Cats. The very name conjures images of elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and that earworm of a song, “Memory.” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” has captivated and confused audiences for decades. But in the 21st century, with countless other theatrical productions vying for attention, the question remains: is Cats worth seeing? The answer, as complex as the musical itself, requires a deep dive into its history, impact, and the subjective nature of art.
A Cultural Phenomenon: Tracing the History of Cats
To understand the enduring debate surrounding Cats, it’s crucial to appreciate its cultural significance. The musical premiered in London’s West End in 1981 and quickly became a global sensation.
The Original Production: A Groundbreaking Spectacle
The initial London production, directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Gillian Lynne, was a theatrical marvel. Its innovative set design transformed the theatre into a larger-than-life junkyard, creating an immersive environment for the audience. The costumes, meticulously crafted to represent individual cat personalities, were unlike anything seen on stage before. The choreography, a blend of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, perfectly captured the feline spirit. The show’s success was undeniable, running for 21 years and becoming one of the longest-running musicals in West End history.
Broadway Beckons: A New York Triumph
Cats made its way to Broadway in 1982, mirroring the London production’s success. It broke box office records and became a cultural touchstone, introducing a new generation to the world of musical theatre. The Broadway run lasted for 18 years, further cementing Cats’ place in theatrical history. The production won numerous Tony Awards, including Best Musical, solidifying its critical acclaim and popular appeal.
Beyond the Stage: Adaptations and Revivals
The popularity of Cats spawned numerous adaptations and revivals across the globe. From touring productions to filmed versions, the musical has reached audiences worldwide. Each production has brought its own unique interpretation to the source material, ensuring that Cats remains relevant and accessible to new generations. The 1998 filmed version, starring Elaine Paige and Sir John Mills, made the musical accessible to a wider audience. Subsequent stage revivals on both the West End and Broadway have demonstrated the enduring appeal of Cats, attracting both loyal fans and curious newcomers.
Decoding the Plot (or Lack Thereof): Understanding the Narrative Structure
One of the most common criticisms of Cats is its perceived lack of plot. Unlike traditional musicals with a clear narrative arc, Cats is more of a character-driven spectacle, focusing on the individual stories of the Jellicle cats.
The Jellicle Ball: An Annual Gathering
The musical is set on the night of the Jellicle Ball, an annual gathering where the cats choose one of their own to be reborn into a new life on the Heaviside Layer. Each cat introduces themselves through song and dance, revealing their unique personalities and backstories. This episodic structure, while unconventional, allows for a diverse range of musical styles and theatrical performances.
Individual Cat Stories: Vignettes of Feline Life
The focus on individual cat stories provides a glimpse into the lives of these feline characters. From Rum Tum Tugger, the mischievous and alluring tomcat, to Grizabella, the glamour cat longing for her past, each character has a distinct personality and compelling backstory. These individual stories, while not interconnected in a traditional narrative sense, create a rich tapestry of feline life. The lack of a traditional plot can be viewed as a strength, allowing audiences to focus on the individual characters and their performances.
The Search for Meaning: Beyond the Surface
While the plot may seem simplistic, Cats explores deeper themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the search for belonging. The Jellicle cats, despite their differences, come together to celebrate their shared identity and choose one of their own for a new life. The selection of Grizabella, a cat who has been ostracized and forgotten, highlights the importance of compassion and redemption.
The Music and Dance: The Heart of Cats
The score and choreography are arguably the strongest elements of Cats, contributing significantly to its enduring appeal. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s eclectic score blends various musical styles, from pop and rock to classical and jazz.
“Memory”: An Iconic Ballad
“Memory,” sung by Grizabella, is undoubtedly the most famous song from Cats. Its haunting melody and emotional lyrics have resonated with audiences for decades. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple of musical theatre repertoire. Elaine Paige’s original rendition of “Memory” is considered iconic, capturing the pain and longing of Grizabella’s character.
