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Welcome to Cats: Digital Guide

Discover the magic, mystery, and musical brilliance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, reimagined through a powerful and thought-provoking lens. Our production frames the experiences of people who face homelessness, highlighting themes of community, resilience, and hope. In this version, a community of individuals experiencing homelessness who come together and call themselves the Jellicle Cats who share their stories, seek connection, and find renewal.

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This website is a resource for exploring the history, themes, and artistry behind Cats as well as the unique perspective of our production. Dive into the fascinating origins of the show, learn about the unforgettable characters that bring this reimagined Jellicle Ball to life, uncover the deeper meanings behind this timeless story, and find resources for help and how to get involved 

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Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, this production invites you to journey into the heart of the Jellicle Cats and celebrate the legacy of this musical through a new and compelling perspective.

This site includes:

A history of the musical Cats and its evolution from T.S. Eliot’s poetry to a global musical phenomenon.

Song breakdown and story synopsis that reflects the framing of our concept.

Places to get help, resources for youth, and information on how to get involved:

A note from our directors on the concept for this production.

A description of the Cats characters and their roles in the Jellicle Cats community. 

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Director’s Note

When people think of Cats, they often imagine spandex-clad performers or recall the infamous 2019 film adaptation. However, beneath the surface of this musical about cats seeking rebirth lies a deeper story about community—how it forms, endures, and evolves. When Alec and I chose to produce Cats, we aimed for more than spectacle; we wanted our students to explore the meaning of community and its vital role in today’s world.

Our production reimagines Cats as a story about people experiencing homelessness. At its core is a tale of resilience and belonging, as a community takes in someone who has lost their footing and seeks shelter. Through this shared space, we witness a tapestry of human complexity, with each individual navigating their life and challenges. In rethinking the antagonist, Macavity, we chose to depict not just addiction or mental health struggles but a broader symbol of the trials and temptations that are universally hard to overcome, allowing audiences to interpret his adversity in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

We’ve strived to honor the humanity and dignity of these characters, fostering empathy and avoiding caricatures. We hope this reimagining of Cats offers a fresh perspective and sparks conversations about resilience, connection, and the power of community. Thank you for joining us on this journey—it has been a labor of love, and we hope it resonates with you as deeply as it has with us.

The History of Cats

Musical Numbers

Act I

Overture

A young girl, Sillabub, is thrust into the world of the Jellicle Cats after experiencing an unexpected encounter with Macavity, leaving her lost and without a home.

Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats

The Jellicle cats find Sillabub scared, alone and hurt, and welcome her in with open arms. Showing her kindness and comfort as they celebrate what it means to be a Cat.

The Naming of Cats

The Old Gumbie Cat

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Munkustrap introduces Jennyanydots and describes her history in the Army.

The Rum Tum Tugger

Entry of Grizabella

Rum Tum Tugger introduces himself as a jovial, if not cocky, young performer whom the community deems ‘curious’. He is defiant and flirtatious, and many of the older Jellicles view him with disdain.

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Bustopher Jones

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer

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As a mischievous duo, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer have a knack for creating new things out of the old.

Old Deuteronomy

The Jellicle Ball

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Grizabella: The Glamour Cat

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Act II

The Moments of Happiness

Gus: The Theatre Cat

Old Deuteronomy reflects on who she wants to pick to be reborn and questions Grizabella's place in the community. As a new member to the Cats Sillabub sings of finding happiness. 

Jellylorum and Gus reminisce Gus's career in the theatre. This song sparks Gus reinacting one of his most coveted roles, in The Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles, the Rumpus Cat.

The Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles

Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

Gus and Munkustrap narrate the conflict between the Pekes and the Pollicles, foes divided by their opposing groups. Gus portrays the Rumpus Cat, a hero that attempts to resolve the dispute between the Pekes and the Pollicles. 

Skimbleshanks takes a few younger members of the Cats on the railway as he collects mail to deliver. When he receives a letter on his trip, the message reveals a former member from the community has passed away from involvement with Macavity. 

Macavity: The Mystery Cat

Old Deuteronomy after receiving the letter, swallowed in grief, gets lured in by Macavity, and disappears. Bombalurina and Demeter warn the group of Macavity's danger.

Mr. Mistoffelees

With Old Deuteronomy missing, Mr. Mistoffelees is sent to rescue her. Rum Tum Tugger instigates and narrates his journey, culminating in Old Deuteronomy being saved. The reunion ingratiates both young Jellicles with their community and the cats share a moment of appreciation for their leader’s safe return. 

Memory

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The Journey to the Heaviside Layer

As the Cats hearts are softened by Grizabella's pain, Old Deuteronmy chooses Grizabella to be given a second chance at life. Grizabella then shares her goodbyes to the Cats before she departs to her new life.

The Ad-Dressing of Cats

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Songs

Cats is a musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. First published in 1939, Eliot’s whimsical verses introduced readers to a variety of feline characters, each with distinct personalities. Andrew Lloyd Webber, inspired by Eliot’s playful and evocative poetry, began setting the poems to music in the late 1970s. Initially conceived as a song cycle, Cats evolved into a full-scale musical with the help of producer Cameron Mackintosh and director Trevor Nunn.

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The show premiered in London’s West End at the New London Theatre on May 11, 1981, and became an instant hit. It then opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on October 7, 1982, where it achieved similar acclaim. Cats won numerous awards, including the Laurence Olivier Award and Tony Award for Best Musical, and became one of the longest-running musicals in both West End and Broadway history. The musical’s innovative staging, iconic choreography by Gillian Lynne, and beloved song “Memory” solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon.

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In addition to its original productions, Cats has been translated into multiple languages, toured extensively worldwide, and been adapted into a feature film in 2019. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal themes of identity, belonging, and transformation.

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This rich tapestry of characters and their stories creates a vibrant and immersive world, making Cats a unique and enduring musical experience.

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Characters

This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture or work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.

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