Pete the Cat Review

Our family has been big fans of that groovy blue feline known as Pete the Cat ever since he was first introduced to the world so endearingly in the first book by Eric Little and James Dean. So we were pretty excited to go see the new Pete the Cat Musical at the Coterie Theater recently!

Knowing the caliber of Coterie productions, we had a feeling we were going to see a special performance, and we were not disappointed. From the stellar cast to the colorful set design, and the fun musical numbers, the Coterie, and players did a superb job bringing everyone’s favorite cat to life.  

This new Pete the Cat tale by Sarah Hammond, with songs by Will Aronson, begins with the “capture” of our feline friend who is sent to live with the charming, good-hearted Biddle family to “learn some manners”, after being caught living in a VW bus and rocking out too loud with his band. The Biddle family may have thought they were just helping a cat in need, but it is them who ultimately needed a little help from Pete the Cat, his groovy songs, and his magical VW bus. Along the way, important lessons about telling the truth, not being afraid of trying something new, and believing in yourself are given by the clever, if ornery, Pete the Cat.

As we waited for the show to begin, we had fun taking in the playful, colorful set design that was inspired by the original illustrations of James Dean in the beloved Pete the Cat series.

Once the show began, it was evident that the perfect cast had been chosen to bring a new Pete the Cat tale to life. Local favorite Noah Lindquist starred in the lead role of the guitar-loving, red-shoed Pete the Cat that so many children have come to know and love. Noah rocked bringing Pete’s voice, mannerisms, and quirks to life--he had even the littlest fans in stitches portraying his crazy antics. I was impressed by the rest of the cast, as well, and their ability to play so many different parts in one play! Three of the talented actors played a total of twelve different roles. Lucas Lowry was a joy to watch as Jimmy Biddle, the serious, brainy second-grader who becomes best of friends with Pete after a bit of a rocky start to their relationship. Amari Lewis was hilarious as Jimmy’s high-spirited little sister, who, unfortunately, discovers she has an allergy to cats. Bri Woods played a delightful, vivacious Sandy Biddle, their mother; while T. Eric Morris was a hoot to watch as happy-go-lucky Arthur Biddle, their father. The parents also played the parts of Grumpy Toad and Gus the Platypus, the other members of Pete’s rock band.

I highly recommend taking your groovy cat lovers to see this fun, whirlwind of a musical…‘because it’s ALL good’!

Pete the Cat

March 29^th-May22nd, 2022

Book and Lyrics by Sarah HammondMusic by Will AronsonBased on the Pete the Cat series by Kimberly and James DeanFeaturing Noah Lindquist, Lucas Lowry, Amari Lewis, Bri Woods & T. Eric Morris

Length: Approx. 55 minutes 

This is a masked event with all-vaccinated performers. Masks are to be worn by all audience members, regardless of age.