Choreography: Capturing the Feline Spirit
Gillian Lynne’s choreography is another key element of Cats’ success. The intricate and expressive movements perfectly capture the feline spirit, conveying the grace, agility, and playfulness of cats. The choreography incorporates elements of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance, creating a visually stunning and engaging performance. The ensemble numbers, featuring the entire cast, are particularly impressive, showcasing the dancers’ athleticism and precision.
Musical Diversity: A Score for All Tastes
The musical diversity of the score ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. From the energetic “Rum Tum Tugger” to the playful “The Old Gumbie Cat,” each song showcases a different musical style and highlights the personality of the featured cat. The use of leitmotifs, recurring musical themes associated with specific characters, adds depth and complexity to the score. The orchestrations, by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber, are rich and evocative, creating a lush soundscape that enhances the overall theatrical experience.
Controversy and Criticism: Addressing the Haters
Despite its success, Cats has faced its fair share of criticism. Some critics have dismissed it as shallow and pretentious, while others have questioned its lack of plot and overall artistic merit.
The “Plotless” Argument: A Valid Critique?
The criticism surrounding the lack of plot is perhaps the most common complaint about Cats. Some viewers find the episodic structure disjointed and unsatisfying, longing for a more cohesive narrative. However, proponents of the musical argue that the focus on individual characters and their stories is what makes Cats unique and engaging. The absence of a traditional plot allows for a greater emphasis on music, dance, and visual spectacle.
The “Costumes are Creepy” Factor: Overcoming the Uncanny Valley
The elaborate costumes, while visually stunning, have also been a source of controversy. Some viewers find the human-like appearance of the cats unsettling, triggering the “uncanny valley” effect. The heavy makeup and elaborate wigs can create a sense of artificiality, detracting from the overall performance. However, others appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating these unique and memorable costumes. The costumes are undeniably iconic, contributing significantly to the visual identity of Cats.
The 2019 Film Adaptation: A Critical Cat-astrophe
The 2019 film adaptation of Cats, directed by Tom Hooper, was met with widespread critical derision. The visual effects, particularly the use of “digital fur technology,” were widely criticized as being unsettling and poorly executed. The film’s plot, which attempted to add more narrative structure to the musical, was also deemed unsuccessful. The critical failure of the film adaptation has undoubtedly impacted the perception of Cats, making it even more controversial.
The Verdict: Is Cats Worth Seeing?
Ultimately, whether or not Cats is worth seeing is a matter of personal preference. There’s no definitive answer that applies to everyone.
Factors to Consider: Your Personal Preferences
Consider your own tastes and preferences before deciding whether or not to see Cats. Do you enjoy musicals with elaborate costumes and choreography? Are you drawn to character-driven stories rather than plot-driven narratives? Are you open to unconventional theatrical experiences? If you answered yes to these questions, then you may find Cats to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. If you prefer traditional musicals with clear narratives and realistic costumes, then you may be disappointed.
The Enduring Appeal: Why Cats Still Matters
Despite its criticisms and controversies, Cats continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its innovative staging, memorable music, and captivating performances have made it a theatrical icon. The musical’s themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the search for belonging are timeless and universal. Cats has introduced countless people to the world of musical theatre, inspiring a love of the performing arts that lasts a lifetime.
Experiencing Cats: A Unique Theatrical Event
Seeing Cats is more than just attending a musical; it’s experiencing a theatrical event. The immersive set design, elaborate costumes, and energetic performances create a world of feline fantasy that is both captivating and unforgettable. Whether you love it or hate it, Cats is a musical that will leave a lasting impression. The experience is often described as a spectacle, a feast for the eyes and ears, and a celebration of the performing arts. It’s a show that demands to be seen to be believed, and one that sparks conversation and debate long after the curtain falls.
What makes Cats a divisive musical?
