The Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical “CATS” is currently sauntering its way across the nation, with a much appreciated local stretch from June 11-16 at the Aronoff Center. For the uninitiated — or those who may have forgotten — “CATS” is a musical phenomenon based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot. Directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography by Tony winner and Cincinnati-local Andy Blankenbuehler, it brings to life the “particular, peculiar, and dignified” musical tale of a tribe of cats called Jellicles. They are led by the sage Old Deuteronomy (Brandon Michael Nase), who must make the “Jellicle Choice,” deciding which cat will be reborn in the otherworldly Heaviside Layer.

This sung-through musical chronicles the unique stories of our feline friends, delivering a frolicking reunion of iconic music, engaging sets and costumes, and riveting dance sequences. It is all familiar, but even more engaging and dynamic than I remember. Reviving both my affectionate nostalgia for a show that initiated my life-long love affair with Broadway musicals and creating new memories with my little one, “CATS” is an absolute thrill that continues to pave the way for generations of theater-lovers (and cat-lovers).

This new production is structurally similar to the original design overall, but is even more interactive and engaging than my memory serves. Director Trevor Nunn masterfully breathes new life into the show, embracing the audience in many ways, including encouraging cats to run through the aisles. The combined talents of choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (of “Hamilton” fame), lighting designer Natasha Katz, and costume design John Napier, create a balanced trifecta that pays homage to the original while elevating the storytelling, modernizing the characters and making it all move a bit more dynamically.

The clever lighting extends into the audience to make you feel like you are in the alley with the rest of the tribe. Vigorous dance scenes make an impact from the first note as the entire cast launches into the “Jellicle Song.” Then it finesses and softens without missing a beat as Victoria (Caitlin Bond) stuns the audience with her cat-like, balletic performances. The dance moves are spectacular throughout and perfectly reflect the vocal chops of the entire cast. They run the gamut from rhymic tap with the delightful Jennyanydots (Emily Jeanne Phillips), to hip swinging romps with the hilarious Rum Tum Tugger (McGee Maddox), to playful tumbling duets with Mungojerrie (Tony d’Alelio) and Rumpleteaer (Rose Iannaccone), to my personal favorite, the burlesque voice-powered ode to “Macavity,” featuring the most fabulous display of feline power by Demeter (Liz Schmitz) and Bombalurina (Lexie Plath).

Many of the moments in CATS are memory-worthy, but there are a few that stand out from the rest — that help you understand why it is one of the longest-running musicals of all time. Timothy Gulan unexpectedly delights with his performance of Aspargus “Gus,” delivering a gorgeous bass voice and irreverent charm that is fitting for this furry friend’s tale. A long-time favorite that has clearly been taken to another level is the “Magical Mister Mistoffelees” number, played with utter perfection by Tion Gaston who dazzles with his dancing to the backdrop of a fantastic light show, audience hand-claps and quite possibly the most magical jacket in the universe. While expected and a bit cliched, I would be remiss if I did not mention Keri Rene’ Fuller’s performance as Grizabella. The outcast, seeking to find her way home, not only delivers a believable glamour cat fallen from grace, but absolutely stuns with a power-house vocal performance of “Memory” that brought the house down.

The lyrics are clever and entertaining throughout, resulting in many a friend of felines humming softly as they left the theater about “Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat” or “there’s no one like Macavity…but he’s not there!” or, most common, “Memory…the time I knew what happiness was.” My daughter sang non-stop all the way home and was looking up the exact lyrics this morning while mirroring the ferociously fun dance moves. And while the entire show is a masterpeice in theater entertainment, it is important to not miss the underlying message of hope, connection and belonging that we all seek. We can all be unique, with our own trials and tribulations, but our tribe is what really matters. Take the time to rediscover “CATS,” either for yourself or to introduce this beloved musical to the next generation. It is an absolute thrill that is not to be missed.

Christi Geary is the proud mom of two girls (8 and 12), best friend and wife of her husband Brian, and an Associate Director at the Procter & Gamble Company focused on shopper innovation and insights. She enjoys and participates in art of every kind, feeds an insatiable curiosity for learning every day through books and connecting with others, pursues different forms of exercise when she can find the time to balance out her foodie predilection (highly recommend DanceFix and Pilates Reformer), and delights in spending time with family and friends. Writing reviews is an absolute privilege and one she cherishes every day, with the hope that sharing her perspective will inspire others to embrace the arts.