Best Seat in the House: Greece Arcadia grad stars in ‘Cats’

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC)—If you haven’t heard by now, Broadway is back in Rochester! It’s been nearly two years since we’ve given you the Best Seat in the House! This weekend "Cats" is in town, and a Greece Arcadia grad has a starring role.

"This is our first stop," said Christopher Salvaggio. "This is our opening!"

Salvaggio plays Skimbleshanks in the record-breaking musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences for 40 years.

"’Cats’ is iconic. It’s legendary," said Salvaggio. "It’s a piece of theatre history that I’m so honored to now join the family of. I’m really excited!"

Salvaggio is graduated from Greece Arcadia in 2014. He also went to Nazareth College. "Cats" is his national tour debut.

"I can’t even begin to describe how crazy it is that I’m back, and I’m performing on this stage," said Salvaggio. "This time as a professional in a Broadway tour."

Salvaggio say the support he’s received has been unreal. He’s part of a new cast bringing new energy and new choreography to one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. It’s also the first show in Rochester since the pandemic that brought a stop to everything in March of 2020.

"It was hard, but we’re back and we’re careful and we’re working at it," Salvaggio said. "It feels so good to be doing what I love to do again."

His advice for young people looking to get into the performing arts? Don’t give up, and work hard.

"It’s a lot of hard work and along the way, there are going to be people who tell you that you can’t or that it’s not a career,” Salvaggio said. “But if you believe in yourself and you work for it – it’ll come true. I promise.”

"Cats" is at the Rochester Auditorium Theatre through Sunday, Sep. 26. Click here for show times and ticket information.