CATS Winter Garden 6/19/97 Pt.2

Two cameras (one out front, one in stage right box) offering different views of the final sequences of "Cats," on the night the original Broadway production became the longest-running in Broadway history. Watch for original Broadway cast members in the audience.

[@RandyBettis]

One of my favorite memories of my lfetime, getting to be a part of THAT cast on THAT night with the incomparable Laurie Beechman.

[@littlesongbird1]

Who did you play?

[@RandyBettis]

@@littlesongbird1 i played the role of Tumblebrutus...in the video i'm the one that does a tumbling pass at the end of the bows. :D

[@littlesongbird1]

@@RandyBettis Oh wow! I have so much love for this show as it was one of the first I ever saw (I saw the fourth national tour in Philly in 1996). It looks like a show that must have been a lot of fun albeit a lot of hard work to be in congrats! Do you still perform?

[@RandyBettis]

@@littlesongbird1 Oh Wow....I was on the 4th national tour in 1990, right after I spent two years in the Hamburg, Germany company from 1987-89. I was a blast to do and really tough on your knees :) !!! I do not perform any more. in 1997-98 I was back in the Broadway company, for the 3rd time, and decided then that my body was starting to break down and I need to start to pursue another career, I decided to train to do studio producing/remixing and live DJ work and that's what I'm still doing. Can I ask what you do, are you in the theater?

[@littlesongbird1]

@@RandyBettis Wow! I wish I could say that was on my resume. I don't perform anymore...I used to sing a lot back in college and my early 20s but do a personal reason I had needed to just take some time off but I am trying to get back in performing. I was lucky enough a couple of years ago to finally take some voice lessons with a very talented man who sadly has since passed away. He worked on Cats during the original Broadway one as I think an orchestra tor? I probably have the term wrong...his name was Bob Gustave I think was his last name..does that ring any bells for you?

[@Hinatachan360]

I never forgot how Jacob Brent (Mr. Mistoffelees) nearly bowled me and my friend over as we walked by and he ran to the theater. I guess he was running late. I immediately recognized him while my friend was clueless about who he was. Later on I brought it up on Jacob's CATS fan forum and had a laugh with him about it. Turns out I was right. He was running late for his performance in CATS that evening in 1997. 😆❤️

[@matthewshapiro4072]

I spotted Betty Buckley and Ken Page in the audience!

[@mst3kanita]

I love rumpleteazer patting skimble after he fell.

[@Lionloverky]

Looks like Jacob Brent and Michael Gruber were in this cast

[@ayzecknozniksid3126]

@Robert Lee, Countertenor That's Michael, alright.

[@Hinatachan360]

I never forgot how Jacob Brent (Mr. Mistoffelees) nearly bowled me and my friend over as we walked by and he ran to the theater. I guess he was running late. I immediately recognized him while my friend was clueless about who he was. Later on I brought it up on Jacob's CATS fan forum and had a laugh with him about it. Turns out I was right. He was running late for his performance in CATS that evening in 1997. 😆❤️

[@lionblaze0384]

Love getting to see the entire bows, incredible stuff

[@WJC981]

The original was much better than the recent revival they did.

[@littlesongbird1]

I agree..I saw the revival on broadway and while I enjoyed it, the original was better.

[@tomgallowitz]

The revival did have Mamie Parris probably one of the best of the new generation of Grizabellas

[@victoriaindigo]

CATS is back on Broadway, didn't see that coming!

[@22lyric]

I only discovered Laurie on You Tube a couple years ago. Still heartbroken that she is gone!

[@mistotum7242]

It has been 20 years since that night, I saw Jacob looked back on it on INS just now.

[@Hinatachan360]

I never forgot how Jacob Brent (Mr. Mistoffelees) nearly bowled me and my friend over as we walked by and he ran to the theater. I guess he was running late. I immediately recognized him while my friend was clueless about who he was. Later on I brought it up on Jacob's CATS fan forum and had a laugh with him about it. Turns out I was right. He was running late for his performance in CATS that evening in 1997. 😆❤️

[@DallasJamesPritt]

Totally crying haha

[@gary6267]

yes!! marlene!!

[@gary6267]

where's this footage from? any more?

[@ryanpodlashes8443]

Do you have a copy of the full show?