What Is Cats the Musical All About?
Cats is a popular stage musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is based on a book of poems by T.S. Eliot called Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The story is about a group of cats called the Jellicles. They meet once a year at the Jellicle Ball to choose one cat who will be reborn into a new life. Instead of a normal storyline, the cats musical cats shows different cats telling their own stories through songs and dances.
The Origin and Story Behind Cats Musical Cats
Cats musical cats first came out in London in 1981. It quickly became famous all over the world. Andrew Lloyd Webber turned T.S. Eliot’s poems into songs. The show doesn’t have any talking—it’s all singing and dancing. It ran for 21 years in London and 18 years on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running musicals ever.
Why I Was Skeptical at First — But Fell in Love with Cats

At first, I didn’t think I would like Cats. I thought, “Why would I enjoy a cats musical cats about singing cats with no clear story?” But when I saw it live, I was surprised. The music was beautiful, and the dancing was full of energy. The performers made the characters come alive. I realized cats musical cats is more about feeling and experience than just story.
Key Characters That Make Cats Musical Cats So Iconic
Here are some of the most famous characters:
- Grizabella – A once-beautiful cat who is now alone. She sings the song Memory.
- Rum Tum Tugger – A cool, wild cat who loves attention.
- Mr. Mistoffelees – A magical cat with amazing dance moves.
- Old Deuteronomy – The wise and kind leader of the cats.
Each cat has a special personality that adds something unique to the show.
Most Memorable Songs from Cats (Yes, Memory Will Break You)
Some songs from Cats are very popular:
- Memory – A sad but beautiful song sung by Grizabella. It talks about regret and hope.
- Mr. Mistoffelees – A fun and fast song about the magic cat.
- Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats – This is the first big song that introduces all the cats.
- Macavity: The Mystery Cat – A jazzy song about the naughty cat Macavity.
These songs help tell the cats’ stories and show their feelings.
The Magic of the Stage: Costumes, Dance, and Set Design
One of the best things about cats musical cats is how it looks on stage. The set is made to look like a big junkyard from a cat’s point of view. The costumes make the actors look like real cats. The dancing is strong and full of emotion. The way the actors move—even how they flick their tails—tells part of the story.
From Stage to Screen – The Movie Adaptation
In 2019, cats musical cats was made into a movie. It had many famous actors like Taylor Swift and Judi Dench. But many people didn’t like the film. They thought the computer effects were strange, and the movie didn’t feel the same as the live show. Even though the movie wasn’t a big success, it introduced cats musical cats to new people.
Why Cats Musical Cats Still Matters in 2025 (More Than Just Nostalgia)
Even after so many years, cats musical cats is still loved. It’s not just a musical—it’s about wanting to be accepted and finding your place. Each cat’s story talks about feelings we all understand, like hope, sadness, pride, and love. In today’s world, Cats reminds us how special live theatre is. Whether you love it or don’t understand it, Cats is a show you’ll always remember.
FAQs
What are the Cats in Cats the Musical?
The Cats in the musical are part of a group called the Jellicle Cats. Each cat has its own personality, background, and song. They gather once a year at the Jellicle Ball to tell their stories, hoping to be chosen for a new life.
What are the cats musical cats names?
Some popular cat musical cats names from the show include:
- Grizabella
- Rum Tum Tugger
- Mr. Mistoffelees
- Old Deuteronomy
- Macavity
- Jennyanydots
- Munkustrap
Each name reflects the cat’s unique character or role in the story.
Who is the chosen cat in Cats?
The chosen cat is Grizabella, the former glamour cat who is now old and alone. She sings the emotional song Memory. In the end, she is chosen by Old Deuteronomy to go to the Heaviside Layer, where she gets a second chance at life.
Why did Cats the Musical flop (as a movie)?
The 2019 movie adaptation of Cats flopped mainly because of its strange visual effects and CGI. Many people found the human-cat hybrids creepy. The film also lacked the energy and magic of the live stage version, which disappointed fans and critics.
Who is the fat cat in Cats?
The “fat cat” is Bustopher Jones. He’s a well-fed, fancy cat who enjoys high-class restaurants and wears a white spats suit. He’s known for being proud of his size and elegant lifestyle.
Which god is present in Cats?
While Cats doesn’t directly mention a god, the idea of the Heaviside Layer is symbolic. It’s like a spiritual place where one chosen cat is reborn. Old Deuteronomy acts as a wise, god-like figure who makes that decision.
Conclusion
Cats musical cats isn’t just a musical—it’s a one-of-a-kind theatrical journey that blends music, dance, emotion, and symbolism. Whether you’re drawn to its unforgettable songs like Memory, its rich characters, or the deeper themes of belonging and rebirth, this show offers something beyond entertainment. Even with its critics, Cats has earned its place in musical history and is still educating new generations. If you ever get the chance to see it live—or even revisit it—you’ll understand why it still holds such power on the stage today.
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