CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Megan Arseneau remembers doing cartwheels to the soundtrack from “Cats” in her backyard in Frankfort.
"I had a friend, and she showed me the 1998 VHS version and that was my introduction to it. I loved Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer as a kid. We'd dance in the backyard, and now I'm doing the cartwheels on the stage, it's crazy. Never would have thought," she smiled.
Arseneau graduated from Lincoln-Way East High School and attended DePaul University for vocal performance.
"I did community theater in Oak Lawn and the Chicago Heights Drama Group. I knew in early dance recitals, I knew I'd do this for the rest of my life. I attended Grand Prairie Elementary school. That's where it started. I played Peggy Sawyer in “42nd Street”. That was my first professional role," she recalled.
Now, she's touring with the cast and crew of the record breaking musical by Andrew Lloyd Weber.
Arseneau said its music and message are timeless.
"Our show is an updated version. It is more current and more athletic, and I think that helps and everyone knows “Cats”. Sometimes it's the butt of a joke, and sometimes people just love it. We have some fans who are obsessed. I think that's the staying power," Arseneau said.
Arseneau said it's been surreal coming home and actually performing at the Nederlander Theater.
"It's crazy. I was walking to the stage door, and I entered the alley and I was like, ‘this is where I used to wait for performers from ‘Wicked’, coming out of the stage door when I was in middle school.’ It's really emotional, and I feel so lucky," said Arseneau.
Needless to say, her entire family is coming to see her on stage in Chicago's Theater District.
"My mom got a party bus. I have about 30 people coming to the show on Saturday. Everyone has been so supportive. It's so good to be home," Arseneau said.
“Cats” was created back in 1981, and its band of street cats have been performing all over the world and in 15 languages ever since.
"I feel like I'm part of a legacy. Some of the costumes are the original Broadway costumes. Some of the names of the original performers are written on the foot. It's surreal," Arseneau said.
The show is the winner of 7 Tony Awards® including Best Musical. “Cats” told the story of one night when a tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.
“Cats”, the revival, will be at the Nederlander Theatre through Sunday.
Click here for ticket information.
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