The second longest running musical in the history of Broadway, “Cats” is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.

The Jellicle cats are celebrating at the Jellicle Ball, awaiting Old Deuteronomy’s choice of which cat will be reborn into a new life.

One by one, the cats step forward to introduce themselves, auditioning for the chance to take the journey to the Heaviside layer.

A true musical theater phenomenon, “Cats” opened at London’s New London Theatre in 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years.

“Cats’” London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran for just over 18 years. This enchanting musical features the immortal ballad “Memory,” as well as a collection of other whimsical tunes enjoyed by audiences young and old.

“Cats” has been presented in over 26 countries, has been translated into 10 languages and has been seen by over 50 million people worldwide. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album.

Cats” is presented through special arrangement with Rodger and Hammerstein Theatricals.

“Cats” is produced by Patricia Tonzi and directed by Peter J. Hill. The show is choreographed by Noel Irick and musically directed by Flora Mogerman.

The cast includes Marty Berger, Heidi Carpenter, Jean-Paul Clemente, Kimberly Cooper-Schmidt, Carlee Coulehan, Sky Donovan, Cristen Fortier, Alex Gonzalez, Cat Hartmann, Elspeth Hunt, Leah Klein, Darian Lorrain, Michael LeSueur, Stefan Linder, Lew Myers, Jacqui Notorio, Glenn Parker, Larah Pawlowski, Paul Pedersen, Roger Prenger, Debra Qualtire, Patrick Russo, Tanya Schoenwolf, Janine Smith, Tom Vinopal and Rick Williams.

“Cats” will open Friday, Aug. 29, and runs through Sept. 14.

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A reception will be held on opening night for all those attending that evening, featuring free appetizers, wine and soft drinks.

Individual tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children 17 and under. Seniors receive a $5 discount on all Thursday performances. A $3 handling fee per ticket applies. Group rates and student rush discounts are available.

All performances are at Fountain Hills Theater on its Mainstage at 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd.

Tickets are available through the Theater Box Office at (480) 837-9661, ext. 3. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The theater’s website is www.fhtaz.org.