'CATBARET' A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF FELINES

Fred Willard

On Sunday night, LA’s historic Belasco Theatre hosted A CATbaret! – A Musical Celebration of the Alluring Feline produced by and benefitting Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats, Los Angeles’ leading non-profit organization specializing in street cat rescue. The musical revue of popular cat-themed songs had audience members laughing throughout and tapping their feet to such feline-fueled classics as Elton John’s “Honky Cat” and "Walkin' My Cat Named Dog" by Norma Tanega.

Battlestar Galactica and Burn Notice actress Tricia Helfer, received the evening’s CATS IN WHITE SPATS Award (given to those in the entertainment field who have demonstrated commitment to animals), stunned on the red carpet. Tricia’s award was presented by two of her Battlestar co-stars Edward James Olmos and James Callis. Show host Fred Willard (Modern Family) brought the house down with his timeless brand of goofball humor. The audience applauded veteran actor Edward James Olmos (2 Guns, Blade Runner), a last minute addition to the stage roster. A CATbaret’s cast also included Lori Allen (Spongebob Squarepants; Reefer Madness); James Callis (Bridget Jones’ Diary, Battlestar Galactica) Rochon Fegan (Shake it Up); Keith David (Cloud Atlas); Kelley Jakle (Pitch Perfect); Edward James Olmos, Shelley Regner; (Pitch Perfect) Olesya Rulin (High School Musical); Drew Seeley (Love Struck: The Musical); and Nicole Sullivan (Mad TV) plus celebrity choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon and the So You Think You Can Dance dancers Witney Carson, Jordan Cassanova, Janelle Issis, Tiffany Maher, Jasmine Mason, Ryan Ramirez and Will Thomas; Dancing with the Stars. Celebrity guests included Nikki Deloach (Awkward), Maitland Ward (Boy Meets World), as well as magician Paul “Fig” Fegen who enthralled talent, show attendees, and press alike with his whimsical card tricks.

Following the program, the revue’s cast mingled with audience members at a lavish after party in the Belasco’s balcony lounge. Celebrities schmoozed with show guests while scarfing down delicious desserts and imbibing signature kitty-themed cocktails such as: the “Milk Saucer” (Cruzan Rum, Coconut Milk, and pineapple juice); the “Ginger Cat” (Jim Beam Bourbon and ginger ale); the “Laser Pointer” (Ciroc Berry vodka, soda and grenadine); the “Catalina” (xB Sex on the Beach and orange juice), the “Catatonic (Russian Standard vodka and tonic); and the “Belly Rub” (Ciroc Peach vodka with cranberry). Attendees swing-danced as the DJ spun classic American bebop, roots rock and r&b standards.

Photo Courtesy Of: PMG