Based on poems from TS Elliott’s ’’Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’’, Andrew Llloyd Webber’s invovative musical was first performed in London in May of 1981 and was first performed on Broadway in October of 1982. It’s run closed just last September making it Broadway’s longest running musical.
Cats is thin on plot. It is basically a musical version of Elliott’s poems. Cats strength lies in the sets, costumes and make up as well as Sir Lloyd Webber’s music.
The stage is dark as the show opens and gradually it is filled with cats. The performers adopt feline postures and manners throughout. After the lively opening song ’’Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats’’ and the ’’Naming of Cats’’, the premise is explained. Each year at the Jellicle Ball; one cat is given the gift of rebirth. The selection is made by the beloved elder of the cats-Old Deuteronomy. This is followed by a series of songs in which particular cats are proposed for this honor. Things are interrupted by the arrival of the Grizabella. Once a glamorous cat, she is now torn and tattered and the youngest cats are frightened of her and she is shunned by the group. At this point she sings the song ’’Memory’’ for the first time. The lyrics are dark and hopeless.
As the second act opens, Old Deuteronomy is kidnapped by Macavity. The cats sing about this mysterious criminal. (’’he’s broken every feline law; he breaks the law of gravity’’). There is a call for Mr. Mistofoles-a magician to help to find Deuteronomy. His song is a lively tribute that I have seen repeated (with audience participation) at the end of some performances.
Deuteronomy is returned and Grizabella returns again-this time challenging the cats to accept her. She again sings ’’Memory’’ -her plea for rebirth.
In the final scene, Deuteronomy makes his choice. (you’ve probably figured out who) and the cat is taken up to the heavy side layer (heaven) on an old tire.
Cats is an evening of lovely music and a visual delight. It is engaging for children 6 or older as one of their first musical theatre experiences. It is still performed all over the world by touring companies.