The Lucky Life of a Black Cat
Ohhhh my heart! Not only is this a very sweet and entertaining production in its own right, at it's core this is a heartfelt and beautiful tribute to the writer's pet cat. Through the characters, you can clearly see the joy that Lucky has brought his family, and how deeply they loved him in return. There are certainly moments of levity and some very bright and energetic performances, but I brought a napkin and it was completely drenched in tears by the end. In the best way possible, I should add! I'm so happy I saw this. Thank you for sharing Lucky with all of us; somewhere out there he is immensely pleased with all this adoration <3
I want to start off by saying there are a lot of things to like about this production - the costumes are beautifully done, and the minimalist set works very well. The acting is commendable, with actors fully committing to their cat personas and a lot of cute stage business happening between the kittens throughout. Director Jilian Tolzmann made great use of the space with such a minimal set, and Cole Breckell is magnetic as our grieving, tortured cat protagonist. However, there are a few issues that I think are keeping this show from being truly great. To start with, the internal logic of the show's world is quite inconsistent. The cats seem to be in some kind of purgatory before birth/after death, but other cats describe having their TED talks after they're born and before they're adopted. I think if this show fully leaned into being a kid's show and tried less to explain how the world works, it would be a much simpler and stronger story. This has the bones of being a show for kids about how it's good to talk about things that make you sad, or that it's okay to grieve, or just... something. As it is, the show isn't really about anything. None of the characters grow or change, and the plot is just a structure to hang a therapeutic facade of a show onto.
The script feels like a first draft that wasn't quite ready for a full Fringe production. There's a fine line between shows being artistically personal and shows being uncomfortably personal. This was the latter. I very much felt like I was watching someone's private grieving process more than I was watching a polished show. A three minute slideshow with an original song ground the action to a halt right at the climax of the show, with the intensely personal choice to include a few photos of the real Lucky's urn and cremation certificate. Again - some things might be better off private.
The evening I watched, they had a few distracting production/tech issues. Audience members could see cast members peeking through the curtain pre-show, and not in character as their kittens. The confusing clock projection disappeared at one point to be replaced by their QLab file appearing briefly. The ticking of the clock was often louder than the actors themselves.
Overall, it was clear that this show was one person's baby, and it would have been vastly improved with some honest dramaturgy and few edits. It sold a lot of tickets because it was a palatable show that, as another reviewer said, didn't ask the audience to think too hard about anything. Bring your kids!
Great show - especially if you love cats!
Beautiful and spiritual. It's imaginative, loving and sweet play dedicated to the beloved pet that has passed. I love the cats and the spirit world that's before and after life. Great acting and writing. Touched the heart.
This show was made with so much love it can be felt throughout. It’s a beautiful tribute to cats and all pets loved and lost. Will definitely get tears flowing if you have ever lost a pet close to your heart. The costumes were beautifully and carefully made. This story holds up as a theatre show, and it would also make a beautiful children’s picture book or animated short. A beautiful product of grief and love that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
A beautiful memorial of a lovely cat. This show was a treasure! A wonderful imagining of the in between of every cat's life.
I cried a little during the slides.
Our daughter (10) liked it, but for the adults it was a bit of a miss. A very simple plot and not a lot to make you laugh or make you think. Would do well as a show touring elementary schools.
Take your kids. It is very sweet.
The Lucky Life of a Black Cat is all you could want in a Fringe performance, and more.
The playwright and her sizeable cast, along with the support of their crew, immerse you in an otherworldly experience that will play with your heart strings - like a kitten with a ball of yarn.
Funny, heartfelt, sad, and joyous only begin to describe the journey ahead if you choose to attend this show. I sincerely urge you to gift this experience to yourself. Whether a cat lover or not, you will connect with The Lucky Life of a Black Cat, and feel lucky for having had the opportunity.
I loved this play! This is a definite must see, and I’d even see a second time. The story was heartfelt, funny, relatable to anyone who’s ever loved a pet. I had a feeling going in that I’d shed a few tears and I was right. It is clear how much Lucky was loved and a play based on the love that our pets have for us is such a sweet concept to honour his memory.
5 stars all around!
Pretty amazing story that really feels so relatable for those who has furry friends who are no longer with us with a touch of comedy to keep the spirits up! Definitely recommend everyone to check this show out!
A very unique, imaginative, and enjoyable show, especially for cat lovers. The physicality and specificity in the kittens was wonderful. The story will tug at your heart strings if your companion animals mean the world to you. From the back row, I couldn't consistently hear one of the performers, so maybe choose a closer seat.
Woah!! So good and so moving, my mom cried 3 times, definitely for you pet lovers but who doesn’t love pets.
What a beautiful story, if you have ever loved a pet and wondered what their afterlife might look like, this show is sure to pull on your heart strings ❤️
Such a cute story of love and cats, amazing cast, an absolute must see for anyone who loves cats 💕
This is a very sweet love letter to the writers beloved cat. It has some wonderful funny moments, and is very sincere.
This was an adorable family friendly show and an extended memorial to an obviously well loved pet. I would think it would resonate particularly strongly with cat people but here are some universal themes there. The story is endearing and there were some strong performances, while others were less strong. One actor in particular delivered a wonderfully committed embodiment of a kitten named Mirra. I am not usually a fan of people playing animals but a few minutes into the show it just sort of settled into my brain. The only aspect of the show that drove me quite crazy was a 3 handed clock projected on an upstage screen with a pendulum cat tail and hands that moved back and forth with no apparent pattern or reason. Several times I found I had missed things happening on stage as I stared a the clock trying to spot the pattern or figure out what was making it go forward and back, and why?
The play is so much fun! It approaches the topic of losing a pet in a delicate and playful way, while highlighting how important pets are in our lives and the special place they have in our hearts. It’s touching without being too sad, and it’s enjoyable for both adults and children. A wonderful play for the whole family!
Such a fun and moving play! I love the unique perspective on grief, and what a magical way to process the loss of a beloved pet. Kudos to Elaine Thrash for bringing this beautiful story to life, and congratulations to the entire cast, such a talented and wonderful group or artists.
The concept of this show is excellent but neither the writing nor the acting lived up to our expectations. Very disappointed.
The Lucky Life of a Black Cat is a beautiful Fringe gem!! Funny, touching, emotional and super puursonal, with a heartfelt story about grief, love, and the special bond we share with our pets. It fits the Fringe Festival perfectly, short yet complete enough to tell a meaningful story. It’s also a wonderful show for families and kids that are either theatre fans or being introduced into it! Beautifully written by Elaine Thrash, who also appears as one of the supporting characters, the play gives every character a chance to shine, each with their own unique personality. The production does a fantastic job with the costumes, set, and storytelling. Pet owners will especially connect with this touching and personal story!!
If you've ever loved a cat, or any pet for that matter, this show is a must-see. It's tender, cute, whimsical & thoughtful. It takes place in a cat rescue & the 'kittens' are awaiting an important talk from a meow-re experienced cat. This show had me laughing both with it, and at it, & tearing up a few times. If it's on your 'maybe' list, then fit it in while you can still see it! Purrrrfectly adorable.
There's even a chance to buy a tiny cat handmade by the playwright at the end, so bring along some 5s & 10's!
I'm even considering going again. :)
Saw this one at opening night and recommend it to anyone who loves enchanting emotionally engaging theatre. The actors channel their 'cat-personalities' with charm, wit and connection and their stories are revealed through soliloquy and ensemble work that easily rates five fringe stars! Lucky Life of a Black Cat is already a Fringe audience pleaser and playright/actor Elaine Thrash and her company of cats are to be commended for their whimsical, therapeutic performance.