Cats the musical is an international phenomenon that transforms T S Eliot Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats into a story told through dance, music, and striking visuals. Based on a collection of poems rather than a linear narrative, the show turns feline characters into a metaphor for hidden lives in London.
From the perspective of creators and producers, the answer to what is the musical cats based on centers on Eliot’s poetry, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score, and the iconic theatrical concept of the Jellicle tribe. The result is a piece that redefined modern musical theater and set benchmarks for spectacle and emotional storytelling.
Origins and Source Material
T S Eliot’s Poetry Collection
The musical directly adapts T S Eliot’s 1939 poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, where each poem introduces a distinct cat with personality, quirks, and a Jellicle destiny.
The Jellicle Concept
The Jellicle tribe is a fictional feline society created by Eliot, and in the musical it becomes the framework for a ceremonial gathering in which cats compete to be reborn. This idea shapes the structure and emotional stakes of the show.
Musical and Theatrical Elements
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Score
Lloyd Webber’s compositions provide the backbone of the musical, turning Eliot’s verses into songs that range from playful to profound, using styles from ballads to choral processions.
Choreography and Staging
The choreography interprets cat movement through human dance, while stage design and illusions turn a mostly empty stage into alleyways, moonlit courtyards, and celestial realms.
Historical Timeline to Key Productions
| Year | Milestone | Theater | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | London Premiere | New London Theatre | Debut that launched a global franchise |
| 1982 | Broadway Transfer | Winter Garden Theatre | Major commercial and critical success in New York |
| 1998 | Video Recordings | N/A | Filmed production expanded audience far beyond theaters |
| 2010s | Global Revivals | Various | Reinterpretations in multiple countries with updated staging |
Key Characters and Their Poetry Roots
Each principal cat embodies traits and stories drawn from Eliot’s verses, giving the ensemble a strong identity even before choreography is added.
- Rum Tum Tugger reflects Eliot’s playful, unpredictable feline with his dynamic stage presence.
- Grizabella moves from isolation to acceptance, echoing themes of redemption in Eliot’s poems.
- Macavity as the mysterious villain ties into Eliot’s depiction of a shadowy, elusive cat.
- Demeter and Bombalurina provide contrasting viewpoints and musical textures within the tribe.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
By translating feline poetry into a full sensory experience, Cats became a benchmark for theatrical innovation, inspiring countless adaptations and discussions about how to stage nonrealistic stories.
Its long runs and continuous revivals demonstrate sustained audience connection, proving that reimagined classics can remain fresh across generations.
The Evolution and Ongoing Relevance of Cats
Over decades, productions have adapted visuals and technology while retaining the core idea of Eliot’s Jellicle tribe, showing flexibility in staging and interpretation.
The balance between spectacle and intimate storytelling continues to attract new audiences, maintaining the show as a reference point in discussions about innovative musical theater.
FAQ
Reader questions
What specific book or poems form the basis of Cats the musical?
The musical is based on T S Eliot’s 1939 poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, with the musical drawing its characters and stories directly from these poems.
Is Cats based on a novel or a true story about cats?
No, it is not based on a novel or a true story; it is a theatrical adaptation of poetic character sketches that explore feline mythology and human-like emotions.
Does Cats follow one consistent storyline from beginning to end?
While the musical presents a narrative arc centered on the Jellicle choice, it is episodic, with each song and dance exploring a different cat rather than a single linear plot.
How did Andrew Lloyd Webber transform Eliot’s poetry into a musical score?
Lloyd Webber used Eliot’s verses as inspiration for melodies, key changes, and motifs, creating a score that expresses each cat’s personality through distinct musical styles and vocal arrangements.