The year was 1997, December 14th. Snow fell around Michael Gruber's feet and crunched under his thick Winter Boots as he walked to the Winter Garden Theater. It was Christmas Time in New York City. A giant Christmas Tree stood tall in New York's Time Square, the shops lining the streets played Christmas Songs and sold Christmas Goodies. Carolers sang and Children danced and played. The mood of today was wonderful and immaculate. However, as pretty as the snow was this time of year, and as festive as the city felt, Winter was unyielding and cruel. And it halted for no one.
Plenty of actors had already gotten sick due to New York's harsh climate. Just this week alone 5 swings, who were already covering someone anyway, and 2 regular actors called out due to unwellness. This included the actor playing Rum Tum Tugger, David Hibbard, who had fallen terribly ill with Pneumonia. And the actor for Demeter, Emily Hsu, who had a dangerously high fever. And that doesn't even count the absurd amount of injuries they've had. Minor and career threatening. Hell, Michael himself just returned from being out with an ankle sprain. At this rate, they've completely run out of male swings and are nearly out of female ones. And with that being the case, the Broadway Production of Cats was in a deep rut.
Although, a solution had been formed; the decision was made to have an actor from overseas come and fill in for David while he rests and recovers, and have one of the few remaining female swings fill-in for Emily. Michael didn't know who the actor was or where they came from, but he was delighted that someone could help when they needed it. Michael sighed as he finally approached the Winter Garden Theater. Where he was from in Ohio, snow this heavy and even heavier was a yearly and expected occurrence. As annoying and difficult as it was to deal with, he was, begrudgingly, prepared for it.
As he entered the Theater and made his way to his dressing room, curiosity got the best of him. Was it someone he got to work with during the movie? Or maybe someone just from the stage show? Would they be a pain to work with? Were they nice? Were they mean? How long will they stay? 'Well,' Michael thought, 'I assume until David comes back.' After walking for a few minutes, he approached the door and shook his head. 'well, whoever it is, I just hope they're easy-going.' He opens the door and begins to change his clothes for rehearsal.
With his winter clothes and thick boots hung up and put away, and his clothes changed to a more appropriate T-shirt, tights and shorts, Michael grabbed his water bottle and made his way to the dance studio. Pretty much everyone was there, say for the sick people and the mystery cover, warming up and conversing amongst themselves. In the midst of them was Jacob Brent, someone who had worked on the movie and who Michael knew very well. Seeing as they were good friends. 'maybe he knows something?' Maybe he doesn't, who knows? It wouldn't hurt to ask.
He started to make his way over when hes stopped by a voice. "Right darlings, give me your attention, please" It was Gillian Lynne, the choreographer of cats. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to face her. "As you know, David Hibbard is out and a replacement has been called in. His name is John Partridge and he'll be here until David returns." 'Ahh,' Michael thought, 'So it is someone I know.' "Rehearsals will be business as usual today. We'll run through Tugger's number and get you used to working with him. I expect professionalism from all of you, okay?" The cast nods in unison.
"Wonderful. I have faith that this will go well. And I'm proud of each and every one of you for your resilience. He'll be arriving shortly. That's all I wanted." and with that, Gillian leaves.
Michael walks over to Jacob and sits down next to him. Michael pulls his knees up to his chest and wraps his arms around them while Jacob sits criss crossed. Michael rests his cheek on his knees and faces Jacob. "Did you know anything about this?" He asks. "No, I was going to ask you the same thing actually." Jacob replies. Michael shrugs and adjusts so his chin rests on his knees instead. "Nothing either. But at least we know now, right?" He offers a small smile. Jacob giggles. "Yeah, I guess so."
Surely enough, shortly after Gillian's little speech, the door opens and in walks John Partridge. He wears a black tank top, black shorts and black dance shoes. His hair is still so blonde with dark roots. Just like it was when they filmed the movie. He looks around and notices Michael and Jacob talking. At the sight of two people he knows, his face lights up. Sure, he knew that they were from America and worked here, but it was still so exciting to know that he wasn't alone here. He lets out a sigh of relief and immediately heads towards the duo, stopping right in front of them.
"Hey!" Jacob and Michael stopped talking and looked up. "Didn't expect to see you lot again. Good to see ya!" He sits down in front of them. "We didn't either. We thought they'd send in some random swing or something." Jacob replied, smiling and waving at John. "Why'd they bring you all the way here?" He questions. "Actually, I don't know why. I know we all have the same boss and everything, but it feels weird to me too." John responded. "All I know is, everyone is either sick or injured in my company. I'd assume the same goes for this one?" Michael and Jacob nod.
"It's strange, some of my family is sick as well." Michael added. "Mine too. Winter can't be that harsh this year, right?" Jacob asks with a confused expression on his face. "I hope not. We can't lose any more people if we want this show to stay open." Jacob and Michael hum in agreement.
As he says that, Gillian returns and halts all conversation in the room. "Alright," she says, "Let's get started."