Among Universal Pictures slate for 2019 is a film quite a number of people have been pawing at for more details. It’s Tom Hooper‘s adaptation of the Tony Award-winning, Broadway sensation “Cats.” The announcement of the film’s production generated conversation, quips, and a few memes throughout the internet. But with a cast ready to sink their claws into the material, Hooper and Universal may just have the right mix for this musical feline fiasco.
The original play is regarded as a Broadway hit, earning Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score, among others. Based on T.S. Eliot‘s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” with music by musical theater legend Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical is like catnip for any theater lover.
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Back in April, we had the opportunity to get a sneak peek of some behind the scenes footage from CinemaCon. The biggest story, however, was Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson‘s rendition of the musical ballad, “Memory,” which didn’t leave anyone in the auditorium with a dry eye.
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Here’s the full synopsis and trailer:
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Over a single night, a tribe of cats called the Jellicles 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.
Oscar-winner Hudson will play the coveted role of Grizabella and will be joined by a powerhouse, if hodgepodge, cast. “Cats” also stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.
“Cats” purrs into theaters December 20.
