"CATS" CAST CHANGES FROM 30TH APRIL 01

"CATS" CAST CHANGES FROM 30TH APRIL 01

Dave Willetts will join the cast of "CATS" on Monday 30th April 01 to play the role of 'Old Deuteronomy'. Jacob Brent will be playing 'Mistoffelees', Jason Gardiner 'Victor' and John Partridge 'Rum Turn Tugger'.

Also joining the cast will be Paul Channon, Adrian Edmeades, Jye Frasca, Helen Harper, Sarah Jane Honeywell, Kenny Linden and Oliver Tydman.

Dave Willetts has played the roles of 'Jean Valjean' in "Les Miserables" and 'The Phantom' in "The Phantom of the Opera", becoming the first person in the world to play the leading roles in both musicals. Dave has also recorded three solo albums.

Jacob Brent played 'Mistoffelees' in the Broadway production of "CATS" and also appeared in the video production. He has choreographed for many companies, including the New York City Ballet.

Jason Gardiner has starred in many theatre productions, concerts and cabaret in his native Australia and appeared in the West End productions of "Oklahoma!" and "Chicago". He has performed with Kylie Minogue and Shirley Bassey and choreographed Vanessa Mae's world tour.

John Partridge most recently starred as 'Gringoire' in "Notre Dame de Paris" at London's Dominion Theatre, but he has previously appeared in many West End productions including "Starlight Express", "The Fix", "Grease" and "Tommy".

The cast will continue to feature David Ashley, Julie Barnes, Julie Carlton, Candice Evans, Ross Finnie, Chrissle Hammond, Emma Kerslake, Barbara King, Rebecca Lock, Sebastian Rose, Gareth Snook, Kerry Washington, Lindsey Wise and Marilyn Wulff.

"CATS" celebrates its 20th birthday at the New London Theatre on 11 May 2001. As part of the 20th year celebrations, a display of memorabilia from productions around the world, from Ayers Rock to Aberdeen, has been mounted in the foyer of the New London Theatre.

The popular "CATS" Kids Club continues to run at the New London Theatre on the first and third Saturday in each month starting at 11.30am and finishing at 2.30pm. For children aged between 8-15 years, this incorporates a backstage tour, face painting, drama games and an opportunity to meet cast members of "CATS". Tickets are available from the Box Office on 020 7405 0072.

In 1996, "CATS" in London became the longest running musical ever to play in the West End or on Broadway. The show opened at the New London Theatre on 11th May 1981, with a cast including Elaine Paige, Brian Blessed, Paul Nicholas, Wayne Sleep, Sarah Brightman and Bonnie Langford.

In London, it has taken over £125 million at over 8,500 performances and has been seen by 8 million people. Worldwide, "CATS" has taken over £1 billion.

Productions of the show can currently be seen around the world in countries including Japan, Hamburg and Budapest, with a forthcoming US tour planned.

Originally published on

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