The show, held by the original cast from London, will take place in Budapest at the Syma Hall on November 17th, 18th and 19th on four occasions.
Based on Nobel prize winning author T. S. Eliot’s ‘Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats’, this magical performance combines the spectacular work of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Trevor Nunn, choreographer Gillian Lynne and costume designer John Napier. The show is made unique by Webber’s eclectic compositions, the amazing set design, the outstanding costumes and awe-inspiring choreography, which together express a fascinating story, introduce us to a dynamic and rich cast of characters and create a stunning visual and musical experience. Since May 11th, 1981, the show has been performed almost 9000 times in London alone.
The World Tour of one of Broadway and West End’s longest running shows has already charmed audiences in more than 300 cities around the world. In November, Hungarian audiences will also have the opportunity to experience the magic of the original CATS - the musical.
The world-famous play is a combination of fantasy, drama and romance. It has been seen by more than 50 million people in 26 countries and has been translated to 10 different languages.
The show has been a continued success in Budapest, at Madach Theater as well, under the direction of Tamás Szirtes and the choreography of László Seregi. It is played a few dozen times annually under the Hungarian title ‘Macskák’ and has been performed more than 1400 times total. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber Kt (the Baron of Sydmonton in Hampshire) has received the Hungarian National Award of Merit for his “support of Hungarian culture, enhancement of the international repute and the unique opportunity to create Hungarian adaptations of his works.”
This year on May 11th, the world celebrated the 35th year of the musical’s performance. It also received the the Olivier award, the most highly respected and sought after award, for best musical in 1981. On Broadway, CATS has won 7 Tony Awards in the best musical and best direction categories, among others.
Many of the most famous actors started their careers with a role on CATS. Examples include Elaine Paige (Grizabella), Wayne Sleep (Mungojerrie), Bonnie Langford (Rumpleteazer), Paul Nicholas (Rum Tum Tugger), Brian Blessed (Old Deuteronomy), Sarah Brightman (Jemima), and Rosemarie Ford (Bombalurina & Grizabella). The musical returned to the London Palladium in 2014, where the main role of Grizabella was played by Nicole Scherzinger. Her performance received rave reviews, which led to the beginning of her international career as a musical star. After Nicole, Kerry Ellis, known for her concerts together with Brian May, took over the role of Baby Griz, and later Grizabella at the London Palladium.
The worldwide performances of these dancing and singing cats, with very human characteristics, has been praised by the most influential critics of the international press; the Times, the Daily Mirror, the Metro and the Daily Express, to name a few.
The English language performance will be subtitled in Hungarian on screens located on either side of the stage, further enhancing the experience of T.S. Eliot’s beautiful poetry.
