Bluey Robinson – Cats

By starrymag | January 15, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) I recently worked on the Cats movie playing Alonzo, starred in the movie Dirty God and am also working on new music.

 

Q) Please tell us about your character Alonzo in the movie Cats.

 

A) Alonzo is one of the Jellicle gang. Sort of a protector of the tribe. He also likes to sing and dance.

 

Q) What did it mean to you to be a part of such an iconic production?

 

A) It meant a lot. Cats has been a staple in pop culture from as far back as I can remember. I have strong memories of seeing those two yellow eyes all over the back of busses in London growing up. Proud to now have a small part in it.

Q) Who were you looking forward to sharing a scene with in particular?

 

A) Oh man, so many to mention. I got a chance to perform with everyone but was mostly excited to work with movie royalty, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen. Those couple of weeks were surreal. Especially “Cat school” with Sir Ian.

 

Q) What type of dance/singing preparation went into the production?

 

A) We had two months of prep and training before we started shooting. We would begin our days with an hour of core strength techniques. Then a few hours of music, focusing on our individual harmonies and solo lines. We then would do a thing called “Cat School” where we’d study the movements and social behaviors of cats. We would do exercises to help develop these ideas into creating our individual cat styles and movement. Other than that, there were hours and hours of choreography for each number.

 

Q) Talk about working with director Tom Hooper. 

A) Tom Hooper doesn’t stop till he gets what he wants. I made a joke on our last day about him being relentless. He is passionate with a strong vision. What I will say is, some days were difficult regarding communication on such a big production. We weren’t always clear on the tone but felt like we eventually got there.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

 

A) “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” was really fun. We got to run around the wastelands, which was basically a giant playground. I’m the one walking on a giant tire during the first number. “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” also turned out to be fun. I had to practically learn tap on the job!

 

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching the movie Cats?

 

A) I want people to suspend their critical faculties and enjoy the fantasy world we created. It’s a cinematic circus. I also want viewers to embrace the idea of community and togetherness.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way to connect with your fans?

 

A) I’m left-handed, writing on paper takes too long and no one can ever read it.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

 

A) Ah, well, really would just like to say thanks and stay tuned. I hope my offerings of creativity can inspire or heal you in some way.