Chapter 1: Live Like a Summer Flower

The stage was a serene lake blue, with the theater's ceiling divided into three sections. Bronze and gold foil sculptures accentuated the gorgeous chandeliers. Though they were all off, one could easily imagine the dazzling light when they were on. The arched columns were covered with exquisite gold leaf paintings, which took one's breath away. The wine-red curtain on the stage was drawn, and the 800 crimson seats below were fully occupied. The golden and red intertwined flames on the stage reflected the hazy colors throughout the theater, creating a thrilling beauty for every audience member. Familiar and moving music echoed in the theater. This was the final season of the best-selling musical in history, Cats, on Broadway.

Broadway Avenue, located in New York City, is lined with numerous theaters and is a critical hub for the development of American drama and musicals. It has become synonymous with drama and musicals and is one of the symbols of American modern song and dance art and the entertainment industry. Classics like The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast, and Cats have graced Broadway stages. The Broadway Theatre is one of the many renowned theaters on Broadway Avenue.

Cats is a musical that originated at the New London Theatre in the West End of London, England. It has not only become the most successful and longest-running musical in British history but also captivated audiences worldwide after premiering on Broadway, the pinnacle of American musicals. It is the best-selling musical in history. However, this summer marks the end of Cats' 18-year run on Broadway, so the theater has been packed for two consecutive weeks as more and more audiences flock to experience its charm.

At midnight, in a moonlit garbage dump, the cats of the Jellicle tribe gather, awaiting their leader to choose a cat for ascension to the Heaviside Layer for rebirth. Cats with different personalities and appearances appear one after another, each presenting a unique performance of song and dance.

At this moment, a lame cat appears: Grizabella. She struggles onto the stage, looking ragged, haggard, and dirty, worn down by life. She once betrayed the tribe and ventured into the outside world, only to face hardships and lose her once joyful and beautiful life. Now, exhausted, she has returned, longing for the old days, but everyone avoids her. Who would have thought she was once so beautiful and charming? Now, she is lonely, weak, and despised, wandering in the lowest neighborhood, ostracized by her tribe. Despite this, she still longs to go to the Heaviside Layer, a seemingly impossible dream.

In this situation, Grizabella sings "Memory," a song about her past, filled with sadness and desolation. This amazing performance earns her the tribe's acceptance, and she is chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer, moving the 800 audience members to tears and applause.

The Broadway stage has never lacked talent or stars, and stories of overnight fame are common here. Starring in such a popular musical as Cats as the pivotal character Grizabella naturally draws attention.

There are 36 characters in Cats, with Grizabella being one of the most significant. Musicals differ from movies and TV shows as everything happens live. Even accidents become part of the performance. Top musicals like Cats have a fixed cast and backup actors to replace the main actors when needed, ensuring smooth performances. For Grizabella, three actors serve as backups.

Grizabella's appearance today surprised many Broadway regulars, as she was portrayed by an unfamiliar actor. Though heavy makeup obscured their faces, making it hard to discern even their gender, the dance moves, singing voices, and skills quickly revealed a new talent to the keen audience.

The new Grizabella's voice was slightly hoarse, especially noticeable in transitions and at the end of tones, adding a unique resonance. This small feature made "Memory" even more poignant. As the turning point and highlight of the entire play, this song had to be touching, and today's performance was undoubtedly a success. The emotional depth and touching voice of the new Grizabella moved the audience to tears.

At that moment, Grizabella shone like the brightest star in the night sky, impossible to ignore.

This was the first show of Cats in its final Broadway season, and the troupe boldly chose a new actor for Grizabella. This excited the professional audience, who were eager to witness the rise of a new star.

When the performance ended, the 800 audience members stood up and applauded, expressing their highest respect with sincere cheers. Although many excellent actors had previously played Grizabella, the new actor today also received the highest recognition from the audience. When the chandeliers lit up, many audience members checked the brochures for the name of the new Grizabella: Evan Bell. This was clearly a boy's name.

Backstage at the Broadway Theatre, after stepping off the stage, Trevor Nunn, the head of the Cats American production, stood at the entrance congratulating every actor, celebrating the successful performance.

Standing at the door, Trevor Nunn watched the actors celebrate. This being the last season of Cats on Broadway, the actors were under immense pressure. Today's successful start boded well for the next two months of performances.

Penn-Lecce stood apart, watching with a cold expression. His 25-year-old face was emotionless, but the deep jealousy in his eyes was unmistakable, as if he could transform into a beast at any moment and devour the handsome figure in the crowd. Evan Bell, only 18 years old, had landed the Broadway stage and the role of Grizabella, while Penn-Lecce remained a third understudy. The flames of jealousy almost consumed him.

At this time, Trevor Nunn whispered a few words to Evan Bell, and the two walked toward Penn-Lecce. Penn-Lecce quickly hid at the corner of the stairs to avoid being seen.

"Evan, are you sure you want to leave? You performed so well today. Even if you don't play Grizabella in the summer performances, you could still play Alonso," Trevor Nunn said to the young man. Alonso is the third leader in the play, a significant role.

The boy, having removed his stage makeup, revealed his true face. His short, neat brown hair and deep features resembled those of a Greek god. His innocent and pure smile, with a hint of roguishness, was very appealing.

Evan Bell laughed heartily, his smooth British accent sounding elegant. "Mate, I told you long ago that this week is my last show. Our contract ended a week ago." It was hard to imagine that this 18-year-old, with such a clear smile, could play the aged and weary Grizabella so well, earning unanimous praise. Moreover, he was a male playing a female role, which was remarkable.

More importantly, Trevor Nunn, a director who had seen countless excellent actors, had personally affirmed Evan's talent and invited him to stay. This was the highest honor. It should be noted that Trevor Nunn is the lyricist of "Memory" and the chief director of Cats.

However, Evan Bell seemed indifferent to all this, his smile remaining bright. "My friend, if Judi Dench had not suffered from severe Achilles tendinitis five days ago and Elaine Paige had not been ill, you wouldn't have asked me to temporarily replace Grizabella. Now that I've completed my two performances, Elaine is about to return, so let her take over." Judi Dench and Elaine Paige are the first and second actors for Grizabella, respectively.

Trevor Nunn smiled bitterly. Due to the accidents involving the two actors and the third actor, Jeanne Polloway, who had a family emergency, he decided to ask Evan Bell to temporarily replace Grizabella. Evan Bell had always been the second actor for Alonso. Though only 18, Trevor Nunn highly valued his singing, dancing, and acting skills.

"Evan, I really don't understand you. Everyone dreams of being on the Broadway stage, and you've succeeded. Why are you unwilling to achieve greater success here?" Trevor Nunn asked, helplessly.

"Rabindranath Tagore once said, 'Live like a summer flower, and die like an autumn leaf.' 'Live like a summer flower' is my life motto," Evan Bell replied, his mouth forming an elegant arc. There was a flash of world-weariness in his eyes that belied his age. "I'm heading to the Eagle Rock Music Festival next week, and then college in the fall. My life is colorful. It's not that I don't want success on this stage, but there are more attractive opportunities waiting for me."

Evan Bell then gave Trevor Nunn a big hug. "Man, I will come back to this stage in the future. I'm only eighteen, and my life has just begun. I hope you can still accept me then."

Trevor Nunn patted Evan Bell on the back, a smile forming on his lips. "Of course, you are always welcome here."