ROM Speaks: Memories of CATS the Musical

ROM Speaks: Memories of CATS the Musical 

Thursday, October 17, 2024

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM, followed by a meet-and-greet reception from 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

From fascinating to thought-provoking, ROM Speaks presents compelling voices on hot topics, guaranteeing an entertaining evening enriched by engaging conversations. 

Program Information 

The beauty, skill, and elusive nature of cats has led to the lasting enthusiasm for the cultural phenomenon that is CATS, the Broadway musical. 

Premiering in London in 1981, CATS is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, captivating audiences for twenty-one record-breaking years with nearly 9,000 performances. 

Be part of the intimate conversation featuring theatre producer Marlene Smith and CATS performer, assistant director, and dance supervisor Madeline Paul as they explore the cultural impact of the musical. The discussion will be moderated by Michael Wallace from Canada's Theatre Museum. Following the conversation, enjoy a live performance of "Memories" by Ma-Anne Dionisio, who played Grizabella in the 2013 Toronto production.

The evening will also feature a Wild Cats exhibition tour and a meet-and-greet reception.

Featured Speakers

• Marlene Smith is one of Canada’s most prolific theatre producers, with over 60 credits to her name. She began her career as the Director of Group Sales for Hair at the Royal Alexandra Theatre and has since worked as a publicist and company manager for the Canadian production of Godspell. Notable productions she has co-produced include CATS, What's a Nice Country Like You Doing in a State Like This?, Napoleon, and Ain't Misbehavin'. Active in the community, Marlene has served on various boards, including the Shaw Festival, and has received multiple awards for her contributions to Canadian theatre. 
• Michael Wallace (Moderator) is the Executive Director of Canada's Theatre Museum. He holds an MBA from York University's Schulich School of Business, specializing in arts and nonprofit management, and has studied Ornithology at ROM's Saturday Club. With experience as a freelance stage manager for notable productions at Mirvish Productions, Young Peoples Theatre, and Canadian Stage, he is also a past president of the Canadian Museums Association.
• Madeline Paul started her career as a Director/Choreographer for the original Canadian production of CATS at the Elgin Theatre. Her notable credits include Bend It Like Beckham The Musical and the original Andrew Lloyd Webber production of The Wizard of Oz in London, Paris, Toronto, and the US. She won a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Choreography for Damn Yankees and has worked on productions like The Sound of Music and Mamma Mia, as well as LIVENT's Ragtime, Showboat, Sunset Boulevard, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and The Phantom of the Opera.
• Ma-Anne Dionisio is a Philippine-born Canadian actress renowned for her role as "Kim" in the Canadian premiere of Miss Saigon at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Her impressive career spans global stages, including Broadway and London's West End, with notable performances in Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Mamma Mia. Dionisio received a Dora Award for her portrayal of "Diana" in the Toronto production of Next to Normal. In addition to her stage work, she has appeared in various film and television projects, including Schitt’s Creek and Five Days At Memorial.

Program Partner: Canada's Theatre Museum (formerly Theatre Museum Canada) was founded by Herbert Whittaker in 1982 to preserve and celebrate Canada's rich performing art heritage. Last year, they announced a new home located within the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres. For more information, visit TheatreMuseum.ca.