Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved musical is completely reimagined through the lens of ballroom culture—the Jellicle Ball becomes an annual voguing competition where cats strut the runway in full regalia. Directed by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch with electrifying choreography by Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons. Named to every major 'Best of Year' list for its PAC NYC debut. André De Shields stars as Old Deuteronomy.
“It was one of the most thrilling and joyous nights of theater I've experienced in a long time. Cats has never made this much sense. The atmosphere was electric. I cannot wait to see it again.”A GUEST · 2,200 RESPONSES
I cannot remember a more euphoric night of theater—the whole room was screaming with joy.
Cats has finally made total sense—ballroom culture gives the abstract world a beating heart.
the vogueing choreography is the most thrilling dance theater you can see anywhere right now.
André De Shields as Old Deuteronomy is the most magnificent thing on any stage.
Memory hits completely differently as a ballroom lament about lost generations and legacy.
traditional Cats fans may feel the source material has been fully transformed, not just reinterpreted.
the volume is intense—multiple decibel warnings are not an exaggeration.
some confused by the ballroom structure if unfamiliar with that culture.
very queer and very loud—not for everyone.
traditionalist Cats fans wanting the original Jellicle fantasy intact. audiences sensitive to extremely loud sustained sound or strobe effects. those expecting a clear linear plot—this is about atmosphere and celebration.
Three Tony wins (Direction, Choreography, Costume Design) during Pride Month have amplified the show's status as Broadway's unapologetic queer triumph. The Jellicle Ball has become the bar against which radical revivals are now measured—a production that respects its source while making it finally, thrillingly legible through ballroom culture.
hadestownBoth feature Tony-winning André De Shields and reimagine classic material with innovative staging and strong LGBTQ+ community resonance›
moulin rougeShared high-energy spectacle, immersive staging with runway/audience interaction, and emphasis on visual extravagance and dance›
sixFeminist/queer reimagining of familiar material, pop-infused score updates, concert-style presentation, strong audience participation culture›RESEARCHED JULY 2026