I was so excited when I heard that Andre De Shields was starring in “Cats: ‘The Jellicle Ball'” at the Perelman Performing Arts Center at 251 Fulton Street in lower Manhattan. Andre plays Old Deuteronomy and is as marvelous, intense, and penetrating in the role as you would expect. Andre is such a pleasure to watch and the audience leaped to their feet with a standing ovation from the time he appeared and stood in all his glory. He sang a song about being old and having to move slowly, but then he graced the runway with dance moves that had everyone cheering and shouting. He holds a note as only Andre can!
This production is inspired by the musical “Cats” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot, but don’t go into this show with any perceived notions. This “Cats” showcases ballroom runaway culture and does it with such joy, energy, flexibility, diversity, and excitement. The fantastic, talented company of actors portrays the beloved characters from “Cats,” but you’ve never seen these characters played with such spirit, pride, and pleasure. This company will have you cheering, laughing, and screaming as they let you know that they have gathered for the Jellicle Ball, where Old Deuteronomy will pick one cat to start their new life with the rising of the moon. These cats come dressed in sexy, gorgeous, tantalizing outfits and their dances explode on the runway. You will have never seen such captivating moves and they are performed, seemingly, with effortlessness.
You may be a “Cats” lover and know the names of the characters, but you probably haven’t seen them performed so boldly and provocatively before. This company will have you purring for more! Prior to Old Deuteronomy appearing, we get to know a company of brilliant performers.
One familiar face who is marvelous is Antwayn Hopper, whom you might remember for “A Strange Loop.” His bass voice is intoxicating as he plays. Macavity, the “mystery cat.” Each of the performers play their role deliciously. Dudney Joseph Jr. is Munkustrap, Master of Ceremonies; “Tempress” Chastity Moore is Grizabella, the glamorous cat. When she sings “Memory,” well, you will certainly remember it! Sydney James Harcourt is one sexy Rum Tum Tugger. Robert “Silk” Mason is tremendous in the role of Magical Mister Mistoffelees, a “conjuring cat.” The outfits that he performs in are captivating, and his dance ability is off the chart. Every time he took the stage to grace the runway, the audience was up on its feet.
Once this cast sinks its claws in, you are captured and raptured. Other members of this phenomenal company include Xavier Reyes, Baby, Primo, Emma Sofia, Teddy Wilson Jr., Nora Schell, Jonathan Burke, Dava Huesca, Garnet Williams, Junior LaBeija, Shereen Pimentel, Emma Sofia, Kendall Grayson Stroud, Tara Lashan Clinkscales, Phumzile Sojola and the DJ Capital Kaos. The role of Demeter, normally played by Bebe Nicole Simpson, was dynamically performed by Shelby Griswold.
The choreography from Arturo Lyon and Omari Wiles is some of the most stunning, pulsating moves you are going to see on a stage! And this company knew just what to do to make every move POP!
Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch provide exhilarating direction. It is so much fun, as the actors perform not just on the runway, but among the audience members. The audience was entertained on every level from the exquisite dancing and costumes by Qween Jean to the scenic design by Rachel Hauck, lighting design by Adam Honore, sound design by Kai Harade, projection design by Brittany Bland, hair and wig design by Nikiya Mathis.
You need to see this show! The audience experienced so much theatrical splendor they burst at the seams with applause, shouts, and screams throughout the performance. When it was over the energy in the room was in the heavens. This is a musical that spotlights the fierce energy, passion, talent, and power of the LGBTQIA community represented incredibly on the stage and in the audience! The show runs through August 11. For tickets visit pacnyc.org.