Displaying items by tag: Emily Rohm

I’ll just say it - Cats is going to blow your mind. Now running at the Paramount Theatre, this spectacular production elevates the famous musical to magnificent new heights—both figuratively and literally. While Cats has always been an extravagant, surreal whirlwind of theatrical magic, this version cranks up the spectacle with breathtaking Cirque-inspired gymnastics and aerial acrobatics. Part fever dream, part feline fantasy, and entirely unforgettable, this is Cats like you’ve never seen before.

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show transports audiences into the world of the Jellicle cats, a mysterious tribe that gathers once a year for their sacred Jellicle Ball. During this mystical night, their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, perfectly played by Lorenzo Rush Jr., selects the worthiest feline to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—a realm of renewal and rebirth, where a cat is granted a magical, new life. It’s a premise unlike any other in musical theater.

Anakin Jace White plays Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, riding astride his Railway Car in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Cats is an indulgence in music, movement, and character-driven storytelling. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the musical is more of a series of dazzling introductions featuring larger-than-life feline personas like the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger (Donovan Hoffer), the cunning Macavity (Matthew Weidenbener), and the forlorn Grizabella (Emily Rohm). Each cat has its moment in the spotlight, showcasing spectacular choreography and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infectious melodies. The pinnacle of the show’s emotional depth, of course, is “Memory,” an achingly nostalgic ballad incredibly performed by Rohm as Grizabella, the once glamour cat now outcast, who longs for her lost youth, beauty and forever home. Sung with heart-wrenching intensity it’s no wonder that it has become one of musical theater’s most iconic songs—soaring with raw emotion. This hauntingly nostalgic ballad doesn’t just tug at heartstrings—it resonates far beyond the stage and has cemented itself as an anthem of longing and transformation.

But Cats isn’t just about one song—it’s an entire universe, brimming with movement, mystery, and spectacle. Traditionally, the stage morphs into a sprawling junkyard, but in this production, it transforms into an abandoned circus tent—a hauntingly whimsical playground where feline characters leap, twirl, prowl and perform aerial stunts through mesmerizing choreography. The environment is immersive and fantastic, pulling audiences into a world where the ordinary rules of storytelling dissolve, leaving only the magic of dance, music, and theatrical wonder. What sets Cats apart is its fearless originality—an entirely sung-through musical without a conventional storyline, instead relying on a kaleidoscope of feline personalities brought to life through magnetic direction and expressive movement. It’s a high-energy spectacle packed with soaring melodies, iconic characters, and a trancelike atmosphere that keeps audiences spellbound. Whether you find yourself hypnotized by the haunting strains of “Memory” or captivated by the playful antics of Rum Tum Tugger, one thing is certain: Cats isn’t just a musical, it’s an experience—one that has pounced its way into the hearts of millions for good reason.

Alexandra Palkovic plays Demeter in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Luminously directed by Trent Stork with wild imagination, Paramount’s hypnotic choreography, shimmering feline costumes, and a stunning atmosphere that teeters between enchanting and dreamlike, Cats is less of a conventional production and more of a theatrical experience that defies expectations. This show is sure to leave audiences awe-struck; it remains a singular, extraordinary phenomenon in the world of musical theater.

But this isn’t just Cats—it’s Cats 2.0, a turbo-charged, high-octane reinvention of the classic musical. Paramount Theatre goes all out, delivering a one-of-a-kind, show-stopping spectacle that takes the experience to exhilarating new heights. From the moment the curtain rises, Cats launches into a dazzling display of jaw-dropping acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts that never let up. Theatergoers are instantly swept into the whirlwind of movement, perching on the edge of their seats as the enchanting performance unfolds. But beyond the sheer athleticism, it’s the clever feline nuances—the subtle catisms—woven seamlessly into each performance that add an extra layer of charm, making this production both thrilling and delightfully amusing.

This production doesn’t just purr—it roars.

Guided by the expertise of Circus Captain Hayley Larson, Dance Captain Christopher Kelley, and Flight Captain Matthew Weidenbener, the performance unfolds as a mesmerizing visual masterpiece, leaving audiences breathless with wonder. Yet, it’s the extraordinary cast that truly ignites this enthralling production, seamlessly weaving every awe-inspiring moment into an unforgettable event. The breathtaking vocal performances perfectly complement the hypnotic dance sequences, high-flying maneuvers, and breathtaking aerial acrobatics, creating a spectacle that is as beautiful to hear as it is to watch.

In addition to the aforementioned ensemble actors, Chicago stage veterans like Gene Weygandt and Allison Sill add their brilliance to this exceptional, multi-talented cast. Alongside them, standout performers such as Tiffany Topol, Alexandra Palkovic, Jake DiMaggio Lopez, Selena Robinson, Christopher Kelley, Sophie Liu David and a host of other gifted artists help bring this production to life with energy, skill, and undeniable stage presence. Unforgettable musical moments like “Magical Mister Mistoffelees,” “Gus: The Theatre Cat,” and “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” are just a few of the amazing numbers that will stay with you long after the final bow. With their infectious melodies and gripping performances, these songs make Cats an experience that lingers far beyond the theater doors.

Circus artist Ryan Huemmer (Coricopat) flies through the air with the greatest of ease in Paramount Theatre’s circus-inspired production of Cats.

