Grumpy Cat Will Become First Real Feline to Claw Into Broadway's CATS

Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking Broadway musical, CATS will make history once again when internet sensation, Grumpy Cat becomes the first genuine feline to join the cast. Grumpy Cat, the media personality, performer and New York Times best-selling author, will make her Broadway debut alongside the cast on stage at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 W 52nd Street) on Friday, September 30, 2016.

"Being selected as the first real cat to perform in CATS on Broadway is an honor. I hate it," said Grumpy Cat about her impending Broadway debut. "If I'm really being honest, I'd prefer to play the Phantom inThe Phantom of the Opera."

Grumpy Cat is the most famous (and grouchiest) cat on the internet. She rocketed to fame on September 22, 2012 when her photo was posted on Reddit. In a short amount of time Grumpy Cat has become a legitimate pop culture sensation with over 12 million followers. In addition to being the official spokescat for Friskies, Grumpy has appeared on numerous TV shows, a range of merchandise, four best-selling books, and her very own Lifetime Christmas movie. When Grumpy Cat is at home, she enjoys a normal life as a kitty, playing with her brother Pokey and eating all the treats she can."

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," the original Broadway production opened in 1982 at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre (currently home to Lloyd Webber's newest hit, School of Rock - The Musical), 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.

The creative team for the new Broadway production of CATS includes John Napier (Scenic & Costume Design), Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Mick Potter (Sound Design), choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn.

With the opening of CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber, once again, has the rare distinction of having three musicals running simultaneously on Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock - The Musical, and CATS.

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 TrevorNunn 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 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.

This new production of CATS is licensed by The Really Useful Group and produced by The Shubert Organization, The Nederlander Organization, The Really Useful Group and Cameron Mackintosh, along with Roy Furman, John Gore, Grove Entertainment, Stella La Rue, Burnt Umber Productions, Independent Presenters Network and Peter May. Nina Lannan serves as Executive Producer.