“CATS: The Jellicle Ball” will have everyone purrrfectly satisfied at the Broadhurst Theatre. It is a sexy, vibrant musical ride with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot, but it has been bought into a new day and time, and updated to identify with the needs of today’s society and cultural desires.
Steeped in ballroom culture, the production pays homage to those who founded this validating and reaffirming performance art that involves drag, vividly colorful costumes, risky, revealing clothing, and just being yourself with others accepting and appreciating you for who you are. You come into the theater and the vibe is deliciously delightful and fun. The musical is stunning, brilliantly directed by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, and has some of the most captivating choreography you will see on stage created by Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons. The mood from the time you enter the Broadhurst is that you are there to enjoy yourself with this group of very flexible, sexy, beautiful talented performers, and to get your fashion sense on!
I loved how so many people had fans, as did cast members, and they were not afraid to flip them open and wave. There are so many moments where the audience was dancing at their seats and rocking to the beat, while shouting, screaming, and clapping for the extraordinary dance moves being performed with such ease.
“CATS: The Jellicle Ball” tells the story of the origins of Ball culture which began in 1970s Harlem in the LGBTQ+ community, especially within the Black and Latinx communities. The Jellicle Cats are members of competing houses. It is tremendous fun to see them use authentic elements of Ball culture, including a lot of voguing and runway. By the end of the evening, the oldest and most respected Cat, Old Deuteronomy, will pick the cat who will get to go and start their next life.
Imagine coming onto a stage, not saying a word and everyone going wild — shouting, applauding, screaming. Well, that’s what happened when the legend, the perfectionist, the Tony winning actor André De Shields took to the stage as Old Deuteronomy. André was definitely the cat’s meow, not only in his spectacular stage presence, but that man can definitely hold a note beyond your wildest expectations — and do it effortlessly. He can also bust a move and do it with accents that are quite impressive. Prior to us seeing De Shields, we all get to become immersed in the sensual, gorgeous, cast who can strut, vogue, and dance their a—s off. Everyone in this ensemble brings their A game to the table and leaves you shouting for more.
The cast De Shields leads includes Chasity Moore as Grizabella, Robert “Silk” Mason as Magical Mister Mistoffelees, Jonathan Burke as Mungojerrie, Baby Byrne as Victoria, Tara Lashan Clinkscales, Sydney James Harcourt as Rum Tum Tugger, Dava Huesca as Rumpleteazer, Dudney Joseph Jr. as Munkustrap, Junior LaBeija as Gus, “Tempress” Primo Thee Ballerino as Tumblebrutus, Xavier Reyes as Jennyanydots, Nora Schell as Bustopher Jones, Bebe Nicole Simpson as Demeter, Emma Sofia as Cassandra/Skimbleshanks, Garnet Williams as Bombalurina, and Teddy Wilson, Jr. as Sillabub.
The cohesive, superb performances of this cast will have you dazzled, charmed, and at times touched. The creative team behind this scrumptious treat does a phenomenal job of creating an atmosphere of pleasure, passion, respect and fun. The creatives include Rachel Hauck, scenic design; Qween Jean, stunning, provocative, costume design; Adam Honoré, lighting design; Kai Harada, sound design; Brittany Bland, projection design; and Nikiya Mathis, hair and wig design.
I wish “CATS: The Jellicle Ball” could be NOW and FOREVER! This musical is what we all need so badly. It is about accepting everyone for who and what they are. Everyone is beautiful. Everyone has a story to tell, and we all need each other. It is a moment to enjoy life! My memories of it will live on and on. For tickets visit catsthejellicleball.com. You will be thrilled you did!