Overview
Synopsis
Based on T.S. Eliot’s whimsical collection of poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical brings together a tribe of Jellicle Cats on a moonlit evening, who must make the “Jellicle choice” to decide which of them will ascend to the mysterious Heaviside Layer to be reborn. Featuring such celebrated standards as the haunting “Memory,” Cats was an international phenomenon and its original production is still the fifth-longest-running show on Broadway. This Young Actors Edition of the beloved show retains the magic and emotions of the original, providing a glimpse into the lives of the assorted Cats.
Show Information
Context
T.S. Eliot wrote Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats during the late 1930’s and it was published in October 1939. Andrew Lloyd Webber enjoyed reading Eliot’s cat poems as a child and he was inspired by their lyrical, rhythmic nature. He began writing Cats in the late 1970’s, following on from his success with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Evita, on which he collaborated with Tim Rice. Most of the lyrics in Cats were taken directly from
to read the context for Cats Young Actors Edition and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
The Cats enter the junkyard and begin telling the audience about the history, actions, and attitudes of their kind (“Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats”). This leads to an explanation of how the Cats acquire three different names: the names their owners give them, the names they call one another, and another secret name that only the Cat themselves knows. Munkustrap explains that once a year at the Jellicle Ball, Old Deuteronomy chooses one cat to be reborn into another Jellicle life. The Cats
to read the plot for Cats Young Actors Edition and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
Showing 8 of 24 characters
Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Cats Young Actors Edition.
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Songs
- “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” – All
- “The Naming of Cats” – Quaxo, Munkustrap & All
- “The Old Gumbie Cat” – Munkustrap, Jennyanydots & Gumbie Trio (Jellylorum, Demeter & Bombalurina)
- ”The Rum Tum Tugger” – Rum Tum Tugger & Ensemble
- “Entry of Grizabella” – Grizabella, Demeter, Bombalurina & All
- “Introduction to Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer” – Orchestra
- “Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer” – Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer
- “Old Deuteronomy” – Tantamile, Coricopat, Munkustrap, Rum Tum Tugger, Old Deuteronomy & All
- “Introduction to the Jellicle Ball” – Munkustrap
- “Song of the Jellicles and the Jellicle Ball” – All
- “Grizabella: The Glamour Cat” – Grizabella
- “Gus: The Theatre Cat” – Jellylorum & Asparagus
- “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” – Skimbleshanks & Ensemble
- “Macavity: The Mystery Cat” – Demeter, Bombalurina & Girls
- “Old Deuteronomy (Reprise)” – All
- “Magical Mister Mistoffelees” – Rum Tum Tugger & All
- “Memory” – Grizabella & Jemima
- “Journey to the Heaviside Layer” – All
- “The Ad-dressing of Cats” – Old Deuteronomy & All
Editor's Note: The vocal ranges of the characters have been kept intact to match the original score, but alternative notes are provided in the piano vocal score where possible to help with trickier notes.
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A classical dance form used in theatre for expressive movement, storytelling, and interdisciplinary performance.
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher