The cast for Rotorua Musical Theatre's major production of Cats has been chosen and rehearsals have now started.
Theatre secretary Richard Marshall said auditions had attracted an excellent turnout.
"We are very excited with the talent that has been cast in our production of Cats."
Playing the lead role of Grizabelle will beRotorua music teacher and performer Evelyn Falconer.
Mrs Falconer said it is surreal to be playing the lead role in such a spectacular show.
"It's one of the most successful stage shows of all time - what an opportunity to have it in Rotorua," she said.
Mrs Falconer said it is a spectacular show with fantastic dancing and stand-out character roles. She said she is looking forward to working with director Dean McKerras, who is new to Rotorua, and the rest of the stage crew.
"Everybody's in because it's going to be great," she said.
Cats is based on the popular poetry of T.S Eliot and tells the story of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats.
It originally opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years.
It is the first time the show has been produced in Rotorua and Mr Marshall said they are definitely very excited to have it here.
He said the show is great because it has fantastic music and everybody will know the songs.
"People will walk away with a buzzing feeling," he said.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster and those who book before the end of the year will receive a discount.
The show will open on March 18 and run until April 2.
