Cats 1981

Ages: 6+
Opened: May 11, 1981
Closing: May 11, 2002

Cats - 1981 - West End History , Info & More

Based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot

The longest running, most popular, North American Touring Production in history!



There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway's history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song "Memory."


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VIDEO: On This Day, August 14- Happy Birthday, Sarah Brightman!
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 14, 2018


On this day, we're celebrating the birthday of legendary soprano and Phantom's original Christine, Sarah Brightman. 

NBC Has Heaven On Its Mind! JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR LIVE! to Air on Easter Sunday
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2017


Set for Easter Sunday (April 1, 2018), NBC will bring to broadcast television “Jesus Christ Superstar Live!,” a one-of-a-kind live staging of the iconic 1971 Broadway rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The event will be executive produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice, Marc Platt, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. 

THRILLER LIVE Smashes Yet Another West End Record!
by BWW News Desk - Dec 21, 2016


Thriller Live has smashed yet another West End record to become London's 16th Longest Running Musical of all time.

Broadway Sound Designer Abe Jacob to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Live Design Awards
by Tyler Peterson - May 18, 2016


Legendary theatrical sound designer Abe Jacob will be honored for his pioneering career achievements at the Live Design Awards on Monday, June 13 in New York. Another legendary icon, Chita Rivera, will present the award to Jacob, whom she has known since the original Broadway production of CHICAGO (1975).

Photo Coverage: John Kander, James Rado & More Celebrate Abe Jacob
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Oct 7, 2014


Long-time friends, associates and family gathered last night (October 6) to celebrate the 70th birthday of one of the theatre community's most treasured members - award-winning sound designer Abe Jacob.

Sarah Brightman Cancels 8/10 Appearance At The Show At Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
by David Green - Jun 23, 2014


Internationally renowned recording artist, music icon, actress and humanitarian, Sarah Brightman, is forced to cancel her August 10 appearance at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage. Brightman is the world's biggest selling soprano, an international superstar as beloved for her staggering vocal range (over three full octaves) as for her impassioned film and stage performances. Over a three-decade career, she's sold over thirty million records worldwide, is the first artist to have been invited twice to perform the theme songs at the Olympic Games, and is frequently credited with pioneering the Classical Crossover genre, allowing music once reserved for conservatories and concert halls to seep onto the pop charts.

Sarah Brightman Cancels US Tour
by Courtnie Mele - Jun 18, 2014


Sarah Brightman has just cancelled her US Tour dates. On her Facebook page, she wrote, 'I have suffered a hairline fracture to my ankle and have been advised by my doctors to rest it until September by which time it will have fully recovered. I have, regrettably, taken the decision to cancel my forthcoming US dates in August. I truly apologise for any disappointment caused.'

Other Productions of Cats

1981   West End Original London Production
West End
1982   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2004   London Fringe London Revival
London Fringe
2011   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
2014   West End West End Revival
West End
2016   West End West End 2015 Revival Production
West End
2016   Broadway Broadway Revival Production
Broadway
2019   US Tour US Revival Tour
US Tour
2021   US Tour Non-Equity Tour
US Tour
2024   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Production
Off-Broadway

Cats - 1981 West End Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2002 Olivier Awards Audience Award for Most Popular Show 0
1981 Evening Standard Awards Ned Sherrin Award for Best Musical 0
1981 Olivier Awards Actor of the Year in a Musical Wayne Sleep
1981 Olivier Awards Designer of the Year John Napier
1981 Olivier Awards Director of the Year Trevor Nunn
1981 Olivier Awards Musical of the Year Andrew Lloyd Webber
1981 Olivier Awards Musical of the Year Trevor Nunn
1981 Olivier Awards Musical of the Year Richard Stilgoe
1981 Olivier Awards Outstanding Achievement of the Year in a Musical Gillian Lynne

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