CATS: The International Theatrical Phenomenon Opens Manila July 2010
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS
NOW and FOREVER
“The cat's whiskers... A triumphant piece of musical theatre…”
The Sunday Times, UK
(Manila, 25 November 2009) Andrew Lloyd Webber's stunning masterpiece, CATS will premiere in Manila! One of the best-known and best-loved musicals the world has ever known, CATS has been acclaimed worldwide by over 65 million people. With a magnificent score composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber - including the poignant hit song Memory - an imaginative set, inspired choreography and stunning costumes, CATS is a brilliant song and dance spectacular not to be missed.
This highly-anticipated musicale featuring an international cast starring Lea Salonga and company will be performed for a strictly limited season at CCP, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, from 24 July 2010.
The original production of CATS, produced by Cameron Mackintosh and Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group and directed by the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Director, Trevor Nunn, burst onto the London stage on 11 May 1981 to rave reviews and went on to win a record-breaking number of awards worldwide, including two Olivier Awards for 'Musical of the Year' and 'Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Musicals' and seven Tony Awards.
CATS opened on Broadway on 7 October 1982 and went on to hold the unique position of being the longest-running musical in both West End and Broadway history until 9 January 2006 when it was overtaken by The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway followed by Les Miserables claiming the West End title in October that year. CATS played for 18 years on Broadway, closing on 10 September 2000, and played its final West End performance on its 21st birthday on 11 May 2002. However, a touring production continues to play to capacity audiences in the USA.
CATS has been presented in 10 languages in 300 cities over 26 countries, including such diverse destinations as Buenos Aires, Seoul. Helsinki and Honq Kong where it toured in 1994.
"Magical! The setting is a miracle of design. Go one… purr with pleasure.”
The DaiIy Mirror, UK
About The Show
CATS boasts an international entourage of 53 people including cast, crew and a live band which plays offstage throughout the two and a half hour performance.
A unique and inspirational musical, CATS is based on the book of poems Old Possums Book of Practical CATS, written by T. S. Eliot and first published in 1939. Although Eliot generally thought his cat poems were intended for children, they turned out to be equally appealing and amusing to adults. Almost seventy years on, the story and characters of CATS still hold immense appeal for audiences of any age and background.
With a little adaptation, Andrew Lloyd Webber used Eliot's poems as Iyrics and set them to music to create the musical. The inclusion of elements from Eliot's other unpublished writings brought to life the glamour cat Grizabella, who provided the pivotal storyline for the musical.
CATS tells the imaginative tale of a tribe of Jellicle CATS as they gather together for the annual Jellicle Ball, and one by one tell their stories for the entertainment of Old Deuteronomy who must choose one of the CATS to journey to the Heavyside Layer to be 'reborn' into a new life.
Playing Grizabella in CATS is Lea Salonga, one of Manila's finest musical performers. Lea Salonga is a Filipina singer and actress who is best known for her musical role in Miss Saigon. In the field of musical theatre, she is recognized for having won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Theatre World Awards, the first tow in various international awards for a single role. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the Musical Les Miserables on Broadway. Salonga is the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin in 1992 and FA MULAN for MULAN II in 1998 and in 2004 respectively.
Get your tickets now before you miss your chance to see the award winning musical and help out the Philippine National Red Cross raise funds. For every ticket purchase of CATS from November 3 to December 31, P250 will go directly to the Philippine National Red Cross in celebration of Ms. Rosa Rosal’s 60th year with the company.
The Producers
The Manila season of CAT is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Concertus and All Youth Channels in association with The Really Useful Company Asia Pacific.
Tim McFarlane, Managing Director of The Really Useful Company, Australia, shared his thoughts. "Why is CATS so popular? The show is renowned for its staging and choreography which was revolutionary in the 1980s and is still very contemporary today, but I think it comes down to two things. Firstly is the wonderful music, the highlight of which is the song Memory, recorded by over 150 artistes including Barbra Streisand. It is a real show stopper! Andrew Lloyd Webber has an incredible ability to write music that you cannot get out of your head. Secondly the show is simply great entertainment that appeals to people of all ages across all cultures."
James Cundall, Chief Executive of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions said, "We are thrilled once again to be working with The Really Useful Company and David Atkins Enterprises in bringing this theatrical spectacle to Manila. CATS remains one of the most iconic musicals in the history of show business and is expected to sell out, as it does around the world."
CATS remains as fresh today as it was when it first opened in the West End 28 years ago. It is a tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless music and the genius of Trevor Nunn (Original Director), Gillian Lynne (Original Choreographer) and the rest of the creative team, that CATS endures as one of the most thrilling theatrical experiences of all time.
Said David Atkins, Chief Executive Officer of David Atkins Enterprises, “Having performed in the original Australian production of CATS in the role of Magical Mr. Mistoffeles, this musical is one of my favourites. It is one of the longest-running Broadway and West End Musicals and that attests to the popularity of what is unquestionably one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most successful musicals ever. James Cundall and I are excited to be able to bring this brilliant family musical to Manila. It is a 'must sees’ musical, guaranteeing a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience."
Presented by Citi and supported by Infinity, powered by Smart. OOCL is the Official Ocean Carrier. Dusit Thani Manila is the Official Hotel. All Youth Channel is the Official Marketing Arm. Media partners are ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Business World, Manila Bulletin, U92, 105.1 Crossover, 106 Dream FM, RX 93.1.
If you're a Citi client, you can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on tickets until December 31. Just charge the tickets to your Citi Credit Card or present your Citi ATM card and pay cash. Per DTI-NCR No. 5708, Serjes Of 2009.
"A brilliantly conceived song and dance spectacular..."
The Sunday Express, UK
Ticketing Information
CATS is staged at CCP, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo from 24 July 2010 for a strictly limited season. Tickets are priced from P750 to P7,000. Family Package is applicable to Matinee shows only. Buy 4 tickets on prize zone P5,000 and get 40% discount. Senior citizens enjoy 20% discount and students get 10% discount. Group Sales (30 tickets & up) can avail of a 10% discount.
Tickets are on sale to General Public on Dec. 6, 2009. All tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Malate, Metro East, Festival Mall & Starmill Pampanga), and Ayala Center (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 4 and Trinoma Mall Cinema Booths) and TicketWorld Office at 6793 Ayala Avenue, Suite 701 V. Madrigal Bldg., Makati City. To book, call 891.9999, or visit Ticket World's website www.ticketworld.com.ph.
From November 1 to December 6, 2009, Citibank clients will enjoy an exclusive window to buy tickets to CATS and choose their preferred show dates and the best seats in the house. Plus, they will receive a generous 10% discount until December 31st. To avail, just charge the tickets to your Citi Credit Card or present your Citi ATM card. Citi Mobile payments are honored too - just call TicketWorld and place your order, then confirm payment via text message. TicketWorld will deliver the tickets to your doorstep for a minimum fee. Per DTI-NCR No. 5708, Series of 2009.
New subscribers to Infinity, the high-end postpaid plan of Smart Communications, inc. and its existing clients up for line renewal have a choice of a handset plus two or four prime-seat tickets. Infinity clients who are not up for line renewal may enjoy 10% off any ticket purchased from Dec 1 to Dec 7, 2009.
For every ticket purchase of CATS P250.00 will be donated to the RED CROSS until December 31, 2009.
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