The-company-of-the-2021-2022-national-tour-of-CATS-(Photo-By-Matthew-Murphy,-Murphymade)-v2-minOne of the biggest hits in theatrical history, Cats has come to Budweiser Gardens for shows on Wednesday, November 30 and Thursday, December 1 as part of a new North American tour, with only a few stops in Canada.

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages. It’s message is the heart and soul of the production.

Alberta resident Kieran MacDonald, the Dance Captain/Male Swing in the show, told 519 Magazine how much he adores the underlying theme in the show.

“The show is really about forgiveness, redemption, and most importantly, acceptance,” he said. “It’s really noticing and opening our minds and our hearts to how we treat each other and accepting each other or whoever it is for who they actually are.”

Since its world premiere, Cats has been seen by more than 75 million people worldwide. Originally directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography and associate direction by Gillian Lynne, scenic and costume design by John Napier, lighting design by David Hersey, and sound design by Abe Jacob, Cats opened in London’s West End in 1981.

The touring version models itself on the 2016 Broadway version of the stage show.

“Everything is the exact same from the Broadway revival that we’re bringing on the road, which is super exciting,” MacDonald revealed. “Cats is an iconic show – from the incredible overture to Dame Julian Lin’s choreography from the original 1982 production on the West End is all incredible and iconic.”

The original Broadway production opened in 1982 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre, where it ran for 7,485 performances and 18 years. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.

Cats hits the stage at Budweiser Gardens this week (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1). Tickets are available online at budweisergardens.com.

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