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A Theatrical Classic Returns: CATS Still Lands on Its Feet at Teatro

The famous musical wows Johannesburg for the very first time

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CATS The Musical on stage

Few productions in musical theatre history are as instantly recognisable — or as enduring — as CATS The Musical. On 18 Janurary 2026 at Teatro, Montecasino, the iconic show returned to Johannesburg, reminding audiences why this feline fantasy has remained a global favourite for more than four decades. The production was made possible by Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment, in collaboration with Cape Town Opera and by arrangement with LW Entertainment.

From the moment the lights dimmed, the atmosphere inside Teatro was electric. The entire theatre (including the balcony and boxes) was packed – theatre culture is so back! No curtain hid the set on stage, and audience members were gazing upon a back alley, string lights, graffiti and hidden holes. The show started with lights dimming and “cats” roaming around the audience in a display of audience inclusion and interaction. 

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A Story Told Through Song and Movement

Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS unfolds over the course of a single night. The Jellicle Cats gather for their annual Jellicle Ball, where their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, must choose one cat to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life. 

Rather than following a traditional narrative arc, the show introduces audiences to a series of vividly drawn feline characters — each with their own song, personality and purpose. From the rebellious Rum Tum Tugger to the mysterious Mr Mistoffelees, the musical feels more like a living poem than a linear story. You don’t always know what is going on, but it’s fabulous to just experience it anyways.  

A Global Theatre Phenomenon

First premiering in London’s West End in 1981, CATS quickly became a theatrical sensation. It went on to break records both in London and on Broadway, becoming one of the longest-running musicals in history. Since then, it has been staged in over 50 countries, translated into multiple languages and seen by over 77 million people worldwide. 

Its success helped usher in the era of the large-scale “megamusical”, proving that visual spectacle, dance and music could transcend language and culture — a quality that still defines CATS today. 

Stunningly, it is the first time it is showing in Johannesburg. We are witnessing history in the making.  

The Creative Vision

The musical’s staying power lies in its creative foundations. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score remains instantly recognisable, shifting effortlessly between playful ensemble numbers and deeply emotional solos. “Memory” — arguably one of the most famous songs in musical theatre — continues to be a show-stopping moment, earning rapt attention from the audience. 

Originally directed by Trevor Nunn, with choreography by the late Gillian Lynne, CATS is as much a dance piece as it is a musical. The choreography demands physical precision and stamina, with performers embodying feline movement in every gesture. This production honours that legacy, delivering choreography that feels both athletic and expressive. 

Chrissie Cartwright led the direction and choreography for this specific run in South Africa, working together with Musical Supervisor Peter McCarthy to honour the original creative vision while guiding the local cast. Audiences can look forward to an exceptional South African cast, including Cindy-Ann Abrahams as Grizabella, King B as Old Deuteronomy, Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Rum Tum Tugger, and Che-jean Jupp as Munkustrap. 

CATS The Musical on stage
cast of CATS The Musical
CATS The Musical on stage

Why CATS Still Works

More than forty years on, CATS continues to resonate because it doesn’t rely on trends or topical references. Instead, it taps into universal themes — identity, belonging, memory and renewal — wrapped in spectacle and music that feels timeless. 

At Teatro, CATS The Musical delivers exactly what fans expect: a visually rich, emotionally stirring and unapologetically theatrical experience. Whether you’re revisiting it through a wave of nostalgia or encountering it for the first time, this production proves that some classics don’t just age well — they continue to enchant. 

Teatro Times

Venue: The Teatro, Montecasino, Fourways, Johannesburg

Dates: 17 January – 22 February 2026

Ticket Pricing: From approximately R280 – R580

Booking: Webtickets & Teatro Box Office

Performance Times:

  • Tuesdays to Fridays: Evenings (mostly ~19:30)

  • Wednesdays & Saturdays: Matinee (~14:30) & Evening (~19:30)

  • Selected Sundays: Afternoon & early evening shows (times may vary)

Teatro, Montecasino, Johannesburg
pietertoerien.co.za
@pietertoerienproductions
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