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Todd McKenney steals show in CATS but true star is controversial: review

We're used to seeing him in musicals like the Boy from Oz or judging C-grade celebrities on their dancing skills, but Todd McKenney's hilarious portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) the old theatre cat, thankfully, only briefly involved tights. First of all, the character just needed an old scruffy coat, and secondly, it would have been akin to seeing your uncle prance around in lycra. Sure, he looked great, but I don't need to see it. Although playing two parts, his role of Bustopher Jones, the dapper, well-fed cat was also covered up in a smart, black coat. Phew. Read more from The Senior: His comedic timing in both roles was purfect, but as Gus he truly shone. His storytelling, singing and dancing skills enlivened the audience, gaining the biggest laughs of the night. Forty years after CATS made its Sydney debut in the Theatre Royal, the musical returned to the same theatre in front of an appreciative crowd on June 19. The stellar cast also included the operatic voice of Mark Vincent who, after winning Australia's Got Talent in 2009, has had a successful recording and theatre career. Playing the cat leader Old Deuteronomy, Vincent commanded the stage, truly transfixing his audience with regal moves and his booming, baritone presence. Kudos to him for sitting on the stage, almost lifeless, during the 20 minute intermission - delighting the audience. But the true star of the show was much more controversial than all the reality stars in the constellation - the 1980s! Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit is truly a product of its time, debuting in London's West End in 1981 - and it shows itself as an '80s child more than his other productions, such as Phantom of the Opera (1986). And for this reason, many people detest it. But what's wrong with the '80s? Why not enjoy two hours of nostalgia? And sure, while some of the synth music felt like it belonged in an episode of Miami Vice just before Crockett and Tubbs busted another drug ring - I loved it. Prince once said to me, the reason he loves playing in Australia was "because we appreciated '80s music". Well, he said it to the audience at his concert in 2012, but I was there. And why not appreciate the time when CATS had its first life and pounced onto the stage as a fresh faced kitten, to the delight of audience-goers the world over? But I was still curious how a new generation would receive the once-contemporary musical, based on the book of poems Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by TS Eliot, when they had no sentimental ties to the 80s. I purposefully didn't tell my 11-year-old date, Joe, anything in the lead up to the show. My nephew's family were under strict instructions not to let the cat out of the bag and tell him any details. And the soundtrack was strictly off limits. His first indication that CATS was wildly popular and maybe a bit different was when we arrived and saw old and young theatre-goers dressed as cats. And although he found the first part a bit confusing and was not quite sure what a Jellical cat was (I didn't really know, either) - he soon perked up with the arrival of the Rum Tum Tugger, with his hilariously understated 'Meow'. Expertly played by Des Flanagan, he added irreverent cheekiness and comic relief. He got all the kids in the audience on board - he was our favourite. Equally as mesmerising was Mr Mistoffelees, played by Axel Alvarez, with impressive ballet moves and accompanied by super-bright pyrotechnics and a magic trick that had the audience gasping. And although our performance saw understudy Aimee Jones replace Gabriyel Thomas in the role of Grizabella, the once glamorous cat, her rendition of the musical highlight Memory was emotional and powerful. And it was then my 11-year-old date tapped my arm: "This is a good song". The interaction of the cats going through the audience made everyone laugh, fascinated children and at times scared the crowd - especially when the bad cat Macavity made a sly appearance. If you want your grandchildren or nieces and nephews to have the full CATS experience - book aisle seats in the stalls - and they'll be face to whiskers with many felines. Just keep in mind CATS is two hours long plus a 20 minute intermission - so take them to a matinee in case they fall asleep in the slower first half. Despite its criticism that CATS is stuck in the '80s, it still stands the test of time - at least with my nephew - who is normally very quick to tell me if something isn't Sigma and is Ohio or any of the words I do not understand. Instead, in the cab ride on the way home, wearing his new yellow CATS hoodie, Joe declared "CATS is the best musical ever, better than Hamilton". That's one win for the '80s, and a zero for the 1700 - 1800's. CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Prices start from $69.90. