CATS: NOW & FOREVER STARTING MAY 7th AT BASS CONCERT HALL
By Jake Gaines Photography by Matthew Murphy
It’s one of the biggest hits in theatrical history. CATS will come to Austin on May 7–12 as part of a multi-season North American tour. How great is that? Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation—experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again.
The original Broadway production opened in 1982 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre, where it ran for 7,485 performances and 18 years. CATS was originally produced on Broadway by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Company Limited, David Geffen, and The Shubert Organization. In fact, CATSreturned to Broadway in 2016 in a stunning revival at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Since its world premiere, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages, and has been seen by more than 73 million people worldwide. Originally directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography and associate direction by Gillian Lynne,scenic and costume design by John Napier, lighting design by David Hersey, and sound design by Abe Jacob, CATS opened in the West End in 1981. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1982 where it won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album. CATS hit song “Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow.
THE DETAILS:
WHO: Lexus Broadway in Austin presented by Texas Performing Arts
WHAT: CATS
WHEN: May 7 – 12, 2019 Tuesday – Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
WHERE: Bass Concert Hall | 2350 Robert Dedman Drive | Austin, TX 78712
TICKETS: Tickets are available at BroadwayinAustin.com and TexasPerformingArts.org