Long before Cats made its grand entrance onto the Paramount stage, this legendary musical had already clawed its way into theater history, leaving a trail of wide-eyed audiences and notable performances in its wake. Since its West End debut in 1981, Cats has dazzled, bewildered, and utterly enchanted theatergoers with its boundary-pushing theatrical appeal.

Despite early skepticism, Cats scratched its way to legendary status, running for 21 years in London and 18 years on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running musicals in history. It helped usher in the era of the "megamusical," paving the way for grand theatrical productions like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, which would go on to define modern musical theater.

Beyond its record-breaking success, Cats sprang onto pop culture, leaving an impressive legacy. Its intricate choreography inspired generations of performers, its distinctive aesthetic became the subject of countless parodies, and its impact spread into film, television, and even internet culture. Whether adored or furiously debated, Cats remains one of the most influential—and delightfully eccentric—productions in musical theater history.

That being said, it’s truly exhilarating to see Cats return to the Chicagoland area—especially in such a grand, spectacular fashion. This production doesn’t just bring the beloved musical back; it elevates it to dazzling new heights.

Paramount’s production of Cats is an excellent homage to the legendary stage musical, staying true to its spirit while adding its own unique flair. This rendition not only honors the show’s original magic but elevates it with fresh creative choices, making it an even more extraordinary experience.

Cats is being performed at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL through June 15th. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.

Highly recommended for audiences of all ages!

*This review is also featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/!

Mozart’s masterpiece, and one of the world’s most frequently performed operas, The Magic Flute, is given a modern-day makeover in award-winning director and writer Mary Zimmerman’s production of The Matchbox Magic Flute, now playing at The Goodman Theatre on its Owen stage.

In this world-premiere production, Zimmerman has adapted the traditionally lavish and grandiose opera with full company and orchestra and has created what has been dubbed an opera-in-miniature with a cast of ten and an orchestra of five. The results are nothing less than triumphant.

From the orchestra members dressed in costume with candles flanking their music stands to the delightful Spirit (wonderfully performed by Reese Parish) who guides us through the performance, to the Zimmerman-trademarked scenery which effortlessly flows from forest to palace and back again, every detail contributes to the overall ambiance of the production to create an intimate theatre experience. The audience feels as if they are part of the performance as the actors frequently turn to us and bring us into the action and let us in on the jokes.

The production follows the traditional story line of Prince Tamino (Billy Rude) who finds himself lost in the forest pursued by a dragon. He is rescued by three woodland ladies, who show him the portrait of Princess Pamina (Marlene Fernandez), the daughter of the Queen of the Night (Emily Rohm), who has been abducted by Sarastro (Keanon Kyles) and his sidekick, Monostatos (Russell Mernagh).

The Prince falls in love with the Princess instantly, and when the Queen of the Night commissions him to rescue her daughter, promising him her daughter’s hand in marriage, the Prince is only too happy to oblige. Aided by a magic flute and accompanied by the lovelorn half-bird, half-man, Papageno (brilliantly played by Shawn Pfautsch), the Prince commences his magical mission.

In adapting this classic opera, Zimmerman has gone line by line, not only condensing the plotline to fit a two-hour running time, but also updating the libretto to include unexpected and humorous references to modern life. For instance, when the three woodland ladies (Lauren Molina, Monica West, and Tina Munoz Pandya) discover the unconscious Prince, they coo over his physique as one who has obviously gone to the gym.

Later when Papageno and the Princess meet and sing about “the bird and the girl,” they encourage one another to persevere and not be discouraged “as when you are waiting in the grocery line.” These references are so cleverly embedded throughout the performance that you find yourself waiting and listening for them.

Even though only one of the ten cast members is a trained opera singer (Kyles who plays Sarastro), all have the musical theatre credentials to do justice to Mozart’s soaring operatic scores. Rohm as Queen of the Night gives an outstanding performance of one of the opera’s most well-known arias, Der Hölle Rache, with its fast repetition of High C’s, that challenges most sopranos. And the superbly comedic duet of Pfautsh’s Papageno and his newfound love, Papagena (also played by Lauren Molina), Pa pa pa, is a show-stopper. Also, not to be missed is Kyles’ impressive baritone, whose lower range wows the audience.

Rude as Prince Tamino and Fernandez as Princess Pamina shine in their respective roles, both vocally and in their character portrayal. Fernandez has a particularly beautiful soprano that is magnificent to hear. The three woodland ladies (Molina, West, and Pandya) are outstanding in their roles, adding humorous commentary on the action to both those on stage and to the audience. Mernagh’s Monostatos, as the one real villain in the story, is played with just the right comedic touch in his clumsy attempts to seduce the Princess.

What ensues is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining production that is fast-paced and lively. Toss in a few woodland creatures, whose dancing border on the hilarious as they throw in a little soft shoe, and you have a family-friendly show perfect for all ages. Even some of the musicians get involved and join the action on stage, as when flautist Dalia Chin, leads the Prince and Princess through their final trials with her “magic flute.”

Zimmerman herself sums up the production as a fantastical, adventuresome journey with something for everyone – dancing animals, magical instruments, lessons learned, along with a bit of humor, all set to Mozart’s time-honored classic score. What’s not to like?

Don’t miss your chance to introduce the younger generations – or even yourself -- to opera in a most winsome and captivating way. The Matchbox Magic Flute is playing through March 24 at the Goodman Theatre.