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. We're used to seeing him in musicals like the Boy from Oz or judging C-grade celebrities on their dancing skills, but Todd McKenney's hilarious portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) the old theatre cat, thankfully, only briefly involved tights. First of all, the character just needed an old scruffy coat, and secondly, it would have been akin to seeing your uncle prance around in lycra. Sure, he looked great, but I don't need to see it. Although playing two parts, his role of Bustopher Jones, the dapper, well-fed cat was also covered up in a smart, black coat. Phew. Read more from The Senior: His comedic timing in both roles was purfect, but as Gus he truly shone. His storytelling, singing and dancing skills enlivened the audience, gaining the biggest laughs of the night. Forty years after CATS made its Sydney debut in the Theatre Royal, the musical returned to the same theatre in front of an appreciative crowd on June 19. The stellar cast also included the operatic voice of Mark Vincent who, after winning Australia's Got Talent in 2009, has had a successful recording and theatre career. Playing the cat leader Old Deuteronomy, Vincent commanded the stage, truly transfixing his audience with regal moves and his booming, baritone presence. Kudos to him for sitting on the stage, almost lifeless, during the 20 minute intermission - delighting the audience. But the true star of the show was much more controversial than all the reality stars in the constellation - the 1980s! Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit is truly a product of its time, debuting in London's West End in 1981 - and it shows itself as an '80s child more than his other productions, such as Phantom of the Opera (1986). And for this reason, many people detest it. But what's wrong with the '80s? Why not enjoy two hours of nostalgia? And sure, while some of the synth music felt like it belonged in an episode of Miami Vice just before Crockett and Tubbs busted another drug ring - I loved it. Prince once said to me, the reason he loves playing in Australia was "because we appreciated '80s music". Well, he said it to the audience at his concert in 2012, but I was there. And why not appreciate the time when CATS had its first life and pounced onto the stage as a fresh faced kitten, to the delight of audience-goers the world over? But I was still curious how a new generation would receive the once-contemporary musical, based on the book of poems Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by TS Eliot, when they had no sentimental ties to the 80s. I purposefully didn't tell my 11-year-old date, Joe, anything in the lead up to the show. My nephew's family were under strict instructions not to let the cat out of the bag and tell him any details. And the soundtrack was strictly off limits. His first indication that CATS was wildly popular and maybe a bit different was when we arrived and saw old and young theatre-goers dressed as cats. And although he found the first part a bit confusing and was not quite sure what a Jellical cat was (I didn't really know, either) - he soon perked up with the arrival of the Rum Tum Tugger, with his hilariously understated 'Meow'. Expertly played by Des Flanagan, he added irreverent cheekiness and comic relief. He got all the kids in the audience on board - he was our favourite. Equally as mesmerising was Mr Mistoffelees, played by Axel Alvarez, with impressive ballet moves and accompanied by super-bright pyrotechnics and a magic trick that had the audience gasping. And although our performance saw understudy Aimee Jones replace Gabriyel Thomas in the role of Grizabella, the once glamorous cat, her rendition of the musical highlight Memory was emotional and powerful. And it was then my 11-year-old date tapped my arm: "This is a good song". The interaction of the cats going through the audience made everyone laugh, fascinated children and at times scared the crowd - especially when the bad cat Macavity made a sly appearance. If you want your grandchildren or nieces and nephews to have the full CATS experience - book aisle seats in the stalls - and they'll be face to whiskers with many felines. Just keep in mind CATS is two hours long plus a 20 minute intermission - so take them to a matinee in case they fall asleep in the slower first half. Despite its criticism that CATS is stuck in the '80s, it still stands the test of time - at least with my nephew - who is normally very quick to tell me if something isn't Sigma and is Ohio or any of the words I do not understand. Instead, in the cab ride on the way home, wearing his new yellow CATS hoodie, Joe declared "CATS is the best musical ever, better than Hamilton". That's one win for the '80s, and a zero for the 1700 - 1800's. CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Prices start from $69.90. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. We're used to seeing him in musicals like the Boy from Oz or judging C-grade celebrities on their dancing skills, but Todd McKenney's hilarious portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) the old theatre cat, thankfully, only briefly involved tights. First of all, the character just needed an old scruffy coat, and secondly, it would have been akin to seeing your uncle prance around in lycra. Sure, he looked great, but I don't need to see it. Although playing two parts, his role of Bustopher Jones, the dapper, well-fed cat was also covered up in a smart, black coat. Phew. Read more from The Senior: His comedic timing in both roles was purfect, but as Gus he truly shone. His storytelling, singing and dancing skills enlivened the audience, gaining the biggest laughs of the night. Forty years after CATS made its Sydney debut in the Theatre Royal, the musical returned to the same theatre in front of an appreciative crowd on June 19. The stellar cast also included the operatic voice of Mark Vincent who, after winning Australia's Got Talent in 2009, has had a successful recording and theatre career. Playing the cat leader Old Deuteronomy, Vincent commanded the stage, truly transfixing his audience with regal moves and his booming, baritone presence. Kudos to him for sitting on the stage, almost lifeless, during the 20 minute intermission - delighting the audience. But the true star of the show was much more controversial than all the reality stars in the constellation - the 1980s! Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit is truly a product of its time, debuting in London's West End in 1981 - and it shows itself as an '80s child more than his other productions, such as Phantom of the Opera (1986). And for this reason, many people detest it. But what's wrong with the '80s? Why not enjoy two hours of nostalgia? And sure, while some of the synth music felt like it belonged in an episode of Miami Vice just before Crockett and Tubbs busted another drug ring - I loved it. Prince once said to me, the reason he loves playing in Australia was "because we appreciated '80s music". Well, he said it to the audience at his concert in 2012, but I was there. And why not appreciate the time when CATS had its first life and pounced onto the stage as a fresh faced kitten, to the delight of audience-goers the world over? But I was still curious how a new generation would receive the once-contemporary musical, based on the book of poems Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by TS Eliot, when they had no sentimental ties to the 80s. I purposefully didn't tell my 11-year-old date, Joe, anything in the lead up to the show. My nephew's family were under strict instructions not to let the cat out of the bag and tell him any details. And the soundtrack was strictly off limits. His first indication that CATS was wildly popular and maybe a bit different was when we arrived and saw old and young theatre-goers dressed as cats. And although he found the first part a bit confusing and was not quite sure what a Jellical cat was (I didn't really know, either) - he soon perked up with the arrival of the Rum Tum Tugger, with his hilariously understated 'Meow'. Expertly played by Des Flanagan, he added irreverent cheekiness and comic relief. He got all the kids in the audience on board - he was our favourite. Equally as mesmerising was Mr Mistoffelees, played by Axel Alvarez, with impressive ballet moves and accompanied by super-bright pyrotechnics and a magic trick that had the audience gasping. And although our performance saw understudy Aimee Jones replace Gabriyel Thomas in the role of Grizabella, the once glamorous cat, her rendition of the musical highlight Memory was emotional and powerful. And it was then my 11-year-old date tapped my arm: "This is a good song". The interaction of the cats going through the audience made everyone laugh, fascinated children and at times scared the crowd - especially when the bad cat Macavity made a sly appearance. If you want your grandchildren or nieces and nephews to have the full CATS experience - book aisle seats in the stalls - and they'll be face to whiskers with many felines. Just keep in mind CATS is two hours long plus a 20 minute intermission - so take them to a matinee in case they fall asleep in the slower first half. Despite its criticism that CATS is stuck in the '80s, it still stands the test of time - at least with my nephew - who is normally very quick to tell me if something isn't Sigma and is Ohio or any of the words I do not understand. Instead, in the cab ride on the way home, wearing his new yellow CATS hoodie, Joe declared "CATS is the best musical ever, better than Hamilton". That's one win for the '80s, and a zero for the 1700 - 1800's. CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Prices start from $69.90. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. We're used to seeing him in musicals like the Boy from Oz or judging C-grade celebrities on their dancing skills, but Todd McKenney's hilarious portrayal of Asparagus (Gus) the old theatre cat, thankfully, only briefly involved tights. First of all, the character just needed an old scruffy coat, and secondly, it would have been akin to seeing your uncle prance around in lycra. Sure, he looked great, but I don't need to see it. Although playing two parts, his role of Bustopher Jones, the dapper, well-fed cat was also covered up in a smart, black coat. Phew. Read more from The Senior: His comedic timing in both roles was purfect, but as Gus he truly shone. His storytelling, singing and dancing skills enlivened the audience, gaining the biggest laughs of the night. Forty years after CATS made its Sydney debut in the Theatre Royal, the musical returned to the same theatre in front of an appreciative crowd on June 19. The stellar cast also included the operatic voice of Mark Vincent who, after winning Australia's Got Talent in 2009, has had a successful recording and theatre career. Playing the cat leader Old Deuteronomy, Vincent commanded the stage, truly transfixing his audience with regal moves and his booming, baritone presence. Kudos to him for sitting on the stage, almost lifeless, during the 20 minute intermission - delighting the audience. But the true star of the show was much more controversial than all the reality stars in the constellation - the 1980s! Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit is truly a product of its time, debuting in London's West End in 1981 - and it shows itself as an '80s child more than his other productions, such as Phantom of the Opera (1986). And for this reason, many people detest it. But what's wrong with the '80s? Why not enjoy two hours of nostalgia? And sure, while some of the synth music felt like it belonged in an episode of Miami Vice just before Crockett and Tubbs busted another drug ring - I loved it. Prince once said to me, the reason he loves playing in Australia was "because we appreciated '80s music". Well, he said it to the audience at his concert in 2012, but I was there. And why not appreciate the time when CATS had its first life and pounced onto the stage as a fresh faced kitten, to the delight of audience-goers the world over? But I was still curious how a new generation would receive the once-contemporary musical, based on the book of poems Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by TS Eliot, when they had no sentimental ties to the 80s. I purposefully didn't tell my 11-year-old date, Joe, anything in the lead up to the show. My nephew's family were under strict instructions not to let the cat out of the bag and tell him any details. And the soundtrack was strictly off limits. His first indication that CATS was wildly popular and maybe a bit different was when we arrived and saw old and young theatre-goers dressed as cats. And although he found the first part a bit confusing and was not quite sure what a Jellical cat was (I didn't really know, either) - he soon perked up with the arrival of the Rum Tum Tugger, with his hilariously understated 'Meow'. Expertly played by Des Flanagan, he added irreverent cheekiness and comic relief. He got all the kids in the audience on board - he was our favourite. Equally as mesmerising was Mr Mistoffelees, played by Axel Alvarez, with impressive ballet moves and accompanied by super-bright pyrotechnics and a magic trick that had the audience gasping. And although our performance saw understudy Aimee Jones replace Gabriyel Thomas in the role of Grizabella, the once glamorous cat, her rendition of the musical highlight Memory was emotional and powerful. And it was then my 11-year-old date tapped my arm: "This is a good song". The interaction of the cats going through the audience made everyone laugh, fascinated children and at times scared the crowd - especially when the bad cat Macavity made a sly appearance. If you want your grandchildren or nieces and nephews to have the full CATS experience - book aisle seats in the stalls - and they'll be face to whiskers with many felines. Just keep in mind CATS is two hours long plus a 20 minute intermission - so take them to a matinee in case they fall asleep in the slower first half. Despite its criticism that CATS is stuck in the '80s, it still stands the test of time - at least with my nephew - who is normally very quick to tell me if something isn't Sigma and is Ohio or any of the words I do not understand. Instead, in the cab ride on the way home, wearing his new yellow CATS hoodie, Joe declared "CATS is the best musical ever, better than Hamilton". That's one win for the '80s, and a zero for the 1700 - 1800's. CATS is on until September 6 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney before heading to Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. It will be Brisbane's turn from February 2026. Prices start from $69.90. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.