Win A Pair Of Tickets To See "Breakfast At Tiffany's" On Broadway (4 Winners!)

Are you ready for the BIGGEST Catsparella giveaway yet? Thanks to Fancy Feast, I'm thrilled to be offering FOUR lucky Catsparella readers a pair of tickets to see Breakfast at Tiffany's on Broadway!


Vito Vincent and Monty

I recently attended a press event for the show, where I met the cast, along with the two cats poised to take on the role of Holly Golightly's cat in the production. Will the coveted part go to calm and charismatic cat actor, Vito Vincent? Or did Monty, the feisty tuxedo kitty, ultimately claw his way to the top? Win a pair of tickets, and find out for yourself!

Read More: Meet The Two Cat Actors Vying For A Role In "Breakfast at Tiffany's" On Broadway


Breakfast at Tiffany's on Broadway

Based on Truman Capote’s most beloved masterwork, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is set in New York City in 1943. ‘Fred’, a young writer from Louisiana, meets ‘Holly Golightly’ (Emilia Clarke), a charming, vivacious and utterly elusive good-time girl. Everyone falls in love with  Holly – including Fred (Cory Michael Smith). But Fred is poor, and Holly’s other suitors include a playboy millionaire and the future president of Brazil. As war rages on in Europe, Holly begins to fall in love with Fred – just as her past catches up with her. 

Enter To Win!

Thanks to Fancy Feast, four (4) lucky winners will receive a voucher to receive two (2) premium tickets for the Broadway production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s!

The show is scheduled to run from March 20 through September 1, 2013 at the Cort Theatre (138 W 48th Street in NYC). You can choose the date you'd like to attend, however you must email at least one week in advance of your requested performance, and provide a first choice date and a second choice date. Please note that this giveaway is for tickets ONLY, no transportation or accommodations will be provided. 

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name, and some way for me to contact you if you win (email, link back to your blog or profile, Twitter, etc.) The winner be will chosen in a random drawing next Tuesday, March 19 at 5:00PM EST. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, who will be able to provide their own transportation to the show. One entry per person, please.

Breakfast at Tiffany's opens on Broadway March 20 at the Cort Theatre in New York City. Tickets are available now through telecharge and at the Cort Theatre box office.

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, email me at catsparella@gmail.com)

Disclosure: I received free tickets in compensation for my participation with Fancy Feast on this post.


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Win A Pair Of Tickets To See "Breakfast At Tiffany's" On Broadway (4 Winners!)

Meet The Two Cat Actors Vying For A Role In "Breakfast at Tiffany's" On Broadway

Vito Vincent and Monty

Earlier this month, eight cats clawed their way into an open casting call for the dream role of Holly Golightly's beloved kitty, Cat, in the upcoming production of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on Broadway. 

The pool has since been narrowed down to two fortunate felines who will potentially act alongside "Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke in the iconic role, including a sturdy orange tabby named Vito Vincent, and a lithe Tuxedo kitty, named Monty. Monty, 8, and Vito Vincent, 6, are both professional cat actors, with numerous roles under their tiny belts. They both also share unique rags-to-riches stories, that tell of their hard fought paths to the Broadway stage.

On Wednesday morning, the cast, creative team, and cats behind "Breakfast at Tiffany's" gathered for a press conference in the Royal Suite at the famed Carlyle Hotel in New York City. I was granted access to the event thanks to Fancy Feast, and am proud to say that I was the only kitty correspondent in attendance!


Monty

Before appearing on Broadway and attending exclusive media events, Monty the cat's life began after he was dumped on a road by Babette Corelli's farm. The animal rescuer, trainer, and agent tells me that it took her nearly a month to catch him, and that it took another year before she started taking him along on jobs. Corelli describes him as a smart cat, who is a fast learner, and loves attention. "He's always the first cat to jump in the crate to go on set," she says.

