Anybody seen the play, "Cats"?

Question

Is it good? What exactly is the story line about? Thanks!

Answer 1

The music in Cats is phenominal, as is the costume work. However, there's not very much of a story line. It's based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, a book of poetry by T.S. Elliot, and the story was written around the poems and music to help hold it together.

The premise of the story is about a tribe of cats, the Jellicle cats, who are preparing for a great celebration - the Jellicle Ball. Most of the first act, and a portion of the second, is spent in songs introducing various cats. One such cat is Grizabella the Glamour Cat, who was once beautiful but is now old and shunned by the rest of the tribe. Old Deuteronomy comes on towards the end of the first act. He is in charge of the tribe, and will decide at the Jellice ball who will go to the Heaviside Layer (the cat's heaven).

In Act two, there are more introductions. Then Macavity, the show's villian, comes onstage, sings what is my personal favorite number, and kidnaps Deuteronomy. Mr. Mistoffelees, a magical cat, brings him back and the Jellicle Ball begins. Grizabella then sings the show's most well known number, "Memory", and is chosen to be the cat to ascend to the Heaviside layer. Deuteronomy adresses the audience and the assembled cats, and the curtain closes.

I've always loved the show; it was probably the show that got me hooked on Broadway. I saw it the month before it went off Broadway and adored it. If you're more interested in a show with a strong plot, this may not be the show for you. If you can appreciate it simply for the music and be happy with a mediocre plot, then you'll love it. I still do. :) And now I need to go find my Cats CD! I haven't listened to it in years, and half-remembered songs are running through my head.

Answer 2

Kirstie gave a great synopsis of the play! I have seen it 7 times, from it's original conception at the Winter Garden Theatre in NYC in 1985 (WITH ON STAGE SEATS!!!), to Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago and other towns. It is coming to Spokane, WA next week and I am taking my 8 year old son to see it. I have sat with him to watch the DVD that came out several years back so he can expect to know what will come. We did the same for "Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and he was up out of his chair dancing and singing during the play!
Great music for any age as well as fun use of makeup and costumes! If you have not already gotten tickets, try to sit as close as possible to the front; which unfortunatley may cost a bundle, but to see the movements and how the players are drawn into character of a cats mind and manners is worth every penny! Hope you enjoy the experience!!

Answer 3

There's not a lot of "story" going on. It's based on a poem by T.S. Elliott. There is an older cat who is sad because her time is almost over. (She sings the song "Memory") And then there are lots of other cat characters. The amazing thing about the show is the actors' ability to transform themselves into cats. Their physical work as performers is very impressive. Or - well - at least it was when I saw the Broadway tour show. Actually - you don't see this show done by many community theatres. I think it's too hard for them to pull off.

Answer 4

I've seen it - it's one of my favorites!
It's about a tribe of cats (called Jellicles) and in the beginning, they explain to you that every year they have a Jellicle Ball, and one cat gets chosen to go to the Heavyside Layer (a.k.a. Cat Heaven). So bascially, the whole show is about different cats "auditioning" until they are interrupted by an ex - member of their tribe named Grizabella. She desires to be accepted, but everyone is still a little ticked off for her absence. There also is an evil villain who kidnaps their leader. I won't tell you the ending, because it will definitely ruin it for you!
I suggest you watch the film before going to see it. It might help you understand it better. And yes, it does sound weird if you read the synopsis (because that's what I thought too). But I finally gave in and I watched it, and now it's one of my favorites, and the live show is even better!
I posted some clips from the film that were on YouTube (They won't give away the ending, don't worry). Enjoy!

The Rum Tum Tugger played by the brilliant John Partridge (and my favorite song!) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNCbharr18U

Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer played by Jo Gibb and Drew Varley - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdK49rhgMnU

Victoria's Solo (not really a song, but a beautiful dance) by Phyllida Crowley Smith - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePQ-wnIIcTs

Answer 5

definite I incredibly have considered the thearterical version . that's based on the Bibical tale of Joseph and his relatives.as quickly as I observed the theaterical version of Jospeh and the excellent Technicolor DreamCoat i assumed it grew to become into fantastically sturdy, nevertheless Donny Osmond did not excursion with this actual Canadian traveling enterprise. I additionally very own the VHS version of it too. in case you may get the VHS version it stars Donny Osmond who first made the region widespread of Joseph on the degree.

Answer 6

Nope, But i'm going to see it tonight, from what i've heard it's really good. I think it's also based on a book by T.S. Elliot.

Answer 7

I used a VHS of the play to gently allow my daughter to go to sleep at her bedtime years ago. She still watches it on occasion.

Answer 8

I saw it. Didn't get it, and left after hearing the only thing I enjoyed, which was the song "Memory". My friend was the opposite, she saw it several times.

Answer 9

i havent seen the play, ive seen it on dvd. its just a really cool reenactment of how cats interact in every day life...really neat.