A musical Macavity

Press, 23 September 1980, Page 7

A musical Macavity

NZPA correspondant Lon- .. don Macavity the mystery cat is set to become a theatrical star in a new Andrew; Lloyd Webber musical, “Cats.” 1 ■ The ginger tomcat . immortalised in T. S. Eliot’s •‘Possum's Book of Practical Cats” will be one of the stars in the lighthearted show which will open in London early next year. . T , j If the success of Lloyd Webber’s other compositions —- “Evita, ’■Jesus Christ Superstar and “Joseph and His Amazing. . Technicolor Dreamcoat” — are anything to go by, Macavity and his feline friends look destined for stardom., “I love cats and read the book many times as a child,” Mr Webber said,, announcing the new show. “Not only do I find the

text' marvellous, but it was. a tremendous chal-i lenge writing music to an existing text.” His other big hits have been written with the lyricist, Tim “Emphasis in the production will be placed on dance, but it is not disco. Cats- are such athletic creatures and it is a world of cats we are trying to create here.” The show will be directed by Trevor Nunn, of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and choreographed by Gillian Lynne. “Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” was written in 1939. Mr Eliot’s widow has praised the idea of the new production as “absolutely exciting.” Mr Webber has, not been put off his extravagant new project by the general feeling of doom

and despair at present

hanging over Londons theatre world. With production costs soaring, ticket prices are rising and audiences are genera ally falling off. ‘‘Everybody has told us that we.are crazy to put on a show at a time like this in London and that it is bound to be a disaster,” he said. “But then everyone said the same thing about Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar so perhaps it’s a very good omen.” . Musicals have always been the costliest theatrical productions and promoters are now becoming increasingly wary of risking large sums on un-

known new productions. . Musicals oy established “names,” such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, or revivals of popular old shows now appear to be the only guaranteed successes in London. Old classics, such as “My Fair Lady” and “The King and I,” have proved very popular during the last two years and have outlasted many new productions, a lot of which lost a lot of money. Another old favourite, Rodgers and Kammerstein's ’“Oklahoma,” is maldng its London comeback and with substantial advance bookings looks set for success, too.