What is the Musical Cats About and Why Does It Make Us Question the Nature of Reality?

The musical Cats, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is a unique and enigmatic piece of theater that has captivated audiences since its debut in 1981. Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the musical is a series of vignettes that explore the lives, personalities, and quirks of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles. But beneath its whimsical surface lies a deeper, almost philosophical exploration of identity, community, and the passage of time. Why, then, does this seemingly lighthearted musical make us question the nature of reality? Let’s dive into the many layers of Cats and uncover what makes it so compelling—and so perplexing.

The Surface Level: A Celebration of Feline Mystique

At its core, Cats is a celebration of the mysterious and often inscrutable nature of cats. Each character in the musical represents a different archetype of feline behavior, from the mischievous Rum Tum Tugger to the wise and mystical Old Deuteronomy. The Jellicle Cats gather for their annual Jellicle Ball, where one cat is chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life. This premise allows the musical to explore the individuality of each cat while also emphasizing their collective identity as part of the Jellicle tribe.

The musical’s lack of a traditional plot has been both a point of criticism and a source of fascination. Instead of a linear narrative, Cats offers a series of character studies, each song revealing a new layer of personality or backstory. This structure mirrors the way cats themselves often seem to exist in their own worlds, only occasionally intersecting with ours. It’s a reminder that not all stories need a clear beginning, middle, and end—sometimes, the joy is in the journey.

The Deeper Themes: Identity and Transformation

One of the most striking aspects of Cats is its exploration of identity. Each cat has a distinct personality, but they are all part of the same tribe, bound together by their shared experiences and rituals. This duality—individuality within a collective—resonates deeply with human audiences. We, too, navigate the tension between our unique selves and our roles within larger communities.

The concept of the Heaviside Layer adds another layer of complexity. This mystical realm represents transformation and rebirth, suggesting that identity is not fixed but fluid. The chosen cat, often Grizabella, the “Glamour Cat,” is a symbol of redemption and renewal. Her journey from isolation to acceptance mirrors our own struggles with self-worth and belonging. In this sense, Cats becomes a metaphor for the human condition, reminding us that change is not only possible but necessary.

The Spectacle: A Feast for the Senses

Cats is as much a visual and auditory experience as it is a narrative one. The elaborate costumes, intricate choreography, and immersive set design create a world that feels both fantastical and familiar. The cats’ movements are a blend of human and feline gestures, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. This deliberate ambiguity forces the audience to question what they are seeing: Are these cats, or are they humans embodying cats? Or perhaps something in between?

The music, too, plays a crucial role in shaping the audience’s perception. From the haunting melody of “Memory” to the playful energy of “The Rum Tum Tugger,” the score captures the essence of each character while also contributing to the overall atmosphere of the musical. The songs are not just performances; they are windows into the souls of the cats, inviting us to see the world through their eyes.

The Philosophical Undercurrent: Questioning Reality

Here’s where things get truly intriguing. Cats doesn’t just tell a story—it challenges our understanding of reality. The Jellicle Cats exist in a liminal space, somewhere between the human world and the feline world. Their rituals, such as the Jellicle Ball, are steeped in symbolism and mysticism, suggesting a deeper, almost spiritual dimension to their existence. This blurring of boundaries raises questions about the nature of reality itself: What is real, and what is imagined? Are the cats a metaphor for something greater, or are they simply cats?

The musical’s abstract nature encourages audiences to project their own interpretations onto it. Some see it as a commentary on societal hierarchies, with Old Deuteronomy as the benevolent ruler and Grizabella as the outcast seeking redemption. Others view it as an exploration of the passage of time, with the Heaviside Layer representing the afterlife or a new beginning. The lack of a definitive answer is part of what makes Cats so enduring—it invites us to keep questioning, keep exploring.

The Cultural Impact: A Phenomenon Beyond the Stage

Cats has transcended its origins as a stage musical to become a cultural phenomenon. Its iconic songs, particularly “Memory,” have been covered by countless artists and remain staples of popular culture. The 2019 film adaptation, while divisive, introduced the musical to a new generation and sparked renewed interest in its themes and imagery.

The musical’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences on multiple levels. Whether you see it as a whimsical celebration of cats, a profound exploration of identity, or a mind-bending meditation on reality, Cats offers something for everyone. It’s a testament to the power of art to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and challenge our perceptions.

Conclusion: A Musical That Defies Definition

So, what is Cats about? On the surface, it’s a musical about a tribe of cats and their annual gathering. But dig deeper, and you’ll find a rich tapestry of themes, from identity and transformation to the nature of reality itself. Its abstract structure and philosophical undertones make it a work that defies easy categorization, inviting endless interpretation and debate.

And why does it make us question the nature of reality? Perhaps because, like the Jellicle Cats, we are all navigating our own liminal spaces, trying to make sense of who we are and where we belong. Cats holds up a mirror to our own lives, reminding us that reality is not always what it seems—and that’s what makes it so fascinating.