I've said this over and over again; I love Leona but I think it's just fair for her to admit that she has an extra lung! Her breath control is unbelievable!
Leona captures the emotion of Grizabella impeccably; you can hear the pain in her voice. Undoubtedly one of the extraordinary renditions! :O such unbelievable breath control!
***** Hmmm unfortunately it wasn't Leona; she apparently stopped playing Grizabella at the end of October. Bummer I wish that compliment was meant for her :( ell we both know she's phenomenal so I guess that's what matters :)
I have been waiting to hear Leona's version of "Memory" ever since they announced that she would be playing Grizabella. All I can say is WOW! She sounds so beautiful and her voice is perfect for the song! I'm stating it first right here... She will be nominated (and hopefully win) a Tony!
She's playing the role until October so I hope it's long enough for her to be nominated because Jennifer Hudson messed out on a nomination because she played her role for a short time.
+poopplushado the article was publish by The Guardian. Leona said in the article that after coming off her I Am tour, getting the opportunity to play Grizabella was perfect because it wasn't that long of a commitment.
No one can beat Elaine Paige's acting and the way she sounds so much more hurt than Leona. She's a wonderfully impressive singer, but she doesn't give me that feeling of pity.
+Noel Fitzgerald I'm not sure but I feel like they will, I mean why else would she go into the studio to record it. Lets just cross our fingers and hope they do lol.
This is so crazy. Growing up watching the dvd of Cats with my friends, I didn't know the actors and dancers. They were always so mysterious, playing cats onstage. But now I know a lot of these performers, even seen some of them in previous shows. Cats has such a new meaning for me now.
What a wonderful experience to see Cats live in NYC 2016 Leona Lewis the best ! At first, I thought I'd be disappointed because Elaine Paige was not anymore, but what a surprise. Tears brought to my eyes with her and her co -singer brought tears to my eyes. The whole cast was superior!
People should watch the vlog the guy who plays Rum Tum Tugger has been making about the production, it's got a heap of behind the scenes stuff and he's put a lot of work into it :)
I hope they make a DVD of this one with Leona Lewis. The only one they were selling was with Elaine Paige, which is great. First time I ever saw Cats with Elaine was when my PBS played it on tv in early 2000 and I've been hooked ever😊since.
Nicole's voice packs so much more power and volume, the difference is crazy when you listen to both their versions back to back. I can't believe Nicole decided to bow out in favor of being a judge on X Factor again. That's absolutely insane.
Isn't the role Leona's playing (Grizabella?) supposed to be an old cat? She doesn't seem to fit the role... She's supposed to look like an old, shabby cat and she doesn't, and her voice sounds very young... :( I love Leona but this is not the right role for her
The character isnt set to be old as the show starts with 'baby griz'. Shes about 30-35 years old that just hasnt had a great life and is basically pour in the cat world. :)
+Ahmet R YILDIRIM Yeah, was talking about the bway revival one lol. On the original cast film you can just tell that she is old, no offence to elaine paige.
iiSirLeonard RBLX I know all the productions since the 2015 London have younger Grizabellas (Paris, Australia/NZ, England/Europe Tour). Same applies to the new Broadway revival as well. Frankly, it makes no fucking sense. Since they made Grizz a new younger Grizabella why does she go to heaviside layer? I mean she had a bad life but after she's accepted by the tribe she can go on to live a few more years and Gus who's about to die can go to the Heaviside Layer an become reborn! :'( Poor Gus
Don't get me wrong, Leona's voice is AMAZING!!! But I feel her voice is too pop-like for Stage. And I don't know if she can act either. Like I said, she is a great singer, but not a fan of her version of Memory
But I think that pop has now earned its place on the stage thanks to shows such as Hamilton!!! And yes it's a different sound for a classic, such as cats, but this different sounds FLAWLESS🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Maybe on Jukebox musicals, but for huge gigantic broadway-esque shows, I think it should be a musical theatre type voice. I don't even think Leona has any background stage work, I could be wrong though
Wait did they reinvent anything of this show? It looks exactly like the vhs video of the show; from the sets to the choreography and the costumes. Yes Leona Lewis looks like she's going to do great as Grizzabella, but I would think that they'd make the show at least a bit new instead of a carbon copy of the old one.
The Grizabella costume has been updated, along with Macavity's costume. There is something different about "Gus: The Theatre Cat" as well as the opera aria thing after it. Grizabella apparently flies at the end of the show instead of going on that giant staircase. It does look like the VHS one (I mean come one that was amazing) but they have updated a few things.
They actually added a bunch of small changes! They added more fun elements to songs like Gumbie Cat (you see her riding on a broom and she also has this whole tap dance battle with a clock) They also updated Mr. Mistoffelees with new high tech magic tricks! There's freshness in almost every number!
