One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, CATS will come to The Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale from Tuesday, April 5, to Sunday, April 10 as part of a new North American tour.
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages. Featuring new sound design, direction, and choreography for a new generation — experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again!
Since its world premiere, CATS has been seen by more than 75 million people worldwide. The original Broadway production opened in 1982 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre, where it ran for 7,485 performances: 18 years. CATS was originally produced on Broadway by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Company Limited, David Geffen, and The Shubert Organization. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. The original Broadway production closed on September 10, 2000, and is currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history.
CATS returned to Broadway in July 2016 in a stunning revival at the Neil Simon Theatre, where it ran through December 2017.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Vinny Andaloro, who plays Alonzo, for this Hotspots interview.
At what age did you begin performing?
I began performing in middle school as I started taking dance classes when I was 12 years old.
What was your first paid gig?
A small summer stock theater on the Jersey Shore.
When did you know performing would be your career?
I think I knew performing would be a serious career in High School with the support of my parents. That’s when I realized I could do it for a living.
Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?
I really enjoyed playing Henry in Newsies at the Lexington Theater Company. I had always wanted to be in that show since I saw it on Broadway.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but want to)?
There are a whole bunch of roles I want to play, but for right now I would love to see myself in any featured dance role. The heart of a lot of stories are told through dance and I want to be able to do that.
What did you do/accomplish during the Quarantine part of the pandemic?
First, I got to spend some quality time with my family, and I also went to school online where I was studying and learning from my professors.
Is there additional pressure performing in such an iconic musical that at one time was the longest running musical on Broadway?
Not so much a pressure, but a pride that comes along with it. I am so excited to be a part of such an iconic show and telling this story with this cast; we are lucky to do so. Also, you can really tell the audiences appreciate the work we are doing, and it feels really good.
Describe yourself in three words?
Charismatic, kind and conscientious.
What do you do for fun?
For fun I love good old quality time with friends, and I love a good bite to eat as well. I also enjoy doing Yoga. It gets my body where it needs to be and my mind in a really good head space.
What’s the best and worst things about being on the road?
The best thing is being able to tell this story in so many different locations to a very wide variety of audiences. I am extremely lucky I get to travel the country doing what I love. The worst thing is missing my loved ones back home.
What should our readers expect from this touring company of “Cats”?
They should expect to see an incredible amount of vibrancy and energy on stage. They will have 2 ½ hours of entertainment and bliss while they experience this true iconic story that is rooted in love and acceptance.
For more information on, Vinny Andaloro, go to his website: VinnyAndaloro.com or follow him at Instagram.com/vinny_andaloro.
For more information on CATS, go to: CatsTheMusical.com.
Tickets for Cats at the Broward Center start at $35 and are available at browardcenter.org, at Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, or by calling 954.462.0222.
