Who sings in the musical "Cats"? - briefly
The musical "Cats" features a variety of characters, each with their own distinctive songs. Notable vocal performances include those by Rum Tum Tugger, played by Quentin Earl Darrington or Zachary Noah Piser, and Grizabella, whose iconic song "Memory" is often performed by Leona Lewis.
Who sings in the musical "Cats"? - in detail
The musical "Cats," based on T.S. Eliot's poetry collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," features an ensemble cast who sing and dance their way through the story of the Jellicle cats and their annual ball. Each cat has a unique personality and song, showcasing the versatility of the performers involved.
In the original West End production, which opened in 1981, the principal roles were sung by Elaine Paige as Grizabella, Paul Nicholas as Old Deuteronomy, Brian Blessed as Bustopher Jones, and Susan Jane Tanner as Jennyanydots, among others. The Broadway production, which debuted in 1982, featured Betty Buckley as Grizabella, Ken Page as Old Deuteronomy, and Tim Jerome as Bustopher Jones, with the ensemble including notable names like Terrence Mann and Lea Salonga.
Throughout its extensive run, "Cats" has seen a multitude of talented performers take on these iconic roles. The revival productions, such as the 2016 West End revival directed by Trevor Nunn and Andrew Lloyd Webber, have featured stars like Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella and Beverley Knight as Jennyanydots. The most recent Broadway revival in 2016 starred Leona Lewis as Grizabella and Quentin Earl Darrington as Old Deuteronomy.
The musical's structure allows each cat to have a moment in the spotlight, singing solos that highlight their individual characteristics and stories. This ensemble approach ensures that every performer contributes significantly to the overall narrative and musical experience of "Cats." The show's enduring popularity can be attributed not only to its memorable songs but also to the captivating performances by the cast members who bring these feline characters to life through their singing and dancing.