Grumpy Cat Receives an Invitation to Broadway's Jellicle Ball in Cats

Internet sensation Grumpy Cat will be "the first genuine feline" to join the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats, for a one-night-only appearance in the show's new Broadway revival on September 30 at the Neil Simon Theatre.

"Being selected as the first real cat to perform in Cats on Broadway is an honor. I hate it," skeptical, dyspeptical Grumpy Cat said in a dramatical, pragmatical pre-written statement. "If I'm really being honest, I'd prefer to play the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera."

The production did not provide information about Grumpy Cat's involvement in the show, and whether or not she will be riding on a broomstick to places far distant or if she plans to dive through the air on a flying trapeze.

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the original Broadway production of Cats opened in 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre. The production ran for a record-breaking 18 years and 7,485 performances and earned six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score.

The musical's original West End and Broadway director Trevor Nunn helms the production, with choreography by Hamilton's Andy Blankenbuehler, based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne, and with associate direction by Lynne. The creative team for the new Broadway production includes sound design by Mick Potter, lighting design by Natasha Katz, and scenic and costume design by John Napier.

The Cats principal company is led by Quentin Earl Darrington as Old Deuteronomy, Eloise Kropp as Jennyanydots/Gumbie, Ricky Ubeda as Mr. Mistoffelees, Tyler Hanes as Rum Tum Tugger, and Leona Lewis as Grizabella.

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