Note: Proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test required for admittance. Learn more
One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, “CATS” will come to Wharton Center from Tuesday, Jan. 4 to Sunday, Jan. 9 as part of a new North American tour. Tickets are available on whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517-432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, and is now on tour across North America. Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation — experience “CATS” for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again.
The creative team for the new production of “CATS” includes John Napier (scenic and 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. Kim Craven as the associate choreographer and Chrissie Cartwright as the associate director/choreographer.
Since its world premiere, “CATS” has been seen by more than 75 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, “CATS” opened in London’s West End in 1981.
The original Broadway production opened in 1982 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre, 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 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.