‘CATS’ coming to Boston

BOSTON – When it comes to the national touring production of the hit musical ‘CATS,’ Erin Chupinsky is the jack of all trades.The 25-year-old Michigan native is assistant company manager, assistant stage manager and covers six different roles.”If anyone is sick or injured I cover their roles,” she said. “I love it – each role is so unique and I like each role for a different reason.”Chupinsky, who was named a Presidential Scholar in Music Theatre Performance at Western Michigan University, has been touring with ‘CATS’ for 18 months.”This is my fourth year on the road,” she said. “I’ve been a gypsy and so far I haven’t grown tired of it. I love being able to travel and perform.” She also added, “It’s such a fun show, it appeals to everyone and the music is wonderful. I encourage everyone to come see it.”Chupinsky, who calls New York City home when she is not on the road, said she is looking forward to Boston and will run the Boston Marathon the day after the show closes.”I’m very excited about the Boston Marathon,” she said. “I’m running it with my dad. He is a runner and he got me into running marathons. I’ve run six marathons but this will be my first time in the Boston Marathon.”If you are seeing the show for the first time, you might want to check out “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” a collection of poems by T.S. Elliot, upon which the characters are based. ‘CATS’ was conceived after Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop.There is no spoken dialogue in this show, which has won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, because the lyrics of the songs combined with the choreography and the costumes bring the personalities of characters to life. The production features 20 of Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song “Memory.” The unlikely cast of characters inhabiting a garbage-strewn alley includes Mr. Mistoffeles, Skimbleshanks, Rum Tum Tugger and Grizabella, who sings the show’s signature tune “Memory.”The original production of ‘CATS’ opened at the New London Theatre, in the West End in 1981. Eight years later, it celebrated both its birthday and another important milestone – it had become the longest running musical in the history of the British theater. In 1982 ‘CATS’ opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City and in 1997 became the longest running musical in Broadway history. ‘CATS’ ended its 18-year run in 2000. It is also one of the most successful musicals the world has ever seen and the anniversary touring edition is playing to packed houses around the world.’CATS’ won seven 1983 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes. The national tour of ‘CATS’ recently celebrated its 27th anniversary season, holding its place as the longest continuously touring Broadway musical in history.Cat lovers and cat-haters alike won’t want to miss this opportunity to see the first felines of the stage at the Boston Opera House April 13 through April 18.Tickets, which range in price from $37.50 to $82.50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, The Colonial Theatre Box Office, 106 Boylston St., Boston and online at www.Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may be purchased by phone by calling 800-982-2787.