Hey there, theater fans and cat lovers alike! Let’s talk about something truly iconic—Cats, the legendary musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Now, get this: the show that first graced the stage way back in 1981 is finally making its way to the silver screen. Universal Pictures just announced the release date—December 20, 2019. Can you believe we've waited THIS long for an adaptation? It's been nearly four decades since the show's debut, and if you compare that to other adaptations like Wicked, which is only taking 17 years to hit theaters, well, let’s just say Cats had to endure the longest catwalk of them all!
How It All Began: The Origins of Cats
Let me take you back to the early days of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career. He was already riding high on the success of blockbusters like Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. But when it came to Cats, Andrew drew inspiration from an unexpected place: T.S. Eliot's whimsical poetry collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The story revolves around a tribe of felines known as the Jellicles. It's all about a magical night where one lucky cat gets chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—a mystical place where they'll be reborn into a new life. Sounds like a feline fantasy, right?
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Andrew knew that real cats wouldn’t exactly follow a stage director’s cues (trust me, I’ve tried teaching my cat tricks—it doesn’t end well). So, his genius solution? Dress humans up as cats and let them bring the story to life. At the time, this idea was met with a lot of skepticism. People thought it was, well, a little crazy. But Andrew stuck to his vision, believing that if they could pull it off, they’d create something truly unique. And guess what? He was absolutely right.
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The Making of a Musical Phenomenon
Andrew Lloyd Webber once shared with Smithsonian.com the countless objections he faced when pitching Cats. People told him it was a recipe for disaster: "You're working with a dead poet, a bunch of songs about cats, and asking us to believe that people dressed up as cats can actually entertain an audience. Plus, you’re collaborating with Trevor Nunn, who had never directed a musical before, and staging it in a theater with a less-than-stellar reputation." It sounded like a long shot, but Andrew and his team believed in the magic of the story. They knew that even if it didn’t become a massive hit, they were attempting something groundbreaking.
And boy, did it pay off! Cats gave us one of the most iconic songs in musical theater history—"Memory." It became the fourth-longest-running show on Broadway, has been translated into over 20 languages, and won countless awards, including seven Tony Awards for its Broadway debut. When it premiered in London in 1981, it swept the Laurence Olivier Awards. Clearly, the world fell in love with these feline characters and their unforgettable journey.
What’s Next for Cats?
Fast forward to today, and the movie adaptation is set to hit theaters. Directed by the talented Tom Hooper, who brought us the unforgettable Les Misérables, this film promises to be a spectacle. The rumored cast includes A-listers like Anne Hathaway, James Corden, Taylor Swift, and Sir Ian McKellen. Just imagine these incredible actors bringing their unique talents to the world of cats. It’s going to be an unforgettable cinematic experience!
So, mark your calendars, folks. December 20, 2019, is the day we’ll finally see Cats on the big screen. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the musical or just curious about what all the fuss is about, this movie is going to be a must-see. As the saying goes, "Meow" to that!
