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“Cats” Returns to Nashville Nov. 19-24 at Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Press Release # Local
CATS
Photo by Matthew Murphy




NASHVILLE, TN – One of the biggest hits in theatrical history, “Cats” returns to Nashville for its ninth time Nov. 19-24 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall. Tickets are on sale now.

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 more than 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 or let it thrill you again.

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 creative team for the new production includes John Napier (Scenic & 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.

Since its world premiere, “Cats” has been presented in more than 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages, and has been seen by more than 73 million people worldwide.

“Cats” opened in the West End in 1981 with original direction by Nunn, choreography and associate direction by Lynne, scenic and costume design by Napier, lighting design by David Hersey, and sound design by Abe Jacob. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1982 where it won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album.

“Cats’” hit song “Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow. 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 Sept. 10, 2000, and is currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history. This marks the first tour of the musical’s Broadway revival.

The revival of “Cats” is produced by The Shubert Organization, James L. Nederlander, The Really Useful Group and Cameron Mackintosh.

The first-ever, live-action film adaptation of “Cats,” produced by Universal Pictures and Working Title, will open on Dec. 20, 2019.

Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. Institutional sponsors for TPAC include Nissan North America and Coca-Cola. TPAC is funded in part by support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission.


TPAC is an accessible facility that provides a variety of services including wheelchair accommodations, accessible parking, and assistive listening devices. Open captioning, American Sign Language, audio description, and large print and Braille programs are offered at the Sunday matinee performance of each Broadway series and Broadway special engagement. For more information, contact Access@TPAC.org or 615-782-6577.

TPAC reminds ticket buyers that the only official place to buy tickets online is www.TPAC.org.


Photo credit: Matthew Murphy


Media contact:

Lisa Kennedy

LKennedy@TPAC.org

615-782-4081