I’m fairly certain that The Center for Discovery (TCFD) often accomplishes things that others (like me) might have once deemed impossible. But where special education is concerned, I’m just now learning how impactful TCFD can be.

Being a neophyte on the subject, I’ve done just a small amount of research, other than perusing their comprehensive website. It’s fair to say that I know little to nothing, and have just begun to delve further into the organization and what life-changing services it provides. 

The campus, located on 1,500 beautiful acres in Sullivan County, NY, is a place “where individuals receive the most highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research for a myriad of complex conditions, including autism.” 

I do know that the children’s specialty hospital, training and consultation offerings, and both pediatric and adult programs, are highly regarded world-wide, contributing to TCFD becoming “a leader in educational, residential and clinical services.” 

I recently learned that the center also offers a creative arts program in addition to recreational services, and that’s where I come in.  Last year I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Discovery Dramatic Arts’ production of “The Wizard of Oz,” produced at the Michael Ritchie Big Barn Theatre in Hurleyville, NY, and I was blown away by everything and everyone involved. 

So when I got a call asking if I’d like to attend and express my humble opinion about this year’s musical—Andrew Lloyd Webber’s theatrical phenomenon “CATS”—I was a bit hesitant for a couple of reasons. 

“There’s no way they can top ‘Oz’” I said to a pal. “It was a triumph. And besides,” I added, “‘CATS’ is my second favorite musical of all time.” 

When asked which show comes in at number one, my response was somewhat dramatic, if you can imagine that. “All the rest!” I hollered, gesticulating wildly. “Even ‘Rockabye Hamlet,’” (look it up) “and that’s saying a lot!” 

I went on to explain that the show I saw last year could only be described as “lightning in a bottle,” which refers to something being so powerful and rare that it is nigh on impossible to achieve, much less repeat. 

I implied the same sentiment to the music therapy team leaders for “CATS”: Conio Loretto, the director, and musical director Amanda Belcastro. When I included recreation director Erin Atkins in the conversation, all three chimed in.

“I hope we can change your mind,” Loretto said with a smile. 

“I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised,” added Atkins, while Belcastro recalled me saying some “nice words” last time around. 

“We’ll see,” I said with a haughty, flippant air. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

The lights dimmed, a hush fell over the audience and as the music swelled and the show began—it happened again. Lightning, bottle, the works. Boasting an impressive cast of more than 25 incredibly talented performers, all of whom are TCFD residents or day school students, this production of “CATS” is one of the most creative interpretations of a musical that I’ve ever experienced. 

Through lighting, sound, set design and execution, the audience was instantly transported to the grimy alley behind a Broadway theatre, where much of the action takes place. Keep in mind—there are no humans in this musical play, only felines played by humans, and now that I’ve seen it as reimagined by Loretto and Co., I can never look at “CATS” in the same way again.

Trust me, this is not just a bunch of people (at last count, more than 60) getting together to put on a show. This is incredibly well-produced theatre in every sense of the word. And like any successful theatrical endeavor, the overall production is elevated by the dedication and talents of those who perform, operate the sound, light the stage, play the music, and costume the cast. 

Although I’m not usually a fan, the use of  projections on- and off-stage was (IMHO) inspired. 

Additionally, kudos to the folks who design and build the sets and choreograph the show with innovative techniques specifically catered to those who call TCFD home. They are very special people, with very special needs, talents and abilities.

As for the stunning overall design of the show, I learned a thing or two from recreation specialist Erin Atkins.

“The set was built and painted by individuals in The Center For Discovery’s school and day habilitation programs with the help of recreation director Sam Rose,” she informed me. “When we start the design process, whether it is for props, costumes or the set, we always take into consideration how much meaningful work can be included for the people who live and go to school here.”

Flabbergasted, I asked Atkins for more. “We use both adapted and standard tools so that we can include people with varying skill levels and abilities,” she explained. 

“It’s really important to us as a program that we [involve] everyone who is interested, and that includes everything behind the scenes. It’s really special to share the moment when someone recognizes something they worked so hard on in the show, and to see the same pride from their families. It takes a community to put on a show, and it’s no different here.” 

When theatre is done right, it is a shared experience, one which ripples through the cast, the crew and the audience alike.  We laughed, we cried and we cheered, because this production was done right and epitomizes what theatre is all about. Making magical memories to last a lifetime. I know I’ll never forget it.

Once the last bow had been taken and the deafening applause a mere whisper, I had the opportunity to ask director Conio Loretto for some final thoughts on this year’s musical.

“What a true gift it is to direct productions at The Center,” Loretto said. “With ‘CATS,’ we set out to highlight the incredible range of talent in our performers. Our adaptation gave our actors, singers and dancers a chance to shine—whether on stage or onscreen. And shine they did! Whether bursting onto the stage for the first time or soaring to new heights as one of our veteran performers, they didn’t just exceed expectations—they crushed them!”

After arriving home, I picked up the phone. “Well, The Center for Discovery did it again,” I told my pal after having assured her that it was not possible. I guess from this point forward when someone asks about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fantastical felines, I have to say “I love ‘CATS’—now and forever. Thanks to The Center for Discovery.”