History

Below I have written a short history of Cats the musical. Enjoy ;)

The music for cats was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on Old Possums Book of Practical Cats, which was written by T.S. Eliot, adapted by Richard Stilgoe.

Cats was first seen by the public in London’s West End at the New London Theatre, Dury Lane on May the 11th 1981. It was originally produced by Cameron Makintosh, and Andrew Lloyd Webbers “Really Useful Theater Company”.

Less than a year after its first production in London, cats made its debut on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater on October the 7th.

So far, with 8,949 performances in London and 7,485 in New York making it the longest running musical in London history, and on Broadway, it is the second longest running show.

The most famous song from Cats “memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists. The lyrics for memory are based on T.S. Eliot’s poems “Rhapsody on a Windy Night” and “Preludes.”

In 1998 Andrew Lloyd Webber made a video of Cats based on the stage performance, staring Elaine Paige who played Grizabella in the original London cast.

Note: The name “Jellicle cat” comes from T.S. Elliot’s infant niece attempt to say “dear little cat” and the name “Pollicle Dog” comes from T.S. Elliot’s infant niece attempt to say “poor little cat”. (I thought that was really sweet) 


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