by Mark G. Auerbach
Westfield’s Josh Burrage has secured a part in Broadway’s “Cats.” (Photo submitted)
Westfield native Joshua Burrage, who joined the national tour of the Broadway musical Newsies shortly after graduating from Westfield High School in 2014, has been cast in the current Broadway revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats.
He began rehearsals this week as a “swing”, learning six different parts in the musical. When he begins performances next month, he’ll be ready to step into the roles of Plato/Macavity, Alonzo, Tumblebrutus, Coricopat, Pouncival and Carbucketty. Burrage expects to perform frequently, although like any understudy, he may not know his performance schedule until the last minute.
“This will be my Broadway debut. A serious dream come true!”, says Burrage, who toured with Newsies nationally for two years. “I’ve been in New York City, living here for the first time. It’s been a weird adjustment going from constant travel to now being in one spot, but I definitely was ready for some stability! I’ve been taking the time going to as many auditions as possible, taking lots of dance classes and voice lessons, and creating a life in the big Apple!” says Burrage.
The original Broadway production of Cats broke all kinds of records and became the fourth-longest running Broadway show in history. The current revival opened in New York on July 31, 2016.
Burrage says “It’s been a blast so far (living in New York). This has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and being able to do what I love in my favorite city…it feels surreal. There are no words! I am very, very grateful!”
Cats runs through December 30. For details: http://www.catsthemusical.com/
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Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio. Mark produces and hosts ArtsBeat Radio on 89.5fm/WSKB Radio.
