#not going to lie i would probably pay handsomely to see a 'nude' performance of Cats but in the end a traditional one is pretty damn close

[impeccablebackside]

Part of me wonders if there has ever been a body paint and tails only rendition of the play

That is definitely an interesting premise. A body paint and tails edition is a fantasy for sure, and I can say with certainty that it has never happened. Further, it will never happen - at least not in any official capacity. There is a potential that someone somewhere at sometime has donned body paint to make them look like any given character from the musical as a joke or as an earnest attempt to replicate them, and that would be the beginning and end of that. Nevertheless, it is intriguing to say that least to imagine it. It is one hell of a sexy (private) cosplay for fans too if they were daring enough.

To me, the show would have to be exactly the same aside from the change in proverbial costume (or lack there of). Wigs and make-up would be a must still, and I would require the bodypaint to be professionally done and in the exact same pattern as the 'regular' unitards too, so that is another thing. All of the characters and dancing remain as intended, but obviously with much more to visually appreciate. I say this with tact, but my god can you imagine how awesome that would be?

Simply picture them dancing and all of that, or the high kicks they do, or them crawling on all fours - especially from behind (that would be my favourite), or even the entirety of the white cat solo which would be just spectacular. Beyond the feast for the eyes, it would expand on how much athleticism goes into the show with legs (amongst other things) on full display. This includes female and male actors, even though I would be so tunnel-visioned looking at certain actors the Rumple to notice any tom for very long in all honesty.

Though, I do have to say that my fetishism with clothing / costumes would be a bit sad to strip away the unitards. They are already more than good enough to show off every fanatstic curve, and it adds a bit of spice to have that sort of clothing worn in all honesty. The entire package is what makes them a life-changing point of focus for me.

Anyway, not to ruin any enthusiasm, but much of the undergarments / padding the male and female cast wear beneath their unitards are meant to reduce any injuries and ensure comfort, so a body paint show is not feasible. 'Sportswear' so to speak ensures things stay where they should be without flip-flopping around. For example, I am sure you can appreciate that certain curious cat hip thrusts would be in a mega-HD 3D type shit without such support. Beyond this, each cat also wears kneepads underneath to protect their knees after a night of crawling and sliding as well.

A body paint show would be terribly impractical too given how long it would take every single time they would perform. I am not well versed at all in how long it takes to apply, but it has to be a lengthy proces. Plus, what about the song costumes? Those are important too. Another point would be that making everyone nude would be a distraction from the rest of show and reduce its impact, but that is obviously subjective. Even the thought of making the show more unduly sexual in whatever capacity creates a challenge.

Either way, good thought in the end. Lots of good visuals with your idea.