Broadway phenom comes to Atlanta

“Cats,” the show that revolutionized musical theatre is coming back to Atlanta. Join the Magical Mr. Mistoffelees, Grizabella, Rum Tum Tugger, Gus the Theatre Cat, Macavity and Shimbleshanks the Railway Cat as they sing, dance and prowl the stage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from Jan. 15-20.

Produced by Troika Entertainment, LLC, the national tour of “Cats” is the only production in North America sanctioned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. With original direction by Trevor Nunn and choreography by Gillian Lynne this is the “Cats” credited with the British invasion of Broadway. The national tour of “Cats” recently celebrated its 25th anniversary season.

On May 11, 1981, “Cats” opened at the New London Theatre in the West End. Eight years later it celebrated its first important milestone: after 3,358 performances “Cats” became the longest running musical in the history of British theatre. “Cats” played its final performance on its 21st birthday, May 11, 2002.

In 1982 “Cats” opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City and continued to live up to its motto “Now and Forever.” On June 19, 1997, “Cats” became the longest running musical on Broadway. It ended its 18 year run on September 10, 2000.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” and with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, “Cats” won seven 1983 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes.

The song “Memory” from “Cats” has been recorded by over 150 artists, from Barbra Streisand to Johnny Mathis to Liberace. Barry Manilow’s rendition was a Top 40 hit in the U.S.

In October of 1991 “Cats” became the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history. Five continents, 26 countries, over 8.5 million audience members and 25 years later, “Cats” is still America’s most loved family musical. Celebrating not only 25 years but the birth of the musical spectacular, “Cats” is still awe inspiring.

Now that it was been seen by millions of audience members worldwide, it is time to celebrate with the whole family the magic, the mystery, the wonder of “Cats.”

Theater of the Stars will present “Cats” at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from January 15-20. Performances are scheduled for Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Purchases through Ticketmaster can be made in three ways: at Ticketmaster ticket centers, by calling 404-817-8700, or by ordering online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group ticket sales, call the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at 404-881-2000. Ticket prices range from $20-59.

Theater of the Stars will celebrate its 56th Anniversary in 2008 as one of the nation’s premier theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural organization, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about their history of excellence, visit them at www.theaterofthestars.com.

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