With Mother’s Day upon us, it’s a good time to reflect on and appreciate the direction a mother can play in our lives. And let’s not forget the family cat.  And what about dad?

For one Tauranga family,  cats, mothers, children and play ... and dad ... are all taking centre stage as the curtain rises on their shared passion for the performing arts.

It’s not often your mum is your director in a musical - but for Paige and Matt Henderson it’s second nature. Their mother Toni Henderson is the founder of the Stage Right Charitable Trust that is bringing CATS to Baycourt from Saturday June 15 – 22.

Toni Henderson. Photo: Supplied.

“I’ve done so many musicals with mum, it would actually be weird not to have her as the director,” says Paige.

“I’m in the chorus of CATS, but I have worked with mum as the choreographer in the past too.”

Paige says when they’re in rehearsals they just get on with it.

“She does her thing and I do mine. We have good banter and I like to have a laugh or two.

“Mum gives as good as she gets though.”

Matt Henderson (left) with cast in rehearsal for CATS. Photo: Amy Lewin.

The musical business is a family business for the Hendersons, with their son Matt Henderson playing the lead role of Munkustrap in CATS.

“I remember helping mum with lighting when CATS was last at Baycourt in 2009,” says Matt.

“I was only  11.

“Now after 15 years of singing, dancing and acting, I’m ready to put my all into the character of Munkustrap.”

He says as the second-in-comand of the Jellicle cats, the role has got some great songs to sink his teeth into.

And what about dad? 

Toni’s husband, Dale Henderson, is also part of the CATS family. He works at Baycourt as the technical and operations manager, so  is in charge of the lighting, staging and sound for the musical. Plus, he helps out by building the sets in his spare time.

“My wife has the vision and I help bring that to life,” says Dale.

“We’re a good team and the kids have luckily all wanted to be involved over the years too.”

Dale Henderson on the barbecue being created for the set of CATS. Photo: Supplied.

Dale also worked on the 2009 CATS show with the rest of the family.

“Toni was the production manager, Paige was on props and our eldest daughter Kelsey was in the chorus. So we know the show well and are enjoying bringing it into this day and age.”

Toni is quick to point out the obvious.

“We mainly get along well together, but we also have our ups and downs. Because we have a shared passion for the theatre, we tend to work things out quickly...sometimes because we have no choice!” she says.

CATS is one of the biggest selling musicals of all time, thanks to the music created by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber which is based on the work of T.S. Eliot.

It will be performed by a local cast of 40 and a 16-piece orchestra for a limited time next month.

Leads and dancers in rehearsal for CATS. Photo: Amy Lewin.

“CATS is a bit special for us as a family and also for this community,” says Toni.

“It captures people’s imagination and takes you into a wonderous place of entertainment. As it’s for all ages, it’s a great show to bring the whole family to.

“We look forward to bringing this to the stage for all generations to enjoy and be inspired by.”

To buy tickets for your mum this Mother’s Day, go to:

www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/cats-the-musical/tauranga/tickets