Cats NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (3,438)
See it if you enjoy light, whimsical dance shows and cirque-type entertainment
Don't see it if you only like musicals with strong-plots and intense performances
See it if you like the original, don't mind "storyless" theatre, are ok with kitsch, want to be entertained. It's fun for the sake of being fun.
Don't see it if want to see something serious, thought-provoking, cutting-edge, profound, meaty, etc. CATS is a true candy confection, and it knows that it.
See it if You want a fun, happy, classic musical.
Don't see it if You are a dog person.
See it if you want to see a true classic on stage. The dancing is BEYOND and the music is timeless.
Don't see it if you don't like Cats. You either do or you don't - I do so I really enjoyed it.
See it if You enjoy the music from the original cast and enjoy incredible dancing and choreography.
Don't see it if You want a story that is straight forward and easy to follow with a lot of dialogue
See it if You are passionate about dance (jazz, ballet, tap), appreciate a fine orchestra, and love dance-centric musicals.
Don't see it if You like musicals with profound messages and Pulitzer-worthy writing. Or if you cannot get past your hatred of "Memory." Read more
See it if Like me you love this show. I saw it years ago & was enchanted. No Betty Buckley this time, but it is still enchanting.
Don't see it if You are allergic to cats or don't like fantasy.
See it if You know the story, love Broadway, and obviously are addicted to cats (the animal).
Don't see it if If you don't like a show where the story isn't really based in real life
Critic Reviews (47)
“A nostalgia trip with updated choreography, this new ‘Cats’ is peppy and kinetic, if sometimes a tad monotonous...Blankenbuehler’s work acutely enhances the personality of each cat...Full of catchy pop tunes many of us have known for decades. Webber’s songs don’t have the tightest of melodies, but I’ll take ‘Cats’ over ‘School of Rock’ any day. As a wistful recollection, ‘Cats’ is guaranteed to leave you feline groovy.”
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"I still can’t say 'Cats' is my favorite musical ever—far from it—but I enjoyed this revival...Blankenbuehler’s rejuvenation of the original Gillian Lynne choreography electrifies the exuberance and musical excitement on stage...A few must-mention felines in this powerhouse cast...Quentin Earl Darrington, Christopher Gurr, Ricky Ubeda...The only disappointment is Leona Lewis...Even with its faults, you cannot help but indulge in the spectacle of fabulous dancing and whimsical charm."
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“A spectacle that entrances from start to finish...The current staging doesn’t seem to vary much in format from what I remember seeing at the show’s first mounting on Broadway...But somehow I was caught up in the antics of these performers pretending to be cats as if I were seeing the whole thing for the first time...It’s the entire 40-member cast plus orchestra and crew, all of them seemingly giving their all, who make sure that this new production is absolutely the cat’s pajamas.”
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"Really, the whole thing is so damn stupid that it is difficult to believe it was conceived by adults. But I would be lying if I wrote that it didn’t have its endearing moments."
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"When I caught the original show in its staggering 18-year run, I was bored to distraction - yes, I took a catnap - but this time, I succumbed to the show’s melodic, diverse score and expert razzle dazzle...The gussied-up cast is tireless and fully committed, remarkably choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler...The original director and designer, Trevor Nunn and John Napier, are back, and it remains a pleasing entertainment full of whimsy and pain, and it doesn’t deserve a spaying."
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"It’s not been revamped or re-thought, just taken out of mothballs...Andy Blankenbuehler was brought in to bring something more modern to Gillian Lynne’s original choreography, which was slinky and jazzy. He has pretty much failed...The theatrical evolutions since 1982 make 'Cats' seem quaint and unsubstantial...For ‘Cats’ fans, none of this will register. But for those of us who find the show as ineffable and inscrutable as cats themselves, it’s a tedious, clawing mess.”
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“The story looms weaker than it really is, and the songs, despite the powerful dance that connects them, emerge like discrete, unconnected music hall skits...Novel back in the 80s, but the novelty has worn off, certainly to those who witnessed its first incarnation...The real strength of the revived ‘Cats’ is the cast…The dizzying dance, the crowd-pleasing performances, the fantastical production design all combine to make ‘Cats’ surely an irresistible spectacle for new, 21st century audiences.”
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"Whatever else you can say about 'Cats'—the terms 'aimless,' 'silly,' and 'dull' might come to mind—it created the model for the international megamusical...’Cats’ just keeps crawling along, full of sound and fur, signifying nothing. The reviews are unimpressed, and for good reason. Dancers in the aisles were once remarkable; now they're de rigueur...And yet there the cats are, still in their leotards and leg warmers. ‘Memory’ is still a great song, though."
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