Research before you comment lmao. The show's been rechereographed by the guy who did Hamilton so there are countless chereography changes, Growltiger's song has been replaced by The Aweful Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles and therefore moved to the second act of the show, Gumbie Cat's number has been changed, Mistoffelees' number is very very different, and a lot of the changes from the Palladium London revamp (eg Grizabella flying to the Heaviside Layer, Grizabella's redesign, Jemima's redesign, etc) have been carried over. The set rarely has any drastic changes, not even the last time it was on Broadway when all the costumes were Broadway styled, so I don't know what you're getting at there. Not all the changes are for the better, but there ARE changes.
Leona is beautiful and sings this song like a goddess, but I think they mis-casted her because I just don't believe the story she's telling, I just don't believe it
They should make a CD that has like the best of Memory on it. All the singers that performed "Memory" both on or off stage, so each version can be loved equally by all.
+Yosvani Ramos in the beginning I didn't think she was amazing just because her voice was very breathy, but in the second act when she belted it was so so so good
Leona's voice is too youthful for Grizabella. She can got the notes perfectly, and that's great if you want a cool cover for your album. But a key part of Grizabella's character is that she is old, and is a shell of the beauty she once was. The actress playing her should have a voice that sounds more mature.
listen i dont like cats like at all BUT i happened to see this live and it was absolutely breathtaking! Prior to seeing it live, i had no interest in it and thought the whole idea of the show was stupid but it was so beautiful
Nevermind the haters, Leona Lewis. "Leona has one of the greatest voices of her generation", Andrew Lloyd Webber said. And that's the grandest endorsement you can receive. May your star always hang in the heavens.
This is one of the most annoying musicals ever created. I seriously thought hindsight was 20/20 and we would never bring back this 80s monstrosity again. I was sadly mistaken.
Leona's voice sounds amazing but less like a stage performance. Don't take me wrong, I lover her voice but some Broadway professional may be more qualified for this role.
Leona Lewis is a gem! What a voice!
Wow. After a few rough vocal patches in recent years from Leona, she sounds up to par with her debut. That was breathtaking.
I've said this over and over again; I love Leona but I think it's just fair for her to admit that she has an extra lung! Her breath control is unbelievable!
Leona captures the emotion of Grizabella impeccably; you can hear the pain in her voice. Undoubtedly one of the extraordinary renditions! :O such unbelievable breath control!
+Ash R it's a clip on Twitter of her singing live and it's just as good. She's one of the singers that actually sounds just as good live.
+Tiwyna Jones how can I find the clip?
+poopplushado @matmac77 posted two really short clips
I agree
*****
Hmmm unfortunately it wasn't Leona; she apparently stopped playing Grizabella at the end of October. Bummer I wish that compliment was meant for her :( ell we both know she's phenomenal so I guess that's what matters :)
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is what you call TRUE IMMENSE TALENT!
I've never been a fan of Cats but I love Leona Lewis and she's just as good in this as she was in her songs from 2007 and so on
I have been waiting to hear Leona's version of "Memory" ever since they announced that she would be playing Grizabella. All I can say is WOW! She sounds so beautiful and her voice is perfect for the song! I'm stating it first right here... She will be nominated (and hopefully win) a Tony!
She's playing the role until October so I hope it's long enough for her to be nominated because Jennifer Hudson messed out on a nomination because she played her role for a short time.
+Tiwyna Jones Where did you hear until October? The run is set to last through Jan 15th
+poopplushado I don't remember which article but one of them said she'll be playing the role until October
+poopplushado the article was publish by The Guardian. Leona said in the article that after coming off her I Am tour, getting the opportunity to play Grizabella was perfect because it wasn't that long of a commitment.
+cookingfanatic89 okay good to know, I hope Leona gets nominated.
No one can beat Elaine Paige's acting and the way she sounds so much more hurt than Leona. She's a wonderfully impressive singer, but she doesn't give me that feeling of pity.
Wow Leona gives justice to Memory 💕
I know right. I've watched this like 4 times
I can't wait until she releases the studio version so we can hear the entire song.
+Tiwyna Jones will they release the studio version. .. like as a single?
+Noel Fitzgerald I'm not sure but I feel like they will, I mean why else would she go into the studio to record it. Lets just cross our fingers and hope they do lol.
Fingers crossed. Oh yes I remember she went into studio with A L Web. Thanks
LEONA!!!!! OMG! They better release an official recording!
This is so crazy. Growing up watching the dvd of Cats with my friends, I didn't know the actors and dancers. They were always so mysterious, playing cats onstage. But now I know a lot of these performers, even seen some of them in previous shows. Cats has such a new meaning for me now.
What a wonderful experience to see Cats live in NYC 2016
Leona Lewis the best ! At first, I thought I'd be disappointed because Elaine Paige was not anymore, but what a surprise. Tears brought to my eyes with her and her co -singer brought tears to my eyes. The whole cast was superior!
