Theater geeks and cat lovers alike, may have your attention, please? Universal Pictures has debuted a new behind-the-scenes featurette for their theatrical adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS that is bound to hit you like a mound of primo catnip. Featuring insights from stars Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, and Rebel Wilson, the new video introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut and more!
Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street to tap.
Directed by Tom Hooper (THE DANISH GIRL, THE KING'S SPEECH), with Hooper, Debra Hayward, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner sinking their claws into the film's production, CATS is poised to be presented by Universal, Working Title Films and Amblin Entertainment as "a very timely story about the importance of inclusion and redemption," says the film's director.
I must admit that before watching this featurette, that I had little to no interest in watching CATS. However, now that I've seen some of the project's stunning set design, gorgeous lighting, and hypnotic dance choreography, I am officially on board. While I can no longer cut a rug to save my damned soul, I strongly admire those who are capable of expressing sound and emotion through interpretive dance. Moving the way these people do requires confidence, control, and discipline – things that I was never able to master when I was enrolled in dance classes as a child. I tip my hat to each and every one of them, and I'll be interested to see if Hooper's upcoming musical ends up being the cat's meow when it pads into theaters on December 20, 2019.