Mike Kohler has been busy watching his cat, Jaspurr. He's doing research to nail the part of Old Deuteronomy in Susquehanna Stage's upcoming production of "Cats."

"I've been observing my boy even more than usual, to catch his reactions and the way he moves," Kohler explained. He noted that most of the cast members have pet cats, and they are all doing their own at-home surveillance. "Being a cat lover makes this job easier, because we're really interested in these characters," he stated.

"Cats" will be performed on select dates from Friday, July 29, through Sunday, Aug. 7, at Susquehanna Stage, 133 W. Market St., Marietta. Based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Eliot, the Tony Award-winning musical features songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"The show is about a bunch of cats living their lives, trying not to get caught up in the human world," said Karey Getz, who plays Grizabella. "Grizabella is an outcast. She used to be in, and she wants back in. She's lived a hard life, and she just wants to get back in with her friends."

Getz said playing Grizabella is a dream come true, especially getting the chance to sing "Memory," her character's standout number. "I've been singing this song in my bedroom since age 7," she said. She has two cats, Cheddar and Asparagus, and she modeled some of her character's behavior on her elderly cat Nuke, who passed away.

Jill Gagliano, who is directing and choreographing the show, said helping the cast get into character has been a unique experience. "This is a high-energy show with a lot of dancing in a variety of styles," she stated. "Choreographing jazz or tap for a cat has been a fun challenge." Gagliano is the owner of two cats, Spartacus and Malcolm, the latter of whom often accompanied his human mom to rehearsals.

While many productions of "Cats" are set in a junkyard or city scene, Gagliano chose a different approach. "We're setting ours locally at the river. You'll see the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge on stage," she said, adding that she walked the Northwest River Trail for inspiration.

The production features a cast of 26, ranging in age from 14 to over 60, and since most of the characters are on stage for the majority of the show, staying in character as a cat has been challenging at times, said Chrissy Nickel, who portrays Demeter. "We're working hard not to fall out of character in the quieter moments," she said, noting that cast members can be seen stretching, hissing, playing with their tails or exhibiting other feline behavior throughout the show. Nickel, who has three black cats - Billie Jean, Betty and Randi - said "Cats" was the first show she ever saw on Broadway, and she's excited to be a part of the production. "This show has a huge ensemble, so you get to see so much talent on stage, which is unique," she stated. "The musical numbers are everything from super joyful to heartbreaking. It's an emotional rollercoaster of a show."

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com.