Tuesday, October 19, 2004
We took Emma to see the musical Cats in Raleigh last week. Although Cats doesn't run on Broadway anymore, the touring production is still going strong. We were slightly late, but managed to get seated before the show started. Emma had a great time, and was amazed that there were real people on the stage, singing and dancing in front of her. I wasn't quite as impressed, but Cats is hardly a theatrical masterpiece. It's one hell of a song-and-dance exhibition, and all of the performances were outstanding.
On the way home, Emma informed us that her favorite Cat was Rum Tum Tugger. According to the program, the actor was "John Boy." I thought that was a little curious-- especially since the only John Boy I know is a redneck radio host-- so the next day, I googled for cats "john boy" and came up with this article. After reading it, and another web search, I found my way to his website and sent an email. To my surprise, he wrote back within an hour, and seemed pleased to hear from me. Of course, no one was more pleased than Emma, to hear that her favorite Cat had sent an email for her to read. I printed the message and gave it to her that evening. She read it without any help, then pinned it to her bulletin board. Here it is:
Donnie-
hey! glad u guys liked the show. In Raleigh for the rest of the week
then on to the next city. We love Raleigh and emails like yours really
help when you are on the road for a year. thanks!
Rum Tum Tugger (John Boy)
>Subject: Cats in Raleigh, NC
>Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 12:54:41 -0400
>
>Hello,
>
>Are you the same John Boy performing in the touring production of
>Cats? If so, I just wanted you to know that my wife, daughter and I
>greatly enjoyed the show last night, Oct 13. My little girl is six
>years old and last night was her first theater experience. She had
>a blast, and after the show she informed me that Rum Tum Tugger was
>definitely her favorite cat.
>
>Thanks for entertaining us! I hope you and the rest of the cast have
>a great time on tour.
