Broadway is set to purr again with the return of the musical “Cats.”
The Andrew Lloyd Webber production first opened in 1982 and closed 18 years later after 7,485 performances.
Star power will be brought to the show by former UK X-Factor champion, Leona Lewis, who will make her Broadway debut as “Grizabella.”
The cast said the revamp will contain the same DNA and storyline as the original, but with small tweaks.
“Those who know ‘Cats’ are very, very familiar with the old show, will not be disappointed, they will remember and see the ‘Cats’ they knew with a little twist. There are some surprises for you. And it’s quite, quite wonderful,” said Quentin Earl Darrington, who plays Old Deuteronomy.
The iconic nature of the show has some cast members feeling pressure to deliver a great show.
“I feel like we’re bringing so much newness and freshness to the table as we’re reviving it. I feel like as long as we just do – we just go and do our thing, I think that people who love the show will love it,” said Ricky Ubeda, who takes on the role of Mistoffelees.
After weeks of rehearsals, the cast will perform for their first audience Thursday (July 14).
“There’s going to be a lot of energy in the theater. And we’re climbing through the theater, we’re not going to touch anybody, you are safe. Whenever I see a show and people come into the audience I get so worried. We’re not going to bring you up on the stage. But we are dressed as cats, know that.”
When the revival offically opens on July 31st, Webber will have his name atop the marquee of three Broadway musicals: “The Phantom of the Opera,” “School of Rock – The Musical,” and “Cats.”
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2016
