Cats are coming to Gainesville.
No, not the kinds that kick up your allergies and require a litter box. These cats are the singing and dancing kind.
“Cats,” a musical that has reached international success, is coming to the Phillips Center this weekend for three performances.
This feline phenomenon was first performed in London in 1981 and made its Broadway debut in 1982. With outrageous and outlandish cat costumes, “Cats” remains a Broadway force to be reckoned with. The musical features an eclectic fusion of pop, classical, jazz and rock music.
“It’s really a story that crosses cultures,” said Amy Douglas, director of marketing at the Phillips Center. “‘Cats’ is all the experiences that we as humans have, but we get to see it through the eyes of cats.”
And don’t think that these are ordinary cats named Kitty or Fifi. These felines have names like Old Deuteronomy, Jennyanddots and Grizabella.
Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” and composed by theater proficient Andrew Lloyd Webber, “Cats” celebrates the lives and stories of a variety of dancing, prancing cats. Even those not too familiar with the musical will probably have heard songs like “Memory” or “Magical Mr. Mistoffelees.”
Not only is Gainesville one of many stops on the current national tour, but it also boasts a great history with the show. The first performance at the Phillip’s Center was “Cats” in 1992.
“It’s just the universality of the show that makes it such a favorite with the Gainesville community,” Douglas said.
Known as a Broadway phenomenon, “Cats” has made its way into the hearts of audiences worldwide throughout its 27-year run: It’s been acted throughout five continents, translated into 20 languages and performed in 26 countries.
Jason Wise, the actor who currently plays Tumblebrutus, an energetic and playful feline, could not be more excited to bring this show to Gainesville.
Wise, 20, first dreamed of starring in “Cats” at age 10 when he sat in the last row in the top balcony of a performance. Now, every time he takes a bow he glances up to the balcony and wonders what young actor is sitting up there with the same aspirations.
The unique details in the show have helped make “Cats” the force that it is today. After winning seven Tony awards in 1983, including Best Musical, “Cats” has become the longest continuously touring Broadway musical in history.
Purrformances are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets range from $34-$66, except student tickets, which are $10, and can be purchased at the Phillips Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster location. And remember, no anti-allergy medication is needed.
