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CATS: "THE JELLICLE BALL": What to expect - 1

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New York, NY

CATS: "THE JELLICLE BALL" Tickets

A group of performers in colorful costumes and varied hairstyles stand in formation on a stage with a purple backdrop, striking coordinated poses.

Two performers are on stage. One is on the floor with their legs extended upwards wearing rainbow-colored leg warmers, while the other is watching with a surprised expression. People watch from the background.

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Performers on stage in colorful costumes and dynamic poses under vibrant pink and purple lighting.

95/100

Musicals

About CATS: "THE JELLICLE BALL"

Cats: "The Jellicle Ball" is a radical reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic dance musical based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Inspired by the Ballroom culture that roared out of New York City over 50 years ago and still rages on runways around the world. Staged as a spectacularly immersive competition by Zhailon Levingston (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Chicken & Biscuits) and PAC NYC Artistic Director Bill Rauch (All the Way), with all new Ballroom and club beats, runway ready choreography, and an edgy eleganza makeover that moves the action from junkyard to runway.  Come one, come all, and celebrate the joyous transformation of self at the heart of Cats and Ballroom culture itself.

Know before you go

On 6/27, members of the cast and creative team discuss the inspiration, themes, and creative process behind this radical reimagining. Moderated by Adin Walker, PhD candidate at Stanford, who is writing a book on a cultural history of Cats.

Run time

2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.

Start date

June 13th, 2024

End date

August 11th, 2024

Venue

Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC)

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168 Reviews

aka

542 Reviews | 155 Followers

Brilliant!

See it if into reworking a beloved but problematic classic, mixing it with queer Ballroom extravaganza, thus adding context and edge.

Don’t see it if well... very Drag-Race, in-your-face, and the audience is expected to be rowdy (no problem)!

Claude 7183

287 Reviews | 57 Followers

Quirky, Great staging, Great singing, Delightful, Enchanting

See it if Just totally fun. It is Cats but completely different. I gave it a 95 but may come back and give it a 100. Get a ticket!!!

Don’t see it if You don’t like gender diversity or drag.

JimDM

353 Reviews | 94 Followers

Resonant, Masterful, Refreshing, Profound, Joyous

See it if A joyous celebration of ballroom culture and queer life via a silly but delightful musical. A revolutionary production with guts and heart.

Don’t see it if Not for purists, certainly. And if you really, really hate the score to Cats, you’ll probably still have trouble getting enthused.

RandyK

353 Reviews | 73 Followers

Joyous, Transformative, Great staging, Entertaining, Brilliant concept

See it if Brilliantly melds gay ballroom culture with ALW's "Cats" and in the process transforms an earworm laden dud into a joyous celebration.

Don’t see it if If you are looking for your Grandma's "Cats" beware- this is not that.

CATS: "THE JELLICLE BALL" cast and creative team

By: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Songs by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Director: Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch
Choreography: Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles
Producer: Perelman Performing Arts Center
Cast list: Baby (as Victoria), Jonathan Burke (as Mungojerrie), Emma Sofia Caymares (as Skimbleshanks), André De Shields (as Old Deuteronomy), Sydney James Harcourt (as Rum Tum Tugger), Antwayn Hopper (as Macavity), Dudney Joseph Jr. (as Munkustrap), Capital Kaos (as DJ), Junior LaBeija (as Gus), Robert "Silk" Mason (as Mistoffelees), “Tempress” Chasity Moore (as Grizabella), Shereen Pimentel (as Jellylorum), Primo (as Tumblebrutus), Xavier Reyes (as Jennyanydots), Nora Schell (as Bustopher Jones), Bebe Nicole Simpson (as Demeter), Garnet Williams (as Bombalurina) Teddy Wilson Jr. (as Sillabub)
Sets: Rachel Hauck
Costumes: Qween Jean
Lighting: Adam Honoré
Sound: Kai Harada
Other info: Projection design by Brittany Bland, hair and wig design by Nikiya Mathis, music direction and supervision by William Waldrop, music coordination by David Lai, beats arrangements by Trevor Holder, dramaturg and gender consultation by Josephine Kearns