CHILLs! This made my life!
People should watch the vlog the guy who plays Rum Tum Tugger has been making about the production, it's got a heap of behind the scenes stuff and he's put a lot of work into it :)
Thank you for bringing this brilliant production back to New York the greatest city in the world, and for staying true to the original production.
THAT WAS AMAZING LEONA!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I hope they make a DVD of this one with Leona Lewis. The only one they were selling was with Elaine Paige, which is great. First time I ever saw Cats with Elaine was when my PBS played it on tv in early 2000 and I've been hooked ever😊since.
I'm so excited to see this show!
I've been non-stop watching this video I'm really excited too!
Omg leona Lewis is simply the best she is amazing
Get that Tony Award Leona!
What a performance from Leona !
I love this musical absolutely unironically!
Nicole's voice packs so much more power and volume, the difference is crazy when you listen to both their versions back to back. I can't believe Nicole decided to bow out in favor of being a judge on X Factor again. That's absolutely insane.
OMG she sounds Great... I'm proud of her.
Goosebumps!!! 💕 Cats
Leona Lewis, ladies and gentlemen. The voice of our generation!
LOVE Leona!
Isn't the role Leona's playing (Grizabella?) supposed to be an old cat? She doesn't seem to fit the role... She's supposed to look like an old, shabby cat and she doesn't, and her voice sounds very young... :( I love Leona but this is not the right role for her
The character isnt set to be old as the show starts with 'baby griz'. Shes about 30-35 years old that just hasnt had a great life and is basically pour in the cat world. :)
She is actually old but Andrew Lloyd Webber since the 2015 London revival revamped her to be younger.
+Ahmet R YILDIRIM Yeah, was talking about the bway revival one lol. On the original cast film you can just tell that she is old, no offence to elaine paige.
iiSirLeonard RBLX I know all the productions since the 2015 London have younger Grizabellas (Paris, Australia/NZ, England/Europe Tour). Same applies to the new Broadway revival as well. Frankly, it makes no fucking sense. Since they made Grizz a new younger Grizabella why does she go to heaviside layer? I mean she had a bad life but after she's accepted by the tribe she can go on to live a few more years and Gus who's about to die can go to the Heaviside Layer an become reborn! :'( Poor Gus
*****
hmm someone's biased
Don't get me wrong, Leona's voice is AMAZING!!! But I feel her voice is too pop-like for Stage. And I don't know if she can act either. Like I said, she is a great singer, but not a fan of her version of Memory
Agreed
But I think that pop has now earned its place on the stage thanks to shows such as Hamilton!!! And yes it's a different sound for a classic, such as cats, but this different sounds FLAWLESS🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Maybe on Jukebox musicals, but for huge gigantic broadway-esque shows, I think it should be a musical theatre type voice. I don't even think Leona has any background stage work, I could be wrong though
+newxromantic I think we should agree to disagree on this situation, but you can't deny her voice is amazing✨✨
Oh, yes, her voice is staggering. I just think the belt was too pop-like, but yes, let's agree to disagree :)
omg Leona Lewis is flawless as grizabella
Amazing, Leona
So glad it had a revival!
ive watched this 200 times!
IM SO EXCITED!!!
i hope they release a cast recording - i NEED a full version of leona's Memory
Omg it looks so good! Want to see it so bad😫😫😫
omg leona 😍😍😍
That belt😵👌🙌
Leona is purrrrfect for the role.
IT. LOOKS. SO. AMAZING. 😍😍❤️
oh wow, Leona is brilliant!!!!
I watched it last weekend, it was great
I would give anything for a full HD recording of this revival
Wait did they reinvent anything of this show? It looks exactly like the vhs video of the show; from the sets to the choreography and the costumes. Yes Leona Lewis looks like she's going to do great as Grizzabella, but I would think that they'd make the show at least a bit new instead of a carbon copy of the old one.
The Grizabella costume has been updated, along with Macavity's costume. There is something different about "Gus: The Theatre Cat" as well as the opera aria thing after it. Grizabella apparently flies at the end of the show instead of going on that giant staircase. It does look like the VHS one (I mean come one that was amazing) but they have updated a few things.
Yes they changed some stuff. They revamped some choreo and even did some tap dancing at part of the show.
They actually added a bunch of small changes! They added more fun elements to songs like Gumbie Cat (you see her riding on a broom and she also has this whole tap dance battle with a clock) They also updated Mr. Mistoffelees with new high tech magic tricks! There's freshness in almost every number!
Research before you comment lmao. The show's been rechereographed by the guy who did Hamilton so there are countless chereography changes, Growltiger's song has been replaced by The Aweful Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles and therefore moved to the second act of the show, Gumbie Cat's number has been changed, Mistoffelees' number is very very different, and a lot of the changes from the Palladium London revamp (eg Grizabella flying to the Heaviside Layer, Grizabella's redesign, Jemima's redesign, etc) have been carried over. The set rarely has any drastic changes, not even the last time it was on Broadway when all the costumes were Broadway styled, so I don't know what you're getting at there. Not all the changes are for the better, but there ARE changes.
