First Nighter: You Better Believe That the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Trevor Nunn-T. S. Eliot "Cats" is Now and Forever

Forever has resumed on Broadway. The original production of Cats, which billboarded the slogan "Cats. Now and Forever," paused the forever part on September 10, 2000. Guess what! The pause in over. Forever is rolling on, at the Neil Simon Theatre. And if the producers don't mind a new slogan suggestion, they might try "Cats. Now and Better Than Ever."

I make the offer because, although I recall the earlier incarnation very well--I watched and listened to it in London and New York--I don't remember every minute. I'm convinced, however, that the revival, again directed by Trevor Nunn, is absolutely as entertaining as initially it was. It may only be my overworking imagination, but I also have the impression that new choreographer, Tony-winning Andy (Hamilton) Blankenbuehler, has been respectfully true to Gillian Lynne's seminal work while beautifully enhancing it.

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