Cats: The Jellicle Ball Revives Broadway with Queer Ball Culture Twist
After the disastrous 2019 film adaptation, Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic 1980s musical Cats has been ingeniously transformed into something thrillingly new with Cats: The Jellicle Ball. This revival, now playing at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York, seamlessly merges the classic show with the dynamic world of queer ball culture, creating a vibrant and celebratory production that honors both traditions.
From Disastrous Film to Innovative Stage Revival
The 2019 movie version of Cats was widely criticized for its garish CGI and cluttered sets, which distracted from the musical's core essence: showcasing talented performers as felines through song and dance. In contrast, Cats: The Jellicle Ball strips away unnecessary elements, focusing on powerful vocals and athletic choreography while adding rich cultural context. Directors Zhailon Livingston and Bill Rauch have reimagined the 45-year-old musical by infusing it with the spirit of ball culture, which originated in Harlem as a refuge for Black and brown queer communities.
Blending Two Seemingly Disparate Worlds
At first glance, Cats and ball culture might seem unrelated, but the connection becomes clear upon deeper reflection. Both celebrate subcultures of marginalized beings—whether felines in T.S. Eliot's whimsical poems or queer individuals in ballrooms—who find resilience and expression in the margins. The production does not force this analogy; instead, it wears the comparison lightly, with witty acknowledgment that not every element perfectly aligns. The primary goal is to pay homage to ball culture while demonstrating its broad appeal and adaptability, all while ensuring the audience has a fantastic time.
A New York Ensemble Shines on Broadway
The cast of Cats: The Jellicle Ball is a testament to New York's homegrown talent, featuring many performers making their Broadway debuts. From LaGuardia High School graduates to Juilliard-trained artists and ball scene veterans, the ensemble brings a unique energy to the stage. Key performances include:
- Ball icon "Tempress" Chasity Moore delivering a commanding rendition of Memory.
- Dava Huesca and Jonathan Burke as an electric duo in Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie.
- Emma Sofia's sparkplug performance in Skimbleshanks.
- Nora Schell blending old-fashioned theatrical flair with modern twists in Bustopher Jones.
Notably, the production features legends like André De Shields as Old Deuteronomy and Junior Labeija as Gus the Theatre Cat, bridging the worlds of theater and ball culture with seamless integration.
Honoring Tradition While Embracing Innovation
While Cats: The Jellicle Ball introduces fresh elements, it remains true to Webber's original score, with only minor adjustments like added basslines to fit the ball milieu. Some may find the inherent corniness of Cats occasionally dilutes the show's revolutionary edge, but overall, the production feels reborn. For many audience members, especially first-time viewers, this version will forever define their experience of the musical, showcasing what's possible when Broadway looks beyond traditional boundaries to embrace diverse talent.
A Broader Trend in Lloyd Webber Revivals
This revival is part of a larger trend of reimagining Andrew Lloyd Webber's works, such as Sunset Boulevard becoming an avant-garde video production and Phantom of the Opera transforming into an immersive experience. Cats: The Jellicle Ball stands out as a riotous drag ball celebration, sparking hope for future innovative adaptations, perhaps even a rollerskating version of Starlight Express. It's a powerful reminder of theater's ability to evolve and resonate with new generations.