^^^ wow that's kind of rude. Not all changes may be noticeable from a 2 minute video so don't tell people to "do their research"
1:22 can we just look at Tugger's face in this clip
Wow, just wow! I so hope to see the revival!
I NEED to see this.
Leona is beautiful and sings this song like a goddess, but I think they mis-casted her because I just don't believe the story she's telling, I just don't believe it
They should make a CD that has like the best of Memory on it. All the singers that performed "Memory" both on or off stage, so each version can be loved equally by all.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yess. Yess.. Yesssss... YASSSSSSS!!!!!! ......... Yes
Sucks too live outside of the US, I'd love to watch this live.
SO EXCITED OMG
That is the best show ever made #jelico cat😼
I like how
memory is a little more modern
I just got back from seeing opening night! It was unbelievable
Omg really?? How was Leona? Her voice? :)
+Yosvani Ramos in the beginning I didn't think she was amazing just because her voice was very breathy, but in the second act when she belted it was so so so good
Really upset that this production doesn't have the new Rum Tum Tugger!
Why can't we have her as a cast in west end
Leona stepped in for Nicole Scherzinger who pulled out, if that has anything to do with it :)
My favourite version is sung by Barbra Streisand, this one is beautiful too, and leona has the voice of an angel
Holy crap they were all doing Ala second turns
New Macavity looks amazing! (And less like Darth Maul)
OH MY GOSH YAS
Leona's voice is too youthful for Grizabella. She can got the notes perfectly, and that's great if you want a cool cover for your album. But a key part of Grizabella's character is that she is old, and is a shell of the beauty she once was. The actress playing her should have a voice that sounds more mature.
MC Wyman What do you think about Mamie Paris's version?
Feathers And Friends I saw her live and she was fabulous!
listen i dont like cats like at all BUT i happened to see this live and it was absolutely breathtaking! Prior to seeing it live, i had no interest in it and thought the whole idea of the show was stupid but it was so beautiful
I really want to see this
Nevermind the haters, Leona Lewis. "Leona has one of the greatest voices of her generation", Andrew Lloyd Webber said. And that's the grandest endorsement you can receive. May your star always hang in the heavens.
i love IT
Thank fucking god Tugger is still the original in the Broadway production. I feel bad for those in the UK.
Nicole scherzinger plays grizabella at the west end
yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees! omg omg omg!
I believe she has much larger lung than normal people! She's amazing!!
in this production there is not the rum rum tuguer rap?
Much as I want to like Cats I just never have and this video confirmed that it's not something I'm at all interested in!
This is one of the most annoying musicals ever created. I seriously thought hindsight was 20/20 and we would never bring back this 80s monstrosity again. I was sadly mistaken.
It's a cult classic. With a medium amount of extremely devoted fans, it was pretty much assured to come back.
Cats is my life
!WOW! I dont know what to say , !WOW!
I really wan to see this but a) im in canada and b) I don't have the money. There are so many shows that I wish to see but i cant
I feel you I'm far away in Canada too!
The only go thing about living in NJ is that NYC is near by 😂
+TheBroadwayGirl truee
+Bailey Bieganek where in Canada?
I feel ya I live in Georgia so ya
So this is where the winners of the X Factor eventually end up.... What a joke lol
Who plays the Rum Tum Tugger?
Tyler Hanes
I've never seen so many people fall out of turns before.
Leona sounds wonderful even though there still the pop sound...she's still good
don't understand why anyone would want to sit through this nonsense. But nice to a Brit starring in it.
I'm working my ass off at my minimum wage job so that hopefully I'll have enough money to see it in January :)
Not Betty Buckley--noone is.
her voice is too pop for an andrew lloyd webber musical.
The fact that Lord Lloyd Webber handpicked her for the role would suggest that he obviously does not agree with your assessment of her voice.
The new Grizabella needs more expression 😶
Cats is probably my least favorite ALW musical, but I am seriously considering seeing it after this.
How about acting? Emotions????
This musical gives me nightmares
I didn't like Leona Lewis's rendition of Memory AT ALL... She can sing obviously but it was so... Blahhh
thats Not leona lewis Thats nicole shertswinger
Nicole quit at the last minute to be on X Factor 2016 so Andrew got Leona to replace her.
I think Nicole's decision to give this up for X factor was crazy. Get that Tony Award Leona!
Leona's voice sounds amazing but less like a stage performance. Don't take me wrong, I lover her voice but some Broadway professional may be more qualified for this role.
Meh. Just retire that song after the Buckley.
And do I get a giant mop
Still a no for me