#be aware that you are not directly insulting performers or cast members or being purposefully rude

[the-cat-at-the-theatre-door]

I don't know that I agree your opinions mean "jack shit", but I've been interested/enjoying them so far

I do appreciate that!

I think I should clarify that what I mean is that, at the end of the day, everything I say in regards to this show *is* just an opinion and, more specifically, it's my personal opinion. Despite joking, despite sounding "firm" or saying something snarky like "I will not be entertaining arguments at this time", I do not at all (ever) expect or encourage people to agree with what I say. I don't put the content in the tag; I keep a lot of things to myself and mind my business; I mull things over and come to an understanding that I don't need to say anything in regards to the conversation. I am aware that social media is not private - anyone can see what I have to say at any time. I am fully aware that my observation comes from being a fan of CATS for a *very* long time and that, in itself, forms a bias. I am not an actual expert in anything - I am not one to take the word of above a grain of salt. This is just my CATS sideblog. I just talk about cat people.

A lot of my "concern" or "dislike" or general critique (which is never to be taken personally) is completely superficial and preference based (because at the end of the day, who does this affect? Not me - not you guys - certainly not a multi million dollar show or ALW or RUG or any of them. I can assure you they don't care a *lick*). However, it does come from a place of careful observation of what the *company* is doing - what are the *creatives* doing, and then asking why. What's the *motive* behind this? Does this affect the performers (Troika non-equity/budget cuts)? Did/does it affect others in the creative team (Gillian Lynne; cheaper print costumes that rip easier and put more strain on the costume department)? Does it have the possibility of affecting casual audiences who *aren't* familiar with the show (If I am a random person off the street who goes to see CATS on a whim, is the structure of the show working? Are changes helping or hindering the already hard to understand narrative/loose show? Can I tell any kind of difference in character individuality or is it going to be an overwhelming blur and hard to enjoy? If I have a bad seat - can I see faces at all?)? Does the choice carry negative connotation with it (Rap Tugger)?

I never want to make people feel pressured or "wrong" in how they feel about something, how they interpret something, especially if they happen to like it. Because you aren't "wrong" if you like any of the changes, you aren't wrong if you like the 2019 movie, you aren't wrong if you prefer the updated choreography over the old stuff, you aren't wrong in your casting preference. Then on the other end of the spectrum, you aren't wrong if you *dislike* changes, you aren't wrong if a makeup or costume design just isn't working for you, or if an interpretation/production isn't good, or you don't love the way a performer does something (as long as you are not *telling them directly* or are commenting on Youtube videos/social medias of those performers) - you aren't wrong about any of it. As long as you are respectfully engaging with things, that's not a good word to be using in these scenarios. None of this is meant to be taken or defended personally. You are enjoying and engaging with the show in the way you wish to enjoy the show, which is what it's about.

Anyway, that was too long of an answer. Disclaimer is just when I say anything that is an opinion, while I always appreciate support or engagement, I am also one voice in a sea of conversation happening. If I am engaging critically with something I like, I am also appreciating what it *does* give me and understanding that my opinion is not universal.