Cats

Cats
Cats-An internationally appreciated musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber (ALW) is based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and other poems by T. S. Eliot. This musical has earned the privilege as the most loved musical.

Keeping in view Cat's popularity, it is translated in to over 20 languages. Japanese, German (three versions for Germany, Austria and Switzerland), Hungarian, Norwegian, Finnish, Dutch, Swedish (bilingual cast who performed in German and English on alternate nights), French, Spanish (two versions for Mexico and Argentina), Italian.

The thing about Cats is criticized is the deficiency of the main plot. But it does have a small basic plot. And honestly speaking I think it is all that was needed for the show. It?s a story about a certain group of felines. They dwell in a junkyard. Tonight is a special celebration night of the year for cats, which is held annually to celebrate for what they are? All the felines sing of their unique abilities and special qualities.

In this celebration a lot of cat's secrets are revealed, cats seem to be a bit reluctant in the start but then they start opening up. Spectators know by cat's dialogues that every cat has three names. One name is used by the family and a secret name and third one is a bit more dignified. Each and every cat come out for audition with a different song or dance number so that their leader can announce who is chosen for the special journey of "reborn" tonight.

Each cat describe about herself or some other cat in her or his audition. This gives the audience an idea about the different personalities of cats. A sweet young white cat named Victoria. She is the first to dance to indicate the starting of the Jellicle Ball. Then another huge grey tabby Munkustrap tells that all the Jellicle meet every year once to cheer. The old Gumbie cat known as Jennyanydots is so lazy, lounges and sleeps all day long. As a contrast there is wanton Rum Tum Tugger cat, a wild prankster admired by and extremely attracted by all female cats. And no doubt he enjoys the center of attention.

The Glamour Cat, Grizabella is being rejected by the tribe as she left the tribe years ago to explore the world but now she wants to return though no one greets her. Highlt respected and honored cat by all the felines Bustopher is 25 pounds. He is always dressed stylishly in costly white spats. His leisure time is usurped eating and partying English pubs and clubs.

During the celebration feline's benign leader Old Deuteronomy is kidnapped by the all time notorious cat Macavity. Macavity is always doing something wrong. Macavity returns in disguise of Old Deuteronomy. Though cats recognize him and Munkustrap a brave and strong male cat fights with him and almost defeats him. Macavity in return rigs an electric explosion and now the cats are in darkness. Though thanks to clever Mr Mistoffelees a conjuring cat having few magical tricks up his sleeves manages not only to bring back the light but also their favorite and most loved leader. Old Deuteronomy is not only a kind leader he is also father of most of the felines.

Grizabella is trying desperately to be accepted by the tribe, she comes to the celebration two times but is not accepted but finally when she returns for the third time she is not accepted but also opted by the leader for the journey of "reborn". Besides these cats there is an old theatre cat Gus, he has worked with a lot of legend actors of his time and is very proud of his shinning past. Then Skimbleshanks is a railway cat. He is a friendly uncle for all the cats.

It's a nice light show with spectacular performance. It earned seven Tonys, three Grammys, six Oliviers, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, an International Emmy and the Praemium Imperiale, the Richard Rodgers award for Excellence in Musical Theatre and the Critics' Circle award for Best Musical 2000. Wow! Imagine that. The show's best song which is sung by Grizabella, "the Glamour Cat," "Memory" has been recorded by more than 150 artists; this wonderful melody is considered to be Webber?s signature tune. The lyrics of the song based on Eliot's poems "Rhapsody on a Windy Night" and "Preludes."

Cats- the musical consists on two acts. My personal favorite is the song in the last when sweet old Deuteronomy tells audience that cats are in a way similar to humans. On the whole it's a splendid show. I ma sure reading all that must have filled you with thrill and you are just waiting to witness this stunning show to experience the magic of its almost flawless performance.

Cats is a famous musical based on T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats", composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Andrew Llyod Webber recalls the books as being among his favorites as a child. Cats was first premiered in West End at "New London Theatre" in 1981, directed by Trevor Nunn. The choreographer was Gillian Lynne. It became the fourth longest running West End musical ever and ran for twenty on years.

Cats was brought to Broadway's "Winter Garden Theatre" on 8th of October 1982 under the same team as of West End. Cats was the longest running Broadway show with 7,485 performances till 2000 before "Phantom of the Opera". Even today it is the second longest running show of Broadway. The show has been produced by many productions throughout the world in 20 different languages.

Cats has won two Olivier Awards including one for the "Best New Musical" and seven Tony Awards including a Tony Award for "The Best Musical" in 1983. It has been nominated four times for Tony Awards too. One of the most famous tracks from the musical is "Jellicle Ball" and it was also adopted in the opening titles of "FIFA world cup 1982" by BBC. In 1998 the musical was adapted into a film by the same name. If you wish to watch Cats live in theatre, don't forget to book your Cats tickets right away!