Humanities the Musical \"Cats\" Attended

Humanities

The Musical "Cats" attended the live musical "Cats" by Andrew Lloyd Weber in 1992, and it seems to epitomize not only the 80s musicals, an important aspect of modern humanities, but Broadway musicals and the arts, as well. First, the art and style of the musical are legendary, and it is one of the longest running musicals on Broadway, which indicates it has created its own history, an element of the humanities. In addition, it was inspired by author T.S. Eliot's writings, so it is based on a highly respected literary author, another element of the humanities. No one who has seen the musical can forget the art and style of the costumes and lighting. The actors and dancers create their own make-up and styles that symbolize the cats they are recreating. Each cat is different, just as all real cats have differences, and they each have unique personalities as well.

It also represents the culture of the 80s Broadway shows, which were far less complex and staged than they are today. The set is simple, and it is the characters that are the most important aspect of the musical. Other musicals that were popular at the same time, such as "A Chorus Line," also represent this minimalist style of staging and production, so the musical is representative of the time it was first produced, and representative of Broadway musicals in general, because of the memorable music by Andrew Lloyd Weber. In addition, Weber is one of the most popular lyricists on Broadway, and has worked on several well-known musicals, so he represents history of the era and the genre.

The humanities are distinguished by other modes of human inquiry and expression by their reliance on art, culture, literature, and history, compared with other areas that are based on science, technology, and inquisition. The humanities represent "higher" learning, learning that does not necessarily represent technical or vocational training, but rather artistic and mental appreciation of other aspects of society and culture. "Cats" the musical fits into this category because it is learned, and yet it is entertaining and even captivating. It represents beauty, art, and artistic performance, and that is a vital aspect of the humanities that distinguishes it from many other aspects of our culture. It exists to entertain and enlighten, rather than to teach or solve problems.

As noted, this musical compares favorably with many other musicals popular around the same time. The music is especially memorable - in fact, many popular recording artists of the time, including Barbra Streisand, had hit songs with music from the musical, and so, it found its way into pop culture and interest. I am not familiar with many Broadway musicals of the time, but it fits into the same type of cultural expression that is still popular today - the Broadway musical, which never seems to lose its appeal. Modern musicals have become a lot more staged and complex, like the "Lion King" and "Wicked," but they are essentially, the same - they tell a story through words and music, and entertain the audience with song, dance, sets, costumes, and characters who are memorable and talented.