Music By Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot

CPAC Musical Theatre presents CATS -The Musical, a new and reimagined production of this Broadway classic.

Cats is based on T.S.Eliots 1939 poetry Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the songs in the musical consists of Eliot’s verse set to music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

On September 3, 1939, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced that the country was at war with Germany, a somber moment for a nation still reeling from the losses of World War I. Despite this, the war still felt remote to those on the home front – that is, until December 1941, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and began advancing through South-East Asia. Suddenly, the threat of invasion placed Australia directly in the line of fire, as was evidenced by the bombing of Darwin on February 19. Enter Melbourne, where only a quarter of street lamps were lit and even electric trains had reduced lighting. The city’s “brown out” period was a response to the danger of air raids, and it had a profound impact on daily life. In this production, amidst this tumultuous time, one unique story stands out – the inhabitants of Melbourne’s Jellicle Cats and the threat of war upon them. This assemblage of cats must decide who will journey to the ‘heavyside layer’ in a process of selection for each nominated cat to be considered to be reborn into a new life. In this newly reimagined production, our “Cats” tell this tale, set against the backdrop of wartime Melbourne in 1942, with a nod to the social changes brought on by the war effort, post-war reconstruction, migration, and the reintegration of returned servicemen into the local economy. The musical features no dialogue, only music, and provides a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in Australian history.

Featuring the classic song ‘Memory’ and some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most memorable tunes, Cats is set to delight and enthral a new generation of audiences.

CATS celebrate 42 years since its Opening in London’s West End. We are excited to bring you the timeless CATcentric show to The Cardinia and surrounding shires.

Note on start time:

Please be advised the time is 11:00am for the relaxed introductions to the characters and the actual performance will start at 11:30.

Please arrive to be seated by 11:00am.