CATS cast backstage at the Spencer. (Kathleen McDonald photo.)

Over 45% of those attending the two performances of CATS had seen the show at least once before. Here are some of their comments comparing the performances:

• "I liked this performance better because of the theater itself is so condusive to enhanced performances - so very up close and personal, unlike huge production halls. If I could have, I would have stayed and gone to the Sunday performance!"
• "The best of all three. London and California. The energy was awesome."
• "Amazing how much better this performance was than the one I first saw in El Paso."
• "Performances were just as good as Broadway."
• "I liked a production of Cats at Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, about 12 years ago better."
• "The last time I saw CATS was in Los Angeles when it was running for many years. I thought for the size of the stage and the quality of the singing and production, the performance at Spencer was very good."

CATS Audience Reviews. The respondents to this survey totalled approximately 10% of the audience that saw the two performances.

"'Cats' at the Spencer was the best of five performances (including Broadway) that I have seen." -patc

"This was the best performace I have seen at the Spencer theater. I have seen the show three times, once in London, once in California and now at the Spencer. This one was my favorite by far."

"If the audience had been a huge bowl of the best and sweetest cream, the CATS could have licked up every deserving drop." -Sharon from El Paso

"In 1996, I was extremely pleased to see "Cats" on Broadway. The only thing different in the Spencer production was a live orchestra.* We truly had a wonderful experience." -Billye & Tom McRae

"A memorable day to never forget... being from california for 59 years and living here for 2-3 years now, I now know why I never saw Cats years ago (everybody else had); I was supposed to see the production for the first time at the Spencer. The view overlooking the Spencer, was painted by God, today. Thank you," -Linda Gambill.

"I'm a story line kind of person and like to clearly follow a production from the beginning of a story to the finally and I just didn't get CATS!" -Ann Navarrette, Artesia, NM

"As evidenced since its birth , CATS is a 'generation-proof' musical! Our grandchildren's children will love it as much as we do!" -Jeannie Decanditis

"A spectacular presentation - dance & song-wise, with a light show & special effects to round out a wonderful evening." -Julia Popp

"The performing cast showed supurb talent and delivered the audience an evening of laughter, joy and awe." -Rosanne Wehmeyer Alamogordo NM

"The audio seemed too loud and was somewhat difficult to understand."

"Outstanding, as good a cast as Broadway!"

"I should have read the background of the performance before I arrived, as I kept waiting for some significant plot. At the intermission, I read about the basis of the musical and was then able to just enjoy the marvelous choreography and singing. The set and customes were marvelous."

"Performers were spectacular, but difficult to understand words and therefore hard to follow story line."

This note from Liliana Harris of Alpine, TX...

How did you like CATS at the Spencer Theater.

"My 5 year old daughter (dressed in a homemade CAT costume, ears, tail and whiskers) and I LOVED it!

"Your theater is beautiful! Small and classy! The scenery around it is spectacular! The staff was extremely helpful....everyone had something to say about her ourfit. We spoke with the young lady (wearing all black) at the bar, and she was gracious enough to take us backstage to "try" to meet some CATS. Unfotunately we were not able to do so. We did get to see most CATS out the back stage door....what a wonderful experience!"

"We love theater! She saw CATS at 1 1/2 year of age, this is her 9th time seeing the production....and as a mom it has been amazing seeing her grow with it (better than SpongeBob or Dora!). Everytime we've seen it, she has reacted different with most joy and enthusiasm accordingly, it makes me cry and touches my heart."

"CATS has been a great introduction to the performing arts for our family.
Having just moved to Alpine, TX (before Oklahoma and the east coast) just last weekend, it was great to explore this part of the country we've never seen....we look forward to coming (5 1/2 hours) to see other productions at your beautiful facility! Thank you, Liliana Harris"

View the total survey results as they come in here.