One of the most beloved Broadway musicals of all time will pounce its way back to Broadway this summer. Today, it was announced that "Cats" was making its way back to the Great White Way for the first time since ending its long run more than 15 years ago.
"Cats" is set to open at the Neil Simon Theatre Aug. 2, with previews beginning July 14, according to ABC News. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber will return to help get the musical off the ground along with original director Trevor Nunn. The revival will also feature new choreography from Andy Blankenbuehler, who is the choreographer of Broadway's new smash "Hamilton."
"Cats," based on T.S. Eliot's collection of poems called "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," first opened in 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre. The show ran for 18 years before officially ending its run in September 2000, according to Entertainment Weekly. The show is known for its costume design, makeup and hit songs like "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" and the classic ballad "Memory."
In 2014, "Cats" was revived for the West End stage at London's Palladium Theatre. The show earned former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who starred as Grizabella, an Olivier nomination for her role. The 2016 Broadway edition of the musical in New York City has brought together Broadway's two most important theaters as producers of the show, the Shubert Organization and the Nederlander Organization, according to the Wall Street Journal.
"Cats" is the fourth longest-running musical in Broadway history.
