Tacoma Musical Playhouse saved its most visually stunning production to close out the season. Cats opened to a packed house and earned a standing ovation from the majority of the patrons, despite some sound difficulties.

Cats is based on T.S. Eliot's collection of poems Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The songs are Eliot's verse set to music, except for "Memory" which is based on an Eliot poem and the most famous song from the production. Cats has also been called "America's most overrated musical" and one theater-goer commented on opening night, "it felt like a bad mix tape" because the music wasn't stylistically cohesive.

Despite the lack of a clear, strong plot line or a musically cohesive style, TMP produced a beautiful show.  Set Designer Will Abrahamse created a stunning oversized junkyard that was the setting for Act One and Two. The backdrop of the moon was gorgeously painted and was enhanced by the fabulous lighting design of John Chenault. Costume Designer Janet English's costumes were intriguing and created separate identities for the ensemble cast. Director and choreographer Jon Douglas Rake and his Assistant Director/Choreographer Lexi Scamehorn brought everything together and utilized the cast's vast talent spectacularly.

All the actors did a remarkable job, but there were a few that stood out as brilliant. Steve Barnett, (Rum Tum Tugger) channeled Bowie, Elvis and Tim Curry a lá Rocky Horror Picture Show, with an energy that was enjoyable to see. Jeremy Adams (Mungojerrie) and Cherisse Martinelli (Rumpleteazer) were also full of energy and executed acrobatics across the stage to the audible delight of the audience. Michael O'Hara (Gus/Growltiger) is no stranger to the TMP stage and expertly used his voice and movement skills to play the old theatre cat Gus (complete with shaking paws) as well as enact Gus' role of Growltiger. 

The movement and dancing from the entire cast was brilliant. To the surprise and amusement of the patrons, the show opened with the actors entering from the back of the house and slinking down the aisles. Many different styles of dance were present in Cats, and regardless of which was employed - ballet, tap, modern or even a hint of burlesque - all the actors performed their dance numbers with agility and grace.  The actors exuded felinity in their movements and showed great facial expression throughout the musical. 

The cast was also comprised of talented singers, however, due to sound issues, it was difficult to hear some of the actors and numbers. The main problem was the use of technology. Only some of the actors wore microphones, and this created a noticeable difference in sound. Some of the mics were not turned up loud enough. Some cut out completely during the middle of Gus's number. And there was static throughout "Moment of Happiness." As nit picky as it may seem, being able to hear the lyrics is paramount in a musical. 

TMP put on a visually captivating production. It would have been more impressive if there hadn't been any sound issues.

[Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Cats, through July 31, 8 p.m. Friday - Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday - Sunday, $18-$25, 7116 Sixth Ae., Tacoma, 253.565.6867]