Cats: The Jellicle Ball Opens April 7
Broadway's *Cats: The Jellicle Ball* opens April 7th at the Broadhurst Theatre, with cast members unpacking the personalities and backstories of their feline roles. This production promises a fresh take on the classic musical, focusing on character depth and a rejuvenated ensemble with unique choreography blending classic and contemporary dance influences.
Based on T.S. Eliot's 1939 poetry collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," the original Andrew Lloyd Webber musical first premiered in London's West End in 1981. The groundbreaking production, directed by Trevor Nunn, went on to win the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The following year, *Cats* opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on October 7, 1982. It was the most expensive Broadway show ever mounted at the time, with a production cost of $5.5 million. The original Broadway production ran for an astonishing 18 years, closing on September 10, 2000, after 7,485 performances. At the 1983 Tony Awards, the original Broadway production of *Cats* was nominated for eleven awards and won seven, including the coveted prize for Best Musical. It also took home awards for Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Costume Design. This new production, *Cats: The Jellicle Ball*, finds its home at the historic Broadhurst Theatre. Opened in 1917, the Broadhurst has been home to numerous legendary productions, including *Cabaret*, *Grease*, *Les Misérables*, and *Mamma Mia!*. *Cats: The Jellicle Ball* is a significant reimagining of the classic, infused with the energy and culture of the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene. This version, which premiered off-Broadway to critical acclaim in 2024, is directed by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch with choreography by Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles.
