SHALL we let the cat out of the bag? Call this one purrfect? The cat's meow? How about, "Missing this show would be a cat-tastrophe?" No, let's cut the cliches. "CATS" is great fun

The popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is back in Honolulu with all the familiar beloved magic intact. The comic numbers crackle and snap, poignant moments tug at the heartstrings. The minimal plot still suffices to string together a delightful collection of memorable Webber songs and the adventures of T.S. Eliot's old practical cats.

Audience favorites last night were simply the brightest stars in a galaxy of talent:

 Kip Driver is first among equals as the big tom cat, Munkustrap.

---

 

SINGING "CATS" SET AUDIENCE TO PURRING

 

"Playing Munkustrap, Kip Driver showed off a terrific voice, clear-toned with easily distinguishable words.  The best parts of his performance were the shading and subtlety.  He didn't overdo any of his songs like 'The Old Gumbie Cat,' 'Old Deuteronomy' or 'The Awful Battle of the Pekes and Pollicles.' ",

 

                                    S.L. Guthrie, Anchorage Daily News -- Sept. 1998

 

 

---

 

VIVACIOUS "CATS" OPENS ARTS CENTER SEASON

 

"Kip Driver, as Munkustrap, the gray tabby M.C., fills the hall with his glorious baritone voice.  The Alabama-born performer's stage presence and singing ability pulls the story's core together better than in previous versions of 'Cats.' "

 

                                    Pam Kragen, North County Times (Escondido, CA) -- Aug. 1998