Cats Broadway Original 1982 H 2016
Courtesy Everett CollectionCats will soon be more than just a memory.
Producers The Shubert Organization and The Nederlander Organization announced Thursday that the blockbuster musical will return to Broadway next season.
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the original Broadway production opened in 1982 and won seven Tony Awards. It closed in 2000 after 18 years, and currently stands as the fourth-longest-running show in Broadway history.
Previews will begin July 14 ahead of an Aug. 2 opening at the Neil Simon Theatre. At that time, Lloyd Webber will have three musicals running concurrently on Broadway, along with mainstay The Phantom of the Opera and School of Rock — The Musical, which opened in December to positive reviews and robust business.
Cats‘ opening date places it outside the eligibility period for this year’s Tony Awards, putting it in the mix for 2017 consideration.
Trevor Nunn, who directed the original production, will helm the revival, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton), based on the original choreography and associate direction by Gillian Lynne. Casting is to be announced.
The new production is licensed by The Really Useful Group. Nina Lannan serves as executive producer.
