The cast for the NZ tour of CATS, the musical, has been announced which starts in just two weeks.

The talented cast includes actors and singers from Australia and New Zealand, under the direction of former Shortland St star Geraldine Brophy and choreography by Dancing with the Stars winner, Stefano Olivieri.

The cast has extensive backgrounds in musical theatre, stage and television through to live concerts with stars such as Adele.

This re-imagined production will, spectacularly, feature a set inspired by Christchurch post-earthquake.
Set in a dilapidated Victorian theatre with fallen roof dome, open to the elements, it's a dangerous, precarious place fit for a ritual and transformed by the moon. The song script offers hope for "another chance" and is filled with emotion and whimsy.

Producer Ben McDonald says the cast represents some of Australia and New Zealand's finest talents.

"The production of CATS is a darker, more sensual and spitty show," says McDonald.

"We have purrs but scratch, reveal ugly sides and exquisite beauty. We are manky in our magnificence. Our task is to re-imagine faith, hope and charity... feline and human, for the pleasure of our audience."

Cats is based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot. The musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make what is known as "the Jellicle choice" and decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.

Playing the coveted role of Grizabella, made famous by Elaine Paige, is one of New Zealand's most experienced stage actresses, Eilish Moran. She has appeared in more than 70 productions at Chrischurch's prestigious Court Theatre as well as on television and in film, her recent credits including TV3's Hope and Wire and the short film Run Rabbit directed by Robyn Paterson.

Old Deuteronomy, the kind leader of the Jellicle Tribe, will be played by Australian triple threat Brendan Lovett whose career spans film, television and stage.

He has appeared in supporting roles in films that have won Best Feature at both The New York International Film Festival and The London International Film Festival as well as being nominated himself for Best supporting Actor at the London International Film Festival.

On stage he has worked in Australia and The UK as well as touring extensively throughout Europe in both 'straight” and 'musical” theatre.

In-demand New Zealand actor Phil Grieve makes a welcome return to the stage as Bustopher Jones, the distinguished, aristocratic tomcat whose lifestyle has made him round and plump!

Grieve was last seen on stage in Auckland at Pop-up Globe, playing pivotal roles in seasons of Othello and Much Ado About Nothing. He is also well known for his film work, with credits including Disney's Pete's Dragon, Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit.

Playing the fiery, unkempt criminal Macavity is Christian Girardi, an Australian dance and theatre performer who has recently returned from the States where he's been working for Disney, while in the role of the magical Mr Mistoffelees is Joel Houwen whose stage credits include the Sydney Theatre Awards, Opera Australia's The Nose at the Sydney Opera House, and most recently, making his Broadway Stage debut in Red Bucket Follies.

This fabulous cast also includes Jake Tyler as Munkustrap (Adele Live Concert); Sabrina Martin as Demeter; Ailis Oliver Kirby as Bombalurina; Rose Pickard as Jemima; Sophie Morris as Jellylorum (Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Sandy in Grease: The Arena Spectacular Live); Shaan Kloet as Rumpleteazer; Jane Strickland as Victoria; Greg Jarema as Rum Tum Tugger; Cole Johnstone as Mungojerrie; Jeremy Hinman as Shimbleshanks; Steven Ray as Gus.

As of 2018, CATS is the fourth-longest-running show in Broadway history, and was the longest running Broadway show in history from 1997 until 2006 when it was surpassed by The Phantom of the Opera.

The first Tauranga show on April 30 at Baycourt Theatre is sold out, however tickets are still available for the second show on May 1 through Ticketek.