Zorlu Center is a Jellicle Cat

Zorlu Center recently opened its doors to the world as an international center for business, shopping, and, above all, culture and art. It is the first project in Turkey to include five different functions within the same building. First and foremost it takes a modern approach to urban life with residences and a 5-star international hotel. There is a business center and a shopping mall with world-famous brands. But most importantly, it has bridged a gap between Turkey and international culture and art with the largest performing arts center in Istanbul called Zorlu Center PSM.

As an expat, Istanbul offers little in the way of performing arts, especially theater. There have been some small productions, but the chance to see a Broadway musical was outright nonexistent. In this megacity it was kind of disappointing that there were no opportunities to see a show. You quickly realize that going to the theater was something you took for granted back home. After all, who doesn’t have a yearning for that Broadway pizzazz? Needless to say, there has been a significant need for an appropriate space for the arts. Thanks to Zorlu Center that space is finally here.

And what did they do with that space? They brought Cats, the musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on the writings of T.S. Elliot, to the city of cats! With the advent of Zorlu Center’s second ever Broadway show in just 3 months, it was essential to check out the hype. The location is perfectly central and the architecture is an iconic touch to Istanbul’s skyline.  Its modern appeal encompasses the entire experience from the main entrance to the Metro tunnels beneath. Zorlu Center really illustrates its theme of modernity. The main performance hall is nothing but extraordinary and on the night of the performance it was buzzing with excitement. Complete with red carpets, two mezzanines, and comfortable chairs, the Zorlu experience sold me at the door.

On stage, the set was clearly visible (even from the first mezzanine) and extremely reminiscent of the back streets of Istanbul. There couldn’t be a Broadway show more fitting for this city. As the crowds poured in, I began to feel like I was finally about to experience that Broadway flavor. I could feel the excitement in myself and in the others as they found their seats and prepared to be introduced to the cats that we have so often seen, but could never speak to.

The opening act was a lively dance performance to the song “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The rhythmic verse was repeated, “Jellicles can and Jellicles do.” The words bounced off the curved, acoustic walls of the theater. It was clear that Jellicles can and Jellicles do, but what is a Jellicle cat? The performance continues to explain this through various mini biographies of the cats and their lives. The audience is introduced to tall cats, small cats, cats that rob, and cats that sob. They come with different names and different colors and they all sing and dance! Yes, Cats gives an up-close and personal look into the feline lives we only wonder about in that cherished Broadway style.

So what is a Jellicle cat? It became clear in the closing scenes that a Jellicle cat is an expression of the personifications of our feline friends that parallel the lives of human beings. They are the legends, the criminals, the magicians, the fashion models, the mischievous delinquents, the storytellers, and the acrobats. We learned that we aren’t so different from the cats in the streets. So the question isn’t just, “What is a Jellicle cat?” We can also ask, “Who is a Jellicle cat?” Jellicles can and Jellicles do. Therefore, I’d call myself a Jellicle cat and Zorlu Center is definitely a Jellicle cat, what with all it can do. Are you a Jellicle cat? Check out the show and Zorlu Center between now and Sunday, 9 February to find out.

For more information visit their website.