Auditions for the Erie Playhouse production of CATS will be held on April 19th and 26th at noon at the Erie Playhouse Rehearsal Hall at 1158 East 12th Street.
CATS CLASS
In preparation for Cats auditions, we will be holding a series of classes beginning March 15th. During this time we will be teaching the various combinations we will be using during the audition process. The class will consist of a strength and stretch building warmup followed by a combination. Each class will be approximately 2 to 2.5 hours in length. Attendance – though encouraged – is not mandatory for auditions.
Dates for Cats Classes:
March 15, 10 a.m.
March 22, 10 a.m.
March 29, 10 a.m.
April 5, 10 a.m.
April 12, 10 a.m.
CATS AUDITIONS
Actors are asked to arrive and to sign in within the first hour of the audition start time. All roles are available. The Erie Playhouse practices Color Conscious casting. All ethnicities and newcomers are especially welcomed. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for these events. Questions? Please contact richardd@erieplayhouse.org.
CATS
Music by Andrew LLoyd Webber
Lyrics by T. S. Elliot, additional Lyrics Trevor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe
Directed and Choreographed by Richard Davis
Assistant Choreographer Jenna Yates
Musical Director Bruce Yates
Show dates: July 25 – August 17 2025
(Hold over dates August 22 – 24)
An initial rehearsal will be held May 3rd, with full rehearsals beginning mid to late May.
You must be at least 14 years old by the time of auditions.
All roles are open.
Audition Requirements: Please prepare to sing a brief (32 measures) musical theatre song or similar style of your choosing. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key or a karaoke track.. An accompanist will be provided. There will be a dance audition as well so wear appropriate footwear and clothes you can move in.
We will be conducting a series of Cats Classes to learn the dance combinations. See additional information above.
Synopsis: The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one, they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.
ROLES IN CATS
With the exception of Grizabella, Old Deuteronomy and Bustopher Jones all of the cats must dance extensively and most must sing very well. Dance training is not a requirement, just the ability to move well.
GRIZABELLA – Lead – Voice Mezzo – Doesn’t dance but must have a feel for movement- The former Glamour Cat who has lost her sparkle and now only wants to be accepted.
OLD DEUTERONOMY – lead – voice Baritone – Doesn’t dance but must have a feel for movement – the Lovable Patriarch of the Jellicle tribe.
BUSTOPHER JONES – Supporting – Baritone – the fat cat, a 25 pounder. Dresses in a snappy tuxedo and spats.
MUNKSTRAP – Lead – Voice – Baritone – A black and silver tom who is the leader and protector of the Jellicle tribe. Considered the storyteller of the tribe.
RUM TUM TUGGER – Lead – Voice Baritone – The ladies tom his temperament ranges from clownish to serious and usually portrayed as feline equivalent to Mick Jagger.
JELLYLORUM – Supporting – Voice – Soprano – the Lillie Cat. a female who watches out for the kittens along with Jennyanydots.
RUMPLETEAZER – Supporting – Voice – Alto – Female half of a pair of notorious “cat burglars.”
MUNGOJERRIE/GHENGIS – Supporting – Voice – Baritone – Male half of a notorious pair of “cat burglars.” Leader of the Siamese cats.
ASPARAGUS/GUS/GROWLTIGER – Supporting – Voice – Baritone – The Theatre Cat, a fierce pirate cat.
TANTOMILE – Supporting – Voice – Alto – The Witch Cat, female twin of Coricopat.
SKIMBLESHANKS – Supporting – Voice – Baritone – The Railway Cat. An active orange tabby cat who lives on the train and acts as an unofficial conductor.
BOMBALURINA – Supporting – Voice – Mezzo – a saucy red female, the leader of the female queen cats.
DEMETER – Supporting – Voice – Alto – Very skittish cat.
JENNYANYDOTS – Supporting – Voice – Mezzo – The old Gumbie cat. She sits all day and rules the mice and cockroaches at night. Must be a good tapper
CASSANDRA – Supporting – Voice – Soprano – A unique and mysterious cat.
CARBUCKETTY – Supporting – Voice – Tenor – A knockabout cat.
MISTOFFELEES/QUAXXO – Supporting – Voice – Tenor- a young cat who has magical powers. His signature dance move is “the conjuring turn.”
MACAVITY/ADMETUS/RUMPUS CAT – Supporting – Voice – Non singing – The show’s villain.
VICTORIA – Cameo – Voice – A white kitten extremely gifted in dancing – this role requires ballet training.
TUMBLEBRUTUS – Cameo – Voice – Baritone – a young black and white cat
POUNCIVAL – Cameo – Voice – Tenor – a playful kitten
CORICOPAT – Cameo – Voice – Baritone – Male twin to Tantomile
ETCETERA – Cameo – Voice – Mezzo – A Happy energetic kitten who is a big rum tum tugger fan
PLATO – Cameo – Voice – Baritone
JEMIMA – Cameo – voice – Soprano
ALONZO – Cameo – Voice – Baritone
EXOTICA – Cameo – Voice – any
ELECTRA – Cameo – Voice any
The above play additional roles – Cockroaches (must tap), Mice, Pirate Cats, Siamese Cats, Rats.
Cats will also utilize pit singers.
