How well do you know the iconic musical Cats, one of Broadway's longest-running shows? Test your knowledge with these fascinating trivia facts about the Jellicles, their annual ball, and the musical's journey from stage to screen. From Andrew Lloyd Webber's financial gamble to Judi Dench's missed role, Cats has captivated audiences with its rich history and unforgettable performances. Dive into the world of Cats and discover something new about this legendary production!
Adaptations
- Cats was adapted into a direct-to-video film in 1998 and a feature film released in 2019.
- The 2019 film adaptation of 'Cats', directed by Tom Hooper, featured an ensemble cast including James Corden, Judi Dench, and Taylor Swift, but was poorly received and considered a box office flop.
International Productions
- The original London production of Cats ran for 21 years with 8,949 performances, and the Broadway production lasted 18 years with 7,485 performances.
Musical Composition
- Notable for its choreography, 'Cats' is considered one of the most dance-centric shows in musical theatre history, featuring a mix of ballet, modern dance, jazz, and tap.
Production Facts
- The musical stars a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and revolves around their annual Jellicle Ball where they choose which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.
- As of 2024, Cats is the fifth-longest-running Broadway show and the seventh-longest-running West End show.
- Judi Dench was originally cast in dual roles for 'Cats', but had to withdraw due to an Achilles tendon injury and was replaced by Elaine Paige as Grizabella.
- Andrew Lloyd Webber personally financed the initial production of 'Cats' by taking a second mortgage on his house, risking financial ruin if the musical failed.
- The original staging of 'Cats' at the New London Theatre was revolutionary, featuring an immersive, quasi-in-the-round setup with a central revolving stage.
- The Winter Garden Theatre underwent a $2 million renovation to replicate the immersive experience of the London production when Cats moved to Broadway.
- Andrew Lloyd Webber was so disenchanted with the 2019 'Cats' film adaptation that he reportedly got a therapy dog.
- A Cats postage stamp was issued in the U.S. in 2000, celebrating the musical as a significant cultural artifact of the 1980s.
