Who wrote the opera Cats? - briefly
The composer of the musical "Cats" is Andrew Lloyd Webber. He created the music for this iconic production, which premiered in 1981 and has since become one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.
Who wrote the opera Cats? - in detail
"Cats" is an iconic musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by T. S. Eliot and additional lyrics and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself. The show is based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, a collection of poems by T. S. Eliot first published in 1939. The musical premiered in London's West End in 1981 and quickly became a global phenomenon, running for an unprecedented 21 years at the New London Theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most successful composers of our time, with numerous hit shows to his credit, including "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." His ability to create memorable melodies and evocative scores has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following. For "Cats," Lloyd Webber drew inspiration from Eliot's whimsical poems, transforming them into captivating musical numbers that have become classics in their own right, such as "Memory" and "The Jellicle Ball."
T. S. Eliot, a renowned poet and playwright, wrote the original poetry collection that served as the foundation for the musical. His wit and imagination are evident throughout the show, with each cat embodying unique traits and personalities that make them endearing to audiences. Though Eliot did not live to see his work adapted into a musical, his legacy continues to enchant new generations through Lloyd Webber's masterful composition.
The combination of Eliot's timeless poetry and Lloyd Webber's extraordinary musical talent resulted in a theatrical experience that has enthralled audiences worldwide for over four decades. "Cats" remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through music and dance, solidifying its place as one of the most celebrated works in the history of musical theatre.