Andrew Lloyd Webber's dazzling Broadway production spawned the phrase “It was better than 'Cats'!” Here are a few more facts about 'Cats' the musical.

THEATER
David Tennant became an actor with the goal of starring in 'Doctor Who,' and almost ended up playing Hannibal Lecter.
If you missed the New Jersey high school's staging of the iconic sci-fi film the first time around, limited tickets are available for the encore performance, which is set to take place on the international "Alien Day."
Ira Aldridge became the first famous African-American actor—but he didn't find fame in the U.S. Here's how he battled prejudice to become the 19th century's "greatest living actor."
The rock opera’s uplifting message still strikes a chord with audiences everywhere.
The previous record was held by ‘All the Way,’ a play featuring Bryan Cranston as Lyndon Johnson.
'Hamilton' creator Lin-Manuel Miranda has managed to cram a lot into his 40 years, including a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Genius Grant. Yet he can't help thinking that Paul McCartney was much further along when he was the same age.
"I’ve grown a little bit as an actor every time I’ve gone back to the theater," says the star of Broadway's 'The Lifespan of a Fact.'
He said it was more nerve-wracking than going on stage.
In 1830, King William I of Netherlands celebrated his birthday with an opera. The performance would help destroy his country.
The mid-century masterpiece has been called his most autobiographical play.
'Playcraft Live' is a time-travel play that takes place simultaneously on stage and online.
The raindrops on roses-loving Hollywood icon is turning 82 years old today.
Even 400 years after Shakespeare's death, scholars are still debating.