All that it proves is that ALW has written a couple of shows that appeal to a large audience. I'm no ALW-basher, there are a few shows he's done that I absolutely love. Phantom, JCS, Sunset Boulevard, parts of Joseph, a lot of Evita, that's all very impressive, especially given how young he started. He's also written some really disappointing drivel, but the same is true of even the best of composers. ALW does need a hit in this country soon, as it's been awhile since he's wowed American audiences.
CATS has had its day, it's wonderful for families with younger kids, and the people in the '80s really seemed to like the show. But people liked lots of things in the '80s that never need to be relived. That's how I see CATS, or at least CATS on Broadway. I say tour it or just leave it there for high school and middle school kids to do whatever with.
"The last train out of any station will not be full of nice guys."
- Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
"I wash my face, then drink beer, then I weep.
Say a prayer and induce insincere self-abuse,
till I'm fast asleep"- In Trousers
