edition is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with purr-fect felines. The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year the night of the Jellicle Ball. They tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their leader, who must choose one of the Cats to be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Based on Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot
Cats: Young Actors Edition is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com
The Penguin Project
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is thrilled to be a chapter of the nationally known Penguin Project – providing youth and young adults with special needs the opportunity to participate in the community theatre experience.
What is the Penguin Project?
At the Penguin Project, an artist is a differently-abled participant who performs on stage with their respective mentor (buddy) as support. The artist takes on all the lines, solos, and choreography, showcasing their abilities in the spotlight. Meanwhile, the mentor assists and supports the artist throughout the rehearsal process and performs side by side with the artist on stage during the show. Mentors are actively involved in the singing and dancing during group numbers, and they commit to helping their buddy shine in the spotlight while learning their assigned role.
The Penguin Project is an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for the artists and mentors, but also for the audience. It is a beautiful display of inclusivity and creativity, showcasing the unique talents of differently-abled performers. If you are looking for a chance to be a part of a safe, inclusive, and fun theatre experience, The Penguin Project might be just what you’re looking for!
The Penguin Project was conceived in 2004 by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He created The Penguin Project recognizing that theatre not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. We are proud to be a Replication Site for such an inclusive program. Learn More
Cast
- Character – Artist, Mentor
- Asparagus – Gavin Isaacs, Desmond Mitchell
- Cassandra – Maddie Tasker, Kaiya Bates
- Deuteronomy – Grant Tiffany, Adela Marsh-Prelesnik
- Grizabella – Tori Austin, Brooke Batsie
- Jemima – Ryleigh Simpson, Abby Amsterburg
- Jennyanydots – Genevieve Miller, Gwen Cortright
- Macavity – David Slater, Oakley Martinek
- Magical Mr. Mistoffelees – Timmy Cheeseman, Jane Hammond
- Mungojerrie – Savannah Plank, Isabel Schoenheit
- Quaxo – Brooke Demmond, Elia Ingerham
- Rum Tum Tugger – Daniel Fucile, Chloe Davis
- Rumpleteazer – Ryan Yacullo, Eilee Stob
- Skimbleshanks – Viktor Rozmys, Spencer Duguay
- Victoria – Adaline Mills, Evie Meskin
- Dance Captain – Molly Endres
- Swing Mentor – Katie Alleman
- Swing Mentor – Kelly Alleman
- Swing Mentor – Kylie Shoemaker
- Swing Mentor – Meadow Walsh
- Swing Mentor – Robyn Shepich
- Swing Mentor – Wesley Gibbs
Crew
- Floor Manager – Kelsey Jordan
- Light Board Operator – Aemilia Hillman
- A1 Operator – Raven Moore
- A2 Operator – Ross Meskin
- Floor/Fly Crew – Brandon T. Wolfgang, Ryder Leslie
- Dressers/Makeup – Marin Rozmys, Sydney Leskowski, Ella Sabuda, Andora Volz , Katey Martinek
- Follow Spot Operators – Molly Duffy, Kaiden Peugeot
- Playback Operators – Nathan Heckman, Abby Newman
- Director – AnnMarie Miller
- Music Director – Wendy Wheeler
- Choreographer – Emma Michael
- Scenic Designer – Justin Muse
- Costume Designer- Elaine Kauffman
- Lighting Designer – George Townsend
- Sound Designer – Jacob Myny
- Projection Designer – Justin Muse
- Technical Director – Phillip A. Miller
- Properties Master – Christopher Lewis
- Stage Manager – Olivia Johnston
- Assistant Stage Manager – Kelsey Jordan
- Mentor Coordinator – Jeannine Jones
- Properties Artisan – Jamie Chapin
- Scenic Carpenters – Ryan Burke, Jacob Miller
- Charge Painter – Justin Muse
- Scenic Artists – David Kyhn, Angela Mammel
- Stitcher – Isabella Bolden, Camille Van Dien
- Audio Engineer – CJ Mizikar
- Photographer/Graphic Designer – Deborah Mitchell
- Videographer – Katherine Mumma
- Production Stage Manager – Stacey Jaeger
- Director of Volunteers – Mike Artis
- Artistic Director – Anthony J. Hamilton
- Executive Director – Laura M. Zervic
Performance Dates
- Friday, January 26, 2024, at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM (Sensory Friendly and ASL Interpreted & Audio Described)
- Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM
- Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM
- Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM
- Friday, February 2, 2024, at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM
- Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM
Venue
Civic Auditorium
329 S. Park St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Seating
All performances in the Civic Auditorium feature reserved seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Parking
Parking is located behind the Carver Center. Street parking is available for free after 5:00 PM on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday.
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the box office at 269.343.1313.