Upcoming cast changes in CATS this summer

Upcoming cast changes have been reported for the Broadway revival of CATS, which is set to play its final performance at the Neil Simon Theatre on December 30, 2017.

Zachary Downer will assume the role of Mistoffelees from Ricky Ubeda on July 17, Samantha Sturm takes over the role of Demeter from Kim Fauré on August 3, whilst Mackenzie Warren and Sarah Marie Jenkins assume the roles of Bombalurina and Jennyanydots, respectively, from Christine Cornish Smith and Eloise Kropp on August 7, 2017.

The current cast of CATS includes Mamie Parris (Grizabella), Aaron J. Albano (Skimbleshanks), Jessica Cohen (Sillabub), Quentin Earl Darrington (Old Deuteronomy), Kim Fauré (Demeter), Lili Froehlich (Electra), Daniel Gaymon (Macavity), Haley Fish (Rumpleteazer), Christopher Gurr (Gus/Bustopher Jones), Tyler Hanes (Rum Tum Tugger), Andy Huntington Jones (Munkustrap), Zachary Daniel Jones (Mungojerrie), Jakob Karr (Carbucketty), Eloise Kropp (Jennyanydots/Gumbie), Emily Pynenburg (Cassandra), Claire Rathbun (Victoria), Sarah Jane Shanks (Jellylorum), Ahmad Simmons (Alonzo), Christine Cornish Smith (Bombalurina), Emily Tate (Tantomile), Ron Todorowski (Coricopat), Ricky Ubeda (Mistoffelees), Sharrod Williams (Pouncival) and Andrew Wilson (Tumblebrutus).

The production began previews at the Neil Simon Theatre on July 14, 2016, offcially opening on July 31, and upon closing, it will have played a total of 16 previews and 593 regular performances.

A National Tour is scheduled to commence in January 2019, officially opening at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

CATS features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by T.S. Eliot, Trevor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe.

Synopsis: "On just one special night of the year, all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball where Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jellicle choice and announces which of them will go up to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life."

The creative team behind the Broadway revival features direction by Trevor Nunn, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (based on original choreography by Gillian Lynne), scenic & costume design by John Napier, lighting design by Natasha Katz and sound design by Mick Potter.

This production marks the first ever revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1981 musical since its Broadway premiere production closed on 10 September 2000.

CATS originally opened in the West End in 1981, picking up the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and ran for 21 years. Its Broadway incarnation opened in 1982 and stayed put for 18 years, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

CATS is produced on Broadway by The Shubert Organization and The Nederlander Organization and licensed by The Really Useful Group.