Experience the innovative adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Cats’ at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in Manhattan, where a reinterpretation through a ballroom competition setting captivates with its queer performer representation and contemporary themes.
A new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” titled “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” runs through July 28, 2024, at the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) in Manhattan. Directed by Bill Rauch and Zhailon Levingston, the production reimagines the classic musical as a ballroom competition, deviating from the traditional junkyard setting.
The idea gained momentum when a social media clip of the “Jellicle Cats” number went viral, showcasing queer performers voguing and dancing. This innovative adaptation resonates with themes of legacy and chosen family, akin to the original storyline about cats.
The cast features notable names from both theater and ballroom scenes, including André de Shields and Junior Labeija. The set, designed by Rachel Hauck, includes a 57-foot runway, enhancing the immersive experience. Choreographers Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles blend traditional “Cats” choreography with ballroom elements.
This revival maintains the essence of Webber’s music and T.S. Eliot’s words while infusing it with a fresh, contemporary appeal, focusing on the experiences and stories of queer communities.
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