Monty is now a Hollywood veteran, having trained for roles including "The Heat" with Sandra Bullock, "Life Before Her Eyes" with Uma Thurman, and "Sex and the City: The Movie." He has also appeared on "30 Rock," "The Late Show with David Letterman," and "Rescue Me."

The petite feline, who bears an adorable white spot on his forehead, is filled with an excited energy and is as affectionate as can be. While I was snapping a few photos, he began rubbing against me, and I could hear him start to purr.


Vito Vincent as Christianne Amanpurr on "The Colbert Report"

I immediately recognized ginger tabby, Vito Vincent, as a famous feline in his own right. Most notably, he has appeared on "30 Rock" and on "The Colbert Report" as Senior Corespondent, Christianne Amanpurr. He was also the subject of a major Los Angeles Times feature last year, "A star isn't born - yet," about the trials and tribulations of a cat actor trying to make it in show business. Unlike Monty's more frenetic energy, Vito can only be described as one cool cat. Far from being a diva, the charismatic kitty eagerly accepted chin scritches while I chatted with his proud dad, Michael LeCrichia, about his cat's humble beginnings. 

The domestic shorthair was relinquished to a Brooklyn shelter as a kitten, and was brought to Bideawee, where Michael adopted him when he was 7-months-old. He trained the cat to walk on a leash early on because of his history - he didn't want to put Vito in a cage, making him feel abandoned all over again. 

The pair live in New York City, where Vito accompanies Michael everywhere he goes. After taking the cat to an event where he was mistaken for a hired animal actor, LeCrichia realized his kitty's potential and eventually found him an agent. Vito Vincent is trained to sit, stay, come, and jump, and can ride an escalator. In addition to his television roles, he has done work for Macy's, Animal Planet, Target, and American Greetings, and is also the highest level of therapy cat through Pet Partners.


The feline star indulges in a well-deserved cat nap between interviews

Both kitties are represented by Dawn Animal Agency, Babette Corelli's family run business that has been providing professional animals to the media since 1959. In addition to their extensive roster of furry actors, which includes everything from cats and dogs to rodents and camels, they also run a Sanctuary for less fortunate animals, that is supported in part by working animal actors like Monty.

I'm regularly asked for tips on how people can get their cat started in showbiz, so I took the opportunity to get Corelli's expert advice. The first question she asks is, "What is its personality?" If your cat hears a noise and is curious and shows interest, they just might have what it takes to become a feline thespian. Take time to observe if they really look at things and seem to understand them, as opposed to being frightened or running away in fear. 

The next important step, she says, is making sure your cat is leash trained, and taking them outside to see how they respond. Confirm that your kitty has an outgoing personality and likes strangers. It's not fair to force them into being in an uncomfortable environment. 

If you still think you might have a star on your hands, contact a reputable animal agency for an expert opinion. Corelli admits that they mostly use their own animals, however they maintain a file of outside talent for roles that require something they don't have. 

You'll want to provide the agency with clear front and profile photos of your cat, along with their rough measurements and any unique talents or characteristics they possess, such as liking water or being able to high five. In addition to leash training, Babette also recommends teaching your kitty its name and the "come" command. Not only is this helpful on a set full of cats where she is trying to get one individual kitty's attention, it's also helpful if your cat gets away at home or on set, and you need to easily call them back. 


Holly Golightly and Cat in the 1961 film version of "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

Monty and Vito Vincent began on-set rehearsals earlier this week so they'll both be prepared  to take on the part, although whichever deserving feline ultimately nabs the role will have some big paw prints to fill. 

At least nine kitties were used during the production of the 1961 movie, but only one named Orangey is credited with playing the role of Audrey Hepburn's cat. Orangey was a professional animal actor with a 15 year film and television career, and was the first feline to win two Patsy Awards, the animal equivalent of an Oscar.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" begins previews on March 4, and opens on Broadway March 20 at the Cort Theatre. Tickets are available now through telecharge and the Cort Theatre box office.

