What I liked
Being a fairly episodic show, Tana manages to provide a nice through-line with the best friend character and his arc. It helps that Patrick Steward brings a winsomeness and considerable comedic talent to the role: his “Chinatown” moment is virtually a showstopper and he also brings the only moment of pathos. Other standout performances include a madcap, tour de force MJ Brown as a crazy, scorned witch and rom-com ready Jordan Knapp as a delightfully awkward animal therapist.
What I didn't like
In some instances, the story is a bit unclear as to what’s really happening and what isn’t—including some characters and their (presumable) deaths. The amount of assonance masquerading as rhyme was disappointing and there was a bit too much repetition. A few songs lacking narrative function should probably be cut or reworked. The lead really needs a clear crises moment eleven o’clock number.
My overall impression
Nicholas Tana and crew aim to deliver what you’d expect from a musical about a possessed cat: 90 minutes of unpretentious, referential silliness. And I can say without paws (sorry), for the most part, they succeed. The proceedings are buoyed by an energetic and able cast that acts like it’s on catnip. So, if a show with musical numbers like “Chainsaw Kitty” sound like your thing, get yourself a ticket.
