'Cats' to prowl stage at North Central

"Cats," the world-famous musical, will be showing at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall this weekend.

The student performance will be just like the Broadway version, said Brian Lynch, fine arts director at North Central College, and director and choreographer of the musical.

"It is going to be as close to the original as you can possibly imagine," he said.

Lynch, a retired actor-turned-college professor, brings a breadth of unique experience to the performance.

"I did the national tour of 'Cats' for a year, so I am working with 22-year-old muscle memory here," he said, adding that he was an understudy for the roles of Munkustrap, Rum Tum Tugger and Gus/Growltiger. "I'm trying to bring a lot of inside information to the performance. A lot of little tricks you wouldn't know unless you've done it."

Lynch said audience members can expect to be impressed with the talent of North Central College's on-stage actors.

"We have some absolutely incredible performers on that stage," he said. "The dancing is clean and precise. The vocals are terrific. I can't say enough about this group of students; they are just incredible."

Jeordano "Pete" Martinez, professor of music at North Central College and musical director for the show, said he's also excited about the performance.

"It is a fabulous production," he said, adding that the music will be the "original Broadway orchestration. They will hear a fuller, more complete sound rather than a pared-down orchestra that a lot of touring companies use.

"People can expect a great time."