The playful verses by celebrated poet T. S. Eliot have delighted readers and cat lovers around the world ever since they were gathered for publication in 1939.  “Mr. Mistoffelees,” “Growltiger,” “The Rum Tum Tugger,” “Bustopher Jones,” “Skimbleshanks,” “Macavity: the Mystery Cat,” and a variety of other memorable feline strays, all of whom have been brought to life on the stage in his musical ‘Cats,’ We will explore the poetry, music, costumes, and make-up of this long running musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.  It was directed by Trevor Dunn, choreographed by Gillian Lynne, and opened in the West End in 1981 and then on Broadway in 1982. The musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make what is known as the “Jellicle choice” and decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.  Cats also introduced the unforgettable song “Memory.” It has been performed around the world many times and has been translated into more than 20 languages. The class will end with the viewing of the musical & discussion.