How Andrew Lloyd Webber's Musical Cats Differ from T.S. Eliot's Original Poems

The celebrated musical Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber is a fascinating blend of poetry and theatre that captures the essence of T.S. Eliot's poem collection, yet offers significant artistic license and additional narrative depth.

The Source Material: T.S. Eliot's Poetry

T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939) consists of nineteen poems that speak of the lives and times of various cats. These poems often reflect the modernist style typical of Eliot, with complex imagery and themes that might be considered too adult or too nuanced for a young audience.

The Musical Adaptation: Adding Depth and Emotion

When Andrew Lloyd Webber adapted the poems into a musical, he introduced a framing narrative that unifies the characters and their stories into a cohesive and emotionally moving tale. The musical Cats is based on the Jellicle Cats, a community of cats who gather for the annual Jellicle Ball, where the leader Old Deuteronomy chooses one cat to ascend to the Heavyside Layer, a metaphorical heaven in the afterlife. The musical essentially takes the individualized poems and turns them into a collective story that resonates on a broader level.

The Introduction of New Characters and Song

A notable addition to the musical is Grizabella, a once-beautiful cat turned outcast. This character comes from a poem Eliot wrote that was ultimately removed from the book collection due to its sadness and adult themes. In the musical, Grizabella's song "Memory," which is not a direct adaptation of any of Eliot's poems, serves as a powerful thematic centerpiece. "Memory" loosely references Eliot's poem "Rhapsody on a Windy Night," but it also stands as its own deeply personal and evocative piece within the musical. Grizabella's story adds a layer of emotional depth and tragedy to the Jellicle tradition, allowing the audience to empathize more fully with the cats' struggles.

The Climax and Resolution: A Redeeming Act of Acceptance

The dramatic climax of the musical Cats is centered around the Jellicle Ball, where the emotional journey of the cats comes to a close with Grizabella's reacceptance by the other Jellicle Cats. Her journey from exile to acceptance is the emotional core of the story, while Old Deuteronomy's choice of Grizabella as the cat to ascend to the Heavyside Layer reinforces the musical's message of transformation and second chances.

Conclusion

While the musical Cats is deeply rooted in T.S. Eliot's poetry, it expands these poems into a rich, emotional narrative that captivates audiences. Through the introduction of new characters and themes, the musical offers a deeper exploration of the Jellicle Cats' world, making it a timeless and enduring piece of theatrical art that resonates with both children and adults alike.

Key Takeaways

The musical Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber draws heavily from T.S. Eliot's poetry but expands and transforms the source material dramatically. New characters like Grizabella, whose song "Memory" is not directly from Eliot's poetry, add new emotional depth to the story. The musical's framing narrative, with the Jellicle Ball and the choice of Grizabella, provides a powerful emotional resolution and thematic focus.

About the Author

Qwen is an AI assistant created by Alibaba Cloud, designed to provide intelligent support for content creation and multimedia understanding.

Related Articles

The History of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Musical Cats The Magic of the Jellicle Ball in Cats Interview with Andrew Lloyd Webber