March 5-29, 2026
46th Season
161st Production

Music Theater Works in association with Concord Theatricals

KYLE DOUGAN-LEBLANC
Producing Artistic Director

Presents
Cats

Based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot 

Music and Lyrics by 
Andrew Lloyd Webber

Cats
is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals 
on behalf of The Really Useful Group. 
www.concordtheatricals.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

The music of a 7-time Tony Award winning composer combined with the words of a Nobel Prize winning author was sure to create a musical that was unforgettable.  Add in extensive dance sequences with elaborate costumes and makeup, and you have one of the longest running shows on Broadway- nearly 18 years to be exact!  

CATS was actually one of the first musicals I ever saw. I was lucky enough to catch the tour coming through my hometown in Dallas, Texas while on a date with my high school sweetheart. And much like everyone else, I mostly just remember being mesmerized by the dancing because despite its fame, it’s not uncommon to hear the question, “So, what is CATS about?”  In an interview with Hal Prince, he talks about sitting with Andrew Lloyd Webber to discuss the deeper meaning of the show after listening through it for the first time.  And Webber famously replied, “Hal….. It’s about CATS.”  

This quote really makes me giggle because so often in theater, we creators want to dig way deeper than any writer ever intended us to.  But sometimes, it’s important to remember that theater also exists to entertain and bring joy.  Afterall, T.S. Eliot’s collection of poems that the show is based off of, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, was written simply to entertain his grandchildren. Andrew Llyod Webber grew up with his mom reading the stories to him, and he was inspired to put it to music.  I wanted to approach this production with that in mind by encouraging all departments to have fun and let their creativity take over.  Setting it in a British cat lady’s flat instead of a junkyard felt like a good place to start!  

I was also very drawn to the intimacy that this specific theater space allows for, so I wanted to cast a large group of 30 to fill it with sound and overwhelm it with movement.  My hope is to fully immerse you as an audience into our world and into the music and dance that is so beloved and nostalgic to many. 

To me, CATS feels like a collection of vaudeville vignettes.  During each number, we meet a new cat and with a song that has its own groove and feeling to match the unique personality of the cat being introduced. This gives such freedom to explore different styles of storytelling and different forms of dance from technical ballet to romantic waltzing to funky rock to rhythmic tap. Of course, then there’s the added challenge to make all of those styles move like a cat.   Honestly, crawling around on the floor for hours upon hours to prep the choreography for this show was definitely the most physically demanding experience I’ve ever had as a choreographer.  But one added bonus- I did have a newborn rolling around on the floor next to me to take inspiration from!

By honoring the fun and silliness of the show, I feel it also helps bring out the underlying themes that I do feel are important too.  While we take in the spectacle, we also see a group learning together to celebrate individuality, community, acceptance, and redemption. These themes are not new in literature and media, but feel especially prevalent to me to highlight in today’s social climate.  One of my favorite things about the arts is how it holds a mirror up to society.  While we may be watching an entertaining clowder of cats gather in moonlight for a Jellicle Ball, I hope everyone leaves the theater finding these themes and messages resonating within themselves.

Mandy Modic
Director’ Note

David Kemper
Administration Manager

As ANNIE reminds us, even in the toughest of times, “the sun’ll come out tomorrow.” That spirit of optimism and perseverance feels especially meaningful as we close another incredible year at Music Theater Works. Each production, each performance, and each connection we make with our audiences reminds us why we do what we do and how powerful live theater can be in bringing light, laughter, and hope to our community.

We are so grateful to you, our patrons, donors, and supporters, for helping keep that light shining. Your enthusiasm fills our theater, your generosity fuels our mission, and your belief in the power of the arts allows us to continue creating professional, inclusive, and inspiring musical theater right here in our community.

As we look ahead to another bright season, we ask you to continue standing beside us. Whether through a donation, a season membership, or by bringing friends and family to experience a show, your support ensures that the curtain keeps rising for future generations. Together, we can make sure the music, and the hope, never fades.

From all of us at Music Theater Works, thank you for being part of our story and for believing, like Annie, that tomorrow really is only a day away.

Electra Kontalonis
Board President, Music Theater Works

(Musicians are members of Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208)

Bill Kirchmeyer and Binny’s Beverage Depot, Javier Vega at Byline Bank, The Walder Foundation,Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Amanda Billings, Jamie Lynn Thome, Ann Davis, Scott Stratton, Orlando Miranda, the staff at The Paul M. Angell Foundation, Alex Stanzione with Blackbaud Solutions, the staff, board and students of Curt’s Cafe, Dana Pearl, Steven Alessandro and Jamie Wessner, Joe Streeto, Chris Jones, Jim Szczepaniak, Mike Angell, Robert’s Cycle Bike Shop