Tag: Cats The Musical

Leisure and Pleasure: Events in Hong Kong this January

Hong Kong is kicking off 2018 in a big way with flying acrobatic acts, purr-forming Cats and more! Here are some of the exciting events are hitting our fair city this January.

The Great European Carnival

The Great European Carnival

Central’s waterfront comes to life once again for the AIA Great European Carnival, bringing with it a number of rides, games and food. This year, the main event is the magical Big Top Circus, a show of death-defying feats performed by acrobats, riders and artists from Kenya to Colombia. Highlights of The Great Circus of Europe include a human pyramid on high wire, heart-pounding motorcycle rides inside a steel-mesh globe and performances on a revolving “space wheel”. Circus tickets are sold separately and range from HK$150-$400.

Till 25 February
Central Harbourfront Event Space
HK$40-$130
www.tgec.asia

Cats - The Musical

CATS – The Musical

Cats – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece based on a T. S. Eliot book – tells the story of “Jellicle cats” who come out to play in a larger-than-life junkyard on the eve of the Jellicle Ball. The soundtrack is best known for the moving tune Memory, belted out by Grizabella, a once-glamorous cat who has become despondent in her old age. Get in touch with your feline side as you jump into a purring world of song and dance.

Till 11 February
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
HK$445-$1,045
www.catsthemusical.com

Volvo Ocean Race and Festival

Volvo Ocean Race and Festival

For the first time ever, Hong Kong will host the Volvo Ocean Race and Festival for 15 days at the former Kai Tak runway. This eight-month-long, round-the-world sailing race arrives in Hong Kong on 20 January, with the Sun Hung Kai/ Scallywag team representing the city. On the 27th, the Victoria Harbour In- Port Race will see boats compete for points. While the festival itself is free, VIP tickets (HK$2,900) can get you seats on a spectator boat and access to the festival’s lounge.

17-31 January
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park
www.volvooceanracehk.com

Kidsfest

Kidsfest

Now in its seventh year, KidsFest presents world-class theatre for young people, with favourites including The Gruffalo Live on Stage (now sold-out), Monstersaurus and What the Ladybird Heard. “KidsFest is an exciting festival for the whole family where compelling characters are brought to life,” says executive producer Matthew Gregory. “At the same time, it nurtures children’s interest in literature and language.” The event has grown to embrace nine productions over a five-week calendar.

Till 11 February
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
HK$195-$435
www.kidsfest.com.hk

Foxy Pub Quiz at Mr and Mrs Fox

The Foxy Pub Quiz

Playful Quarry Bay hangout Mr & Mrs Fox is back with another quiz night to get you and your friends together in the name of fun and games. Teams of four and above are invited to participate in a just-for-kicks trivia challenge on the 30th of January (Tuesday) from 7 to 9pm. Winners get a trophy, a HK$1,000 bar tab, Valentine’s dinner for two and other prizes to be announced later on their Facebook page. (We’re eyeing those 12 bottles of wine…)

The ‘Mr & Mrs Fox Love Card’ Valentine’s Day menu upstairs is a four-course affair featuring dishes like Foie Gras Macaroons; Confit of Parsnip and Dashi Emulsion; Black Sea Bass with Clams; and grilled Beef Tenderloin with Manchego Cheese and Bone Marrow Sauce. Decadent desserts of Caramel Mousse with Candied Nuts and Brown Butter Crisps seal the deal. The dinner menu is priced at HK$1,100 for two.

30 January
23 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay
2697 8500
dine@mrmrsfox.com

 

CATS is back to purr-form in Hong Kong this January

CATS returns to Hong Kong after a successful prowl around the world. Indeed, as one the world’s most beloved, longest-running musical, CATS has always been a roaring success since its premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it ran for 21 record-breaking years. 9000 performances, 81 million viewers and several accolades later, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical has again set the thespian world purring with pleasure with its reappearance in Hong Kong this January. Playing at Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Fine Arts, the show will run till 11 February.

Speaking at an exclusive media preview of the musical, producer David Ian says, “I am absolutely delighted that the revival production of CATS has received such a warm welcome in Hong Kong. Once again, this stunning creation will delight a new generation of theatre fans. It’s time to let the memory live again!”

But how is this world of feline perfection created? Gafencu went backstage to explore. We spoke to actor John Brannoch, who plays the pivotal character Rum Tum Tugger, to understand the process better. According to John, “It takes months of rigorous physical training and stamina-building exercises to replicate the natural grace of cats. We’d spend many hours just crawling around on the studio floor on all fours. At the beginning, you do feel a bit ridiculous, but our director encouraged us to be fearless and to improvise.”

And it is not just the actors who have to go through such rigourous preparation. From the larger-than-life sets designed by acclaimed designer John Napier to elaborate handmade costumes and masks, every aspect of this show is overwhelming in magnitude and painstaking in details.

It is safe to say that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s orchestra, Trevor Nunn’s direction and Gillian Lynne’s choreography not only bring to life T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats (on which CATS is based), but firmly places it as an undisputed masterpiece of the theatrical world.

Tickets are available here.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay