Oratorical cats, Delphicoracle cats… okay, that last one might be some made up nonsense by Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot, but nevertheless, it sounds like the oracles at Delphi, which is appropriate as we meet Coricopat— one half of the ‘psychic twin’ cats who are often doing lift and spin dance routines.
Thank you so much for giving us a few moments of your time! Tell us who you are and which cat you’re playing.
Jackson Smith: My name is Jackson Smith and my character is Coricopat.
Tell me a little bit about Coricopat.
Jackson: Coricopat is not uptight but a way less mischievous sort of cat than the others. He scolds the older cats for being mischievous, even though he is a kitten.
Why did you want to be a part of Cats?
Jackson: Well first of all, I love Bambi. (Director Bambi Johnson.) Bambi is a wonderful director to work with. I’ve never done Cats but it is one of my favorite shows. I love all the dance and all of the music in it.
What does it mean to you to be a Jellicle Cat?
Jackson: I feel like being a Jellicle Cat is being part of a giant family that is all connected.
Do you have any cats?
Jackson: No.
Do you wish you had cats?
Jackson: Yes.
We learn that all cats have three names. Coricopat is your cat’s ‘more dignified name’ and while we can never know the ‘secret name’ that he calls himself, what do you think his ‘family daily use’ name is? What are the humans calling him every day?
Jackson: I think his name would be something proper like Jim. I feel like Jim is a “oh, I’m here and I’m here to stay definitely” type name and that suits him.
What has been your big, personal takeaway in being a part of Cats so far?
Jackson: I really love dancing. And I’m really loving getting to dance again because I haven’t danced in a while. I love ballet.
If you had to sum up the Cats experience in just one word, what is the word you would choose?
Jackson: Loving.
Cats plays September 16th 2022 through September 25th 2022 with Tidewater Players, in residence at the Cultural Center at The Havre de Grace Opera House— 121 N. Union Street in historic downtown Havre de Grace, MD. For tickets call the box office at 667-225-8433 or purchase them online.
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