(The Kelly Critics is a joint program of the Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh CLO in which high school students review other school's musicals.)

I am an Andrew Lloyd Webber fanatic: I am always mesmerized at the way his musicals captivate audiences. Of his myriad creations, "Cats" clawed its way to the top of my list of favorite musicals: the elaborately detailed costumes and the intense degree of choreography never cease to amaze me.

Because of its arduous and challenging nature, I was skeptical when I discovered that Pine Richland selected it as its spring production. However, words cannot even begin to describe my astonishment at their professionalism and enthusiasm on Saturday, March 24.

As the first high school in western Pennsylvania to perform "Cats," Pine Richland surpassed any possible expectations one would have. Gazing around the stage, I was immersed in a deserted back alley. The detail put into the stage design, along with the creative props, truly transported the audience into the scene.

The darkening of the lights accompanied the sounds of the talented pit orchestra, which then commenced its rendition of the score. The band created a truly "Broadway" atmosphere; at several moments, I forgot it was high school students creating such melodious music.

As the music progressed, the vibrant green eyes of those mysterious felines announced that the Jellicle cats had arrived. The scene opens with their excitement over the selection of a special cat who will be reborn at the Heavyside Layer. Munkustrap, played by Francesco Salpietro, entertained me with his energetic singing as he introduced various Jellicle cats to their amiable leader Old Deuteronomy (Derrick Chengery) as candidates to travel to Heavyside Layer. Although all the Jellicle cats participate in the ceremony, the once-beautiful Grizabella (Natalie Schaefer) is shunned.

Problems soon arise as the mischievous Macavity (Heather Barron) kidnaps Old Deuteronomy. Only the assistance of the magical Mr. Mistoffelees (Stacey Smith) reunites the Jellicle cats with their beloved leader.

As the musical moves to a close, Grizabella makes a final plea for acceptance and is chosen to voyage to Heavyside Layer. One of the spectacular closing scenes consists of her song "Memories," which demonstrated Schaefer's astounding vocal range.

Throughout the performance, the cast sauntered around the stage in true feline fashion. Each character donned a unique costume: every unitard was air-brushed with handmade embellishments of yarn and faux fur. With a definitive creative flare, the students were transformed into cats.

Stealing the show was senior Ashley Kasunich, who truly embodied Jellicle persona and attitude as Victoria the white cat. She graced the stage and enthralled the audience with her precise skill and passion for dance. On a more lyrical note, Schaefer portrayed Grizabella with such poise that the audience forgot she was not a professional singer. As the cat whose days of glamour and sophistication have dissipated, Grizabella easily captured the audience's love. Schaefer gave life to the character not only through her melancholic yet hopeful rendition of "Memories," but also through her believable acting.

Unfortunately, several times the cast faced technical problems as the sound system crackled and failed. It was quite unfortunate that those in the back of the auditorium could not hear the melodious voices. I commend the cast for performing without hesitation even when some microphones stopped working.

"Tonight will be a memory too," according to Grizabella, and the extravagant Pine Richland production of "Cats" will remain in my memory for years to come. The passion the students had emanated throughout the auditorium and matched my love of this musical. I am glad to add this review to the standing ovation for the cast and crew of "Cats."