Meet The Two Cat Actors Vying For A Role In "Breakfast at Tiffany's" On Broadway

Tiny Fey Graces "Breakfast At Tiffany's" Inspired Entertainment Weekly Cover With A Feline Friend

Current Entertainment Weekly cover lady Tina Fey shares the spotlight with a white feline, as the two recreate Audrey Hepburn's iconic turn as Holly Golightly in the 1961 film, "Breakfast at Tiffany's". 

Fans of the movie will note that the cat in the film was actually orange, and appeared as a ginger and white tabby on the theatrical poster. Hepburn has reportedly said that the climactic scene where she has to throw Cat into a rainy street was "the most distasteful thing she ever had to do on film."

While nine cats were used during production of "Breakfast at Tiffany's", Orangey is credited in the role of Golightly's kitty, Cat. Orangey, who has his own Wikipedia page, was a professional animal actor with a 15 year career that spanned over film and television. He was the first feline to win two Patsy Awards, the animal equivalent of an Academy Award.

Via BuzzFeed / Entertainment Weekly

Tiny Fey Graces "Breakfast At Tiffany's" Inspired Entertainment Weekly Cover With A Feline Friend

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? Plus Sleepytime Accessories For When You're Caught Cat Napping

Why do cats sleep so much? It's a question posed to me by Tanya, who wrote in to share some uniquely stylish cat shaped sleep masks she discovered while at a craft fair. The seller told her that they were made out of vintage kimonos, and inspired by Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Inspiration

While she couldn't find the same make and model online, Tanya found another, equally adorable version of the masks by Etsy seller, Naomilingerie. As someone whose blinds are essentially the equivalent of tissue paper, I could definitely benefit from this kind of light-darkening eyewear.

We all know why humans need the occasional cat nap *yawn*, but why exactly DO cats sleep so much? Maybe it's because they're resting up for their big next hunt, or as someone in my internet travels commented, "because if you were getting free food and rent wouldn't you sleep all the time too?"

Cat Sleep Facts!

* Cats conserve energy by sleeping more than most animals, especially as they grow older.

* Cats usually sleep 12-16 hours a day, with 13-14 being the average.

* The term "cat nap" refers to the cat's ability to lightly "rest" for a brief period of time, as opposed to being in a deep sleep. During this time they can wake up quickly if they sense danger (or noms).

* Usually a cat is sleeping profoundly when the REM cycle kicks in. Just like humans, they will have rapid eye movements and muscle twitches.

* Cats dream, and many times you can see some tail and leg movement or even hear some soft meows.

* Some cats will also snore (Charlie!), and pug nosed breeds such as Persians and Himalayans tend to snore more.

* Cats are nocturnal creatures, and when we are asleep, your cat my be highly active and playful. A good remedy to this is to provide exercise before you go to bed to tire them out.

* Many cats will be wide awake in the early hours asking for food. Do not wake up early on purpose to feed your cat. If you do so, you are basically training your cat to bother you early every morning. Are you willing to put up with that? You must therefore, be strong and ignore the meows or knocking over objects to wake you up. (Ed note: Haha, yeah right!)

Fact sources: Wikipedia and HubPages

And finally, what would a cat sleep post be without at least one pair of fancy cat's pajamas? Curl up in this luxurious set of LANVIN Catwalk printed silk pajamas that can be yours for the low, bargain basement price of just $2,590.

Sweet dreams, indeed!

(Thanks for the tip and pics, Tanya!)

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? Plus Sleepytime Accessories For When You're Caught Cat Napping

Audrey Hepurrrn

In their time-worn tradition of transforming ordinary house pets into celebrity doppelgangers, British retailer Takkoda have done it again with their latest Audrey Hepburn inspired kitty makeover.

And if you haven't already seen Breakfast at Tiffany's, take our word that you're missing out on a classic piece of purrfect feline cinema!

Audrey Hepurrrn