Cats often sparks debate due to its unconventional plot and abstract nature. The story, based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” lacks a traditional narrative arc and instead presents a series of vignettes showcasing different feline characters. This can leave some viewers feeling confused or unsatisfied, particularly if they expect a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Furthermore, the highly stylized costumes, makeup, and choreography contribute to the polarizing effect. While some appreciate the artistic interpretation of feline movement and appearance, others find it strange, even off-putting. This combination of an unconventional narrative and distinctive visual style is the core reason behind the musical’s divisiveness.
What are the musical highlights of Cats?
The most renowned musical highlight of Cats is undoubtedly “Memory,” a power ballad sung by Grizabella, the glamour cat. This emotional and evocative song has become a standard in musical theatre and is celebrated for its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics, expressing themes of regret and longing. Many other songs, though less widely known, contribute significantly to the show’s atmosphere and character development.
Besides “Memory,” numbers such as “The Rum Tum Tugger” and “Mr. Mistoffelees” showcase the individual personalities of the cats, while “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” and “The Old Gumbie Cat” feature intricate harmonies and ensemble choreography. The eclectic musical styles, ranging from jazz to pop to classical, are woven together to create a unique and memorable sonic landscape.
Is Cats suitable for children?
Whether Cats is suitable for children depends on the individual child and their level of maturity. The lack of a straightforward narrative can be challenging for younger children to follow, and some of the themes, such as loneliness and societal ostracization, might be too complex for them to fully grasp.
However, the show also offers visually captivating elements, including the elaborate costumes, dynamic choreography, and vibrant set design, which can be engaging for children. Additionally, some of the songs are lighthearted and playful. Ultimately, parents should consider their child’s attention span, sensitivity, and prior exposure to theatre before deciding whether to bring them to Cats.
What are the common criticisms of Cats?
One of the most frequent criticisms leveled against Cats is its weak or nonexistent plot. Many find the series of character introductions and dance numbers to be disjointed and lacking a cohesive storyline. Without a compelling narrative, some viewers struggle to connect with the characters or become invested in the overall experience.
Another common criticism relates to the show’s visual design. While the cat costumes and makeup are undeniably iconic, some find them unsettling or even frightening. The anthropomorphic portrayal of cats, with human-like features and movements, can be off-putting for some audience members, especially those expecting a more realistic depiction of felines.
What is the general consensus among critics and audiences?
The critical reception of Cats has been mixed throughout its history. While some critics praise the show’s innovative choreography, memorable music, and imaginative design, others find it to be pretentious, shallow, and lacking in substance. Reviews often highlight the spectacle of the production while simultaneously questioning its artistic merit.
Audience responses have been equally varied. Some theatregoers adore the show’s whimsical atmosphere and energetic performances, finding it to be a delightful and unforgettable experience. Others, however, are left feeling confused, bored, or even disappointed. This divergence in opinion underscores the show’s polarizing nature and its ability to elicit strong reactions, both positive and negative.
How does the stage version of Cats differ from the 2019 film adaptation?
The stage version of Cats relies heavily on theatricality and imagination, using costumes, makeup, and choreography to create a stylized world of feline characters. The sets are often minimalistic, allowing the performers to embody the essence of cats through movement and expression. This creates a sense of intimacy and allows the audience to engage with the characters on a personal level.
The 2019 film adaptation attempted to create a more photorealistic portrayal of cats using CGI, which ultimately proved controversial. The “digital fur technology” resulted in characters that some viewers found unsettling or uncanny. The film also deviated from the stage production in terms of plot and characterization, further contributing to the mixed reception.
Is Cats worth seeing for someone who is new to musical theatre?
Whether Cats is a good introduction to musical theatre depends on individual preferences. On one hand, the show’s lack of a traditional narrative and its unconventional style might not be the best starting point for someone unfamiliar with the genre. It could potentially create a skewed perception of what musical theatre typically entails.
On the other hand, Cats offers a visually and aurally stimulating experience that can be captivating for new audiences. The memorable songs, energetic choreography, and elaborate costumes can provide a taste of the spectacle and artistry that musical theatre has to offer. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s openness to experimental and abstract forms of storytelling.