CATS

Once a year the Jellicle cats meet in their favorite alley for an annual reunion. At this time, each cat does his best to impress Old Deuteronomy, the head Tom cat, who elects one cat, each year, to ascend up to “ heavy Layer” or “cat heaven. Then of course there is Grizabella, an older cat who left the tribe and repeatedly, attempts to return. Returning is forbidden unless one of the member cats reaches out and touches her, signaling acceptance back. So, is she accepted? Which cat does Old Deuteronomy select?

Based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's book of Practical Cats, CATS was as much a cultural phenomenon as a musical, and set long-run records both in London (21 years) and on Broadway (18 years). It has been translated into more than 20 languages, and continues to be performed all around the world. With a cast of all-singing, all-dancing cats, this show expanded the idea of what a leading character in a musical might be. The songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, most notably "Memory," have transcended musical theater and become popular standards.