OLD POSSUM'S BOOK OF PRACTICAL CATS

The inspiration for the Broadway hit Cats, this collection of free-verse poems--very British and somewhat dated--describes the exploits and foibles of such felines as contrary and difficult Rum Tum Tugger and laid-back Old Deuteronomy. In this delightful rendering by a British cast, each voice seems to fit the cat's character, like Richard Briers's gruff Growltiger. Most poems are the work of individual readers, but the occasional duets and choral renderings are effective. Unfortunately, in a couple of spots Eliot uses racist terms. Liner notes include a list of the poems and their readers. P.B.J. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]