Summary

 

The story of Cats is based on the book Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot.

 

Midnight. Not a sound from the pavement. Suddenly an explosion of music and lights reveals a larger-than-life junkyard.

Tonight is the one special night each year when the tribe of Jellicle Cats reunites to celebrate who they are.

They emerge singing of their unique abilities and special traits.

Deuteronomy will summon Jellicle Cats to announce the one who can receive the prized additional life. Who will be the chosen one?

 

Reviews

Performance in London in 1981

 

"Magic! The scene is a design miracle..."

"Go on...grunt with joy like a cat..."

"...a genius imaginative show..."

"...a carnival..."

"Unique musical. Cats to cats is like Mickey Mouse to mouse."

                                                        -- Daily Mirror, UK

 

 

"Unparalleled...a success..."

"A wonderful combination of language, music, dance, design and direction..."

"Dazzling show..."

"Webber's best talent remains the same in the play."

"Shockingly successful..."

"...an amazing burst of dance..."

"Cats is the most exciting and innovative musical in history"

"A huge success..."

                                                    -- The Sunday Times, UK

 

 

"There are so many exciting moments...extraordinary talents..."

                                              -- The Sunday Telegraph, UK

 

 

"Unmatched... Do not miss."

                                               -- The Observer, UK

 

 

"Genius song and dance..."

                                                     -- "Sunday Express", UK

 

 

Performance in Australia in 2010

 

"It's full of energy ... great performance."

                                               -- The Courier Mail, Australia

 

 

"...a furry and fiery show..."

"...the fans will fall in love with it..."

                                              -- Herald Sun, Australia

 

 

"...the actors are outstanding...fascinating"

"...fans are fascinated for nearly 30 years..."

                                                   -- The Age, Australia

 

 

"...Spectacular effects..."

                                              -- The West Australian, Australia

 

 

Awards

 

 

Laurence Olivier Awards 1981

Musical of the Year

Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Musicals (Gillian Lynne)

 

1981 Evening Standard Award

Best Musical

 

Tony Awards 1983

Best Musical

Best Book

Best Score

Best Director (Trevor Nunn)

Best Supporting Musical Actress (Betty Buckley)

Best Costumes (John Napier)

Best Lighting (David Hersey)

 

1983 Grammy Awards

Best Cast Show Album

 

1984 Grammy Awards

Best Cast Show Album (Complete Original Broadway Cast Recording)

 

1983 Drama Desk Awards

Best Music

Best Costumes

Best Lighting

 

New York Outer Critics’ Circle Award

Best Musical

 

France Molière Award

Best Musical

 

Canada Dora Mavor Moore Awards

7 Awards including Best Musical

 

Japan

7 Awards