Midnight. Not a sound from the pavement. Suddenly an explosion of music and lights reveals a larger than life junkyard. Probing car lights tear across the darkened landscape of bottles and boxes, briefly catching the darting image of a running feline. Tonight is the one special night each year when the tribe of Jellicle Cats reunites to celebrate who they are. This is the story of “Cats.”

What began as a musical about cats, after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems by T.S. Elliot in an airport bookshop, has become the longest running show in Broadway's history. This weekend, Webber’s classic musical “Cats” plays at Atlanta’s own Fox Theatre.

"The show that revolutionized musical theatre is celebrating its 25th Anniversary," states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars.

Before “Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats” exploded onto the stage as the first megamusical. On May 11, 1981, “Cats” opened at the New London Theatre in the West End becoming the longest running musical in the history of British theatre. “Cats” played its final London performance on its 21st birthday, May 11, 2001.

In 1982, “Cats” opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes. “Cats” became the longest running musical in Broadway history in 1997, and it ended its 18 year run on Broadway on Sept. 10, 2000.

In Oct. of 1991, “Cats” became the longest continuously touring show in American theatre history. Five continents, 26 countries, over eight and a half million audience members and twenty five 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 revolutionary and awe inspiring. Based on T.S. Eliot's “Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats,” this amazing show features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song, "Memory."

Now it is time to introduce this marvelous musical to a new generation. Share the experience with your entire family; grandparents, parents, and children will be spellbound by the magic, the mystery and the wonder of “Cats.”

Theater of the Stars presents “Cats” at the fabulous Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree Street, from today through Sunday. Performances are scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster in 3 ways: at Ticketmaster ticket centers, by calling 404-817-8700, and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group ticket sales call the Fox Theatre Group Sales Office at 404-881-2000. Prices range from $20-$55.

Theater of the Stars is celebrating its 54th Anniversary this year. A civic non-profit cultural organization, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about their history, visit them at www.theaterofthestars.com.

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