By Kellie Houx, Editor of KC Studio

Winnetonka High School — Nov. 18-19-20

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats,” based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” is coming to Winnetonka High School Nov. 18-20. And yes, it is Webber’s show, with all the difficult choreography included. There are no major alterations to the show for the high school group and teacher Dr. Sheri Coffman wouldn’t have it any other way.

Senior Cole Bedell plays Rum Tum Tugger, the combination of Mick Jagger or Elvis Presley rolled up into a feline form. “This is not ‘Music Man’ or ‘Oklahoma.’ It’s technical and tough. We have spent many hours dancing, learning techniques for ballet, tap and jazz. When we did ‘Grease,’ there was great energy, but not the technique of dance. This show is pushing us all and I don’t think I have ever seen this much commitment. People aren’t expecting us to pull this off. So many know the show for all the skilled dancing and singing. We have the singing and the acting down here at Winnetonka, but I think we will surprise people with our dancing.”

Bedell says the dancing workshops even before auditions started a budding camaraderie that has lasted through all the late rehearsals and sore muscles. This solidarity started under the watchful eye of William Bailey, a 2007 Winnetonka graduate who has lots of dance experience as a performer and choreographer. He graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and has been working in the musical theater industry. He performed in “Cleopatra: A Life Unparalleled” and later played Chad Danforth in “High School Musical.”  Bailey has toured with a professional production of “RENT” playing Angel Dumott Schunard. He also was the assistant to the choreographer in a production of  “Fame” and was a featured dancer for whom the character, Angel Diaz-Rodriguez, was created. In mid-November, Bailey performs in “Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville” at Kansas City, Kan., Community College, and in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Soon after, he reprises his role in “RENT” for a Florida production.

“Dr. Coffman has always wanted to tackle this show and when she asked me to come work with her, I jumped. She is family to my mother and me. I wanted to offer some Broadway choreography to the show and the students. I wanted them to understand that hard work can pay off. We are all climbing toward a great goal and we are all positive in that pursuit,” he says. “When I knew the students were serious to attend dance workshops, I knew nothing would stop the students. I have simply been breaking down the choreography into bite-sized chunks.”

A handful of students do have backgrounds in dance. Others sought to join the cast after the show was announced. The cast now includes members of the dance team. “We are seeing an all-school musical this year,” says sophomore Jackie Summers. She is one of those theater devotees who also happens to dance and has danced at Ibsen for 11 years. For “Cats,” Summers will play Jennyanydots, the old Gumbie cat who sits all day and rules the mice and cockroaches at night, forcing them to undertake helpful functions and creative projects, to curb their destructive habits. She also does some amazing tap dancing in two-inch character taps. “I am so happy to be part of ‘Cats.’ I got a copy of the musical when I was 5 years old and I have worn out the VHS tape.” As for the doubters out there, Summers says no one really knows what is coming at them. “This is one of the shows that people will remember because we are going to pull it off.”

Junior Nate Wendt plays Old Deuteronomy who is described as an ancient, wise cat who has “lived many lives in succession” and happens to be well respected. “I have the feeling that this will be one of the best shows this school has put on. I was skeptical at first with the dance workshops and the dance. I know we have the vocal talent and the acting is no problem. The dancing was the missing piece. Those that dance are doing a great job.”

Wendt doesn’t dance, but loves the positive energy of the entire show. “Last year, I played Judd in ‘Oklahoma.’ He’s the villain and so a lot of negativity was aimed at me. Playing Old Deuteronomy is the exact opposite. Everyone is glad when I show up.”

The students were also glad that Coffman finally decided on staging “Cats.” Of course, the students weren’t sure after all the years of the joke. “I suppose when the dance workshops were announced, the reality set in. My students have been building their stamina ever since.”

Coffman, who is a meticulous director, has been building songs and rapport from auditions on. “They have the bulk of the work under their collective belts. The trick now is to clean and polish this show. My students have the commitment and the dedication to stage this show. We have a buzz going in our school and in the district.”

Coffman is also known for her scene design. The stage will encase memorabilia from Winnetonka musical theater history, including items from every major musical and Main Stage production. Enthusiasts will enjoy a virtual scavenger hunt as they search the massive set for mementos from favorite shows.  “I am so excited to create the junkyard with its textures and layers. I have always been in awe of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s show and I knew this was the year to meet the challenge of this incredible show. I really feel like I have the right actors in the right parts. Of course, having Will has been a treat. I think we are growing our talent well. A line in the prologue is sung, ‘There's a man over there with a look of surprise/ As much as to say well now how about that?’ It’s our chance to create a pleasant surprise with this show.”

http://www.nkcsd.k12.mo.us/wths/#section:activities&page:theatre