Although “Cats” eventually set a pattern that would redefine Broadway in the 1980’s, it was originally viewed with immense skepticism. No wonder, Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber was working solo and set a series of children’s poems about kitty cats written decades earlier by T.S. Eliot.  Who would come to see this musical?

Producer Cameron Mackintosh believed in “Cats” with its opulent effects and dancing felines and believed it would attract children of all ages.  Broadway producers did take notice; a show with no stars, a Wes End Cachet, a pre-sold market and a known hit composer.

“Cats” had $6.2 million dollars in advance sales. It has grossed over $380 million dollars on Broadway and nearly $3 billion worldwide.