Andrew Lloyd Webber Explains That Andy Blankenbuehler's CATS Choreography Will Be 'Homage' to Gillian Lynne

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, in a recent interview with The Stage, CATS choreographer Gillian Lynne revealed some strong feelings regarding the hiring of choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler for the upcoming Broadway revival. Lynne, who also choreographed Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, told The Stage that she is "very angry" over the decision, adding: "It makes me feel like I'd like to murder. I have had a rotten time because of it. I did create the show, I really did."

Now Andrew Lloyd Webber has responded in another interview with the Stage. He explains: "It's a huge homage to Gillian Lynne. It will be very much faithful to Gillian's work. We are so lucky that the choreographer of the hottest show for years grew up on Cats and wanted to take it to a new level."

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British pop star Leona Lewis will play the role of "Grizabella," the Glamour Cat, in the first-ever Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical, Cats, returning to Broadway this summer at the Neil SimonTheatre. Preview performances are set to begin Thursday, July 14, 2016, and an official opening set for Sunday, July 31, 2016.

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, Catsopened 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 Tony Award-winning Best Musical held the title of longest- running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. The original Broadway production closed on September 10, 2000 and is currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history. This marks the first New York revival of the beloved musical.

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