CATS has been performed around the country and around the world for over 22 years, and only recently the Capitol Theatre in Union City, a community theatre, had the opportunity to produce it.

CATS is based on a book entitled “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Elliot. Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music before the show’s first performance in London in 1981.

While most of the play was performed by over 30 talented singers, dancers, and actors from throughout Obion County, several performers have ties to UT Martin, including Rita Winters, who has worked with the UTM Opera and Vanguard Theatre; Glenda Mash, a senior at UTM; and Wade Maness, also a UTM student.

A shortened synopsis of the musical, as explained on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s official website, progresses as follows: “Tonight is a particularly special night of the year when the tribe of Jellicle cats unite to celebrate who they are.

“Victoria, a young white cat, dances to signal The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball. Munkustrap, a large grey tabby, explains that the Jellicle Cats meet once a year to rejoice. They are waiting for their leader, the wise Old Deuteronomy, who will choose which of the Jellicle Cats will make the journey to the Heavyside Layer to be reborn into a new life.

“One of the cats, Grizabella, is shunned by the rest of the tribe despite being a Jellicle Cat. She left the tribe years ago to explore the outside world and now wants to return,” according to the Web site.

“At last the time has come for Old Deuteronomy to make the Jellicle Choice and decide which cat will be reborn into a new Jellicle life. At that moment, Grizabella reappears. This time the cats accept her back into the tribe and it is she who is chosen to journey to the Heavyside Layer and be reborn,” according to the Web site.

The finely choreographed dancing and singing adds to the lure of the cats and their elusive natures. The costumes were made to resemble real cats; they were mostly slinky body suits complete with furry tails, ears and heads. The makeup was real-looking as well since it was applied to suit the different types of cats portrayed.

“Honestly and truly, this has been the experience of a lifetime. I’m glad for the opportunity because it was incredible,” said Mash, who played the role of Chausie and also contributed to costume design for the performance.

“The show has been great because it involves so many young people who were exposed to this type of production. Small towns such as ours don’t normally have these opportunities. I want to thank everybody involved in the production and the patrons who support it because without them, the show would not have been possible,” said John Easley, a Union City resident who played Old Deuteronomy.

“I’m glad I could keep up with everybody.,” said Linda St. Clair, who played the part of Asparagus. “You’re never too old to be a cat.”