55 Comments
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Ann Hampton Callaway's avatar

A purr-fect Substack, my sister. What fun memories you brought back and loved the videos of the Cats commercial and David Letterman. You were a fabulous Grizabella and I love that Nicholas got to be reared as a baby there and actually get residuals from that commercial! Thanks for making each of these so rich and full of stories, pix and videos. Love each one of them!

Liz Callaway's avatar

Thank you, my sister. Somewhere I have a photo of you backstage at Cats with David Hibbard and me.

Ann Hampton Callaway's avatar

I remember that shot! Hope we find it one of these days!

Jolene Handy's avatar

What a wonderful post, Liz! And those pics of you with Nicholas ❤️

Liz Callaway's avatar

Thanks, Jolene!

janet cantor's avatar

Liz, there is a well known saying about Weber that he often steals melodies.

If you listen to Memories closely, it is Ravel's Bolero. Sing it and you will hear what I mean.

Janet Cantor

KENNETH SHARE's avatar

What a fun Grizabella story. A great read. Thanks

Liz Callaway's avatar

Thanks, Ken.

John Perrone's avatar

What a great read, Liz! That commercial is a core memory having been in this TV market my whole life! You and Dan are ageless - miss you all! Hope to see you both soon.

Liz Callaway's avatar

Thanks, John. We miss you, too!

Jim's avatar

I guess it’s hip to diss CATS now ( thanks to the movie?) but it’s was a big big deal in the day. And seeing you as Grizabella was a wonderful moment in my musical adventures.

Liz Callaway's avatar

Thanks, Jim.

Rhonda Schonfeld's avatar

This is such fun read, even better listening to it. We’ll always remember how you let us borrow props from the show for Rachel’s Cats themed birthday. Great to catch up today.

John Karlquist's avatar

LGM!

Mary Rooney's avatar

Always love your delightful posts.

On another subject. The Knicks are amazing! Hope that is some comfort, given the Mets poor start!

Liz Callaway's avatar

Thanks, Mary. The Knicks are looking great. My Mets have won 4 in a row so fingers crossed they can turn their season around.

Anne Nemer's avatar

What a gem of a memory! (No pun intended!) I had no idea! I’m such a sucker for Cats and all its nostalgia… as I say, throughout my childhood I say it 9 times and twice in London, I’m sure I saw you in NY! Loved this read. Cheers to the Heaviside layer. 💜

Liz Callaway's avatar

Nine times? WOW! Just like, Dan!

David Applegate's avatar

What a great post! CATS with Ms. Buckley was my first Broadway show! And of course, Ken and I have seen you sing it live. LOVED your show at the Plaza Theater and looking forward to seeing your sister this weekend!

Liz Callaway's avatar

Loved singing Memory at the Plaza Theater.

catsongs's avatar

Wonderful post, Liz. What marvelous memories, not only career but family ones, too. I sent you a DM just now--seems appropriate that my November message revealed itself just in time for your "Cats" issue. I see SallyAnn Swarm's autograph on your poster--she's a lovely friend, and I think Heidi Stallings and I overlapped briefly in the 1st National.

Thanks for giving me an excuse to travel to the past for a moment.

Liz Callaway's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

Kim Kelly's avatar

I love that you shared all these memories with us. Had no idea you were in CATS for so many years. Brava!

Wondering your opinion of the Jellicle Ball if you have seen it. I have only seen snips but the revisioning looks perfect for the young people of today along with giving credit to

The voguing of back then.

Liz Callaway's avatar

It’s a terrific, inventive production.

Martha Reynolds's avatar

Great post, Liz, and thanks for the … um, the recollections! Safe travels for the next few months - we’re in crazy times. (PS Wonderful to see Dan last month at PC - more memories!) 💕💕

Liz Callaway's avatar

Thanks, Martha. Great memories for all of us.

Philip Crosby's avatar

Our mutual friend Tommy Taylor always refers to his condo as "the house Cats bought"! And he doesn't regret a minute of the experiene either. Thank you for this great issue!

Liz Callaway's avatar

Ha! I love working with Tom. I need to send this to him.

susan goldberg's avatar

WOW! I thought I knew a lot about your career, but I guess not! This was a great read; thank you for sharing YOUR memories!

Liz Callaway's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it. It was very fun to write.