Overview
- Cats: The Jellicle Ball, which opened Tuesday at the Broadhurst Theatre, drew praise for its fresh concept, high‑voltage choreography, and eye‑popping design.
- Directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch set the show inside a drag‑ball competition, with choreographers Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons weaving authentic vogueing into Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score.
- Reviewers note the music now pulses with house and dance beats while the signature song Memory stays largely intact to preserve its impact.
- Standout turns include André De Shields as Old Deuteronomy, ballroom icon “Tempress” Chasity Moore as Grizabella, and Junior LaBeija as Gus, with some performances guided by rotating celebrity guest judges.
- Moving from its intimate 2024 run to a traditional Broadway house shortened the runway and added onstage seating, a tradeoff that changes the vibe but improves sight lines and brings ballroom culture to a wider audience.