GALAX, Va. (April 2008)  The Conservatory of Dance & Theatre and the Galax Theatre Guild will perform an amateur version of the dance musical Cats Saturday, May 3 (2:00pm), Sunday, May 4 (3:00pm), Saturday, May 10 (6:00pm) and Sunday, May 11 (3:00pm) at the Rex Theater in downtown Galax. 

    The production will feature dancers from the Conservatory as well as vocalists from the area.

        Conservatory owner and artistic director Barbara Johnson is going outside the realm of classical ballet, which she is best known for.  “Our production of Cats will combine elements of jazz, modern dance, classical ballet and tap,” she said.  “Although the Conservatory’s forte is classical ballet, we also teach other dance genres.”

       Cats is based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats with music by award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.  A dance musical in two acts, Cats showcases characters from all walks of life that are metaphors for different parts of society.

       Cats tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle Cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside Layer. They unite to celebrate who they are and emerge from the darkened landscape into a larger-than-life junkyard, singing of their unique abilities and special qualities.
 
        “The images are visually stunning and the dancing is very lively,” notes Lenny Sirk, director of set design and construction. “The performers are dressed as cats, but their qualities are definitely human.”

        One of the most recognized and beloved shows throughout the world, Cats is among the most exhilarating and innovative musicals ever staged.  It is the longest running British musical in history.

        A true musical theater phenomenon, Cats opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. Cats’ London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Wintergarden Theatre for just over 18 years.

        The first dance musical in history, Cats has been seen by over 48 million people in 20 countries.

        Johnson cites the wonderful music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, inspirational singing and energetic dancing which draw audiences into Cats.  “Even if people have not seen a Cats production, they will most certainly recognize the hit song “Memory,” she said.

        Because of its enormous achievement at box offices around the globe, Cats is closely protected and no dance company can legally perform the musical without first receiving approval from Rogers & Hammerstein Theatricals, who owns Andrew Lloyd Webber’s copyrights. 

        Music teacher Carolyn Davis, one of three Cats vocal directors, is an admirer of many Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals.  “The music is very challenging, but so beautiful.  The singers in our production are very strong. Just listening at the first rehearsal, I knew we definitely had a lot of talent,” she said.

        Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 13 and under.  Advance tickets will be sold at the Conservatory, the Gardener’s Cottage, Chapters Bookshop and Purple Feet Wine, all in downtown Galax, also Lemon’s Jewelry in Independence and Court Street Coffee Company in Hillsville.

        For more information contact the Conservatory of Dance & Theatre at 276-236-2105 or visit www.galaxballet.com.  You may also contact Susan Gleason, PR Director, at sgleason@LS.net.

        To support the Conservatory’s partnership with local animal welfare groups, the public is encouraged to bring pet food and pet supplies to any Cats performance and place them in receptacles provided in the Rex Theater lobby.