A feline frenzy of voguing kittens just found their fur-ever home on Broadway. “CATS: The Jellicle Ball,” a Ballroom-infused re-imagining of the storied production, is currently running (and fiercely catwalking) in NYC.
It’s no secret that a night out at the theater can cost a bit of cash. Our budget-conscious generation is rightfully weighing whether seeing shows is worth the high cost of entry. Does this musical justify a nearly $200 night out, per ticket?
Experiencing “CATS: The Jellicle Ball” is worth every cent. The ambitious musical delivers a fast-paced and unapologetically queer Broadway extravaganza. Fueled by massive dance numbers showcasing the very best in Ballroom, the high-octane energy of every cast member radiates throughout the theater. Folks will leave energized, intensely inspired, and with a newfound appreciation for this iconic art form.
The Cats Are Back
“CATS” has pounced to many highs and lows since it first landed onto London’s West End in the early 1980s. The strange story, adapted from a series of loosely connected poems, has been a risk in every iteration. Even at its inception, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber took out a second mortgage on his home to finance the confounding, out-of-the-box spectacle. It’s a wild and weird show, meaning its productions are truly hit or miss.
Has the whole world become allergic to “CATS,” especially after the abysmal and long-memed movie adaptation from 2019? The show translated poorly then, but its rebirth on Broadway is proving that this musical (when done right) is truly a sight to behold. Now, it seems the musical has found new life, fitting for a species mythologized to have nine.
The Beauty of Ballroom
Ballroom more than just dazzles, the style carries history. The dynamic dancing was forged by African American and Latin community members to celebrate together. Dancers would arrive ready to earn glory, trophies, and money, and to represent their Houses with Pride. That same energy has been siphoned through into this musical, bringing that bombastic classic ballroom energy to a hungry audience of theater-goers.
Ballroom icons Omari Wiles (House of NiNa Oricci) and Arturo Lyons (House of Miyake-Mugler) strut their stuff in this fully realized musical experience. Fueled by whip-fast neck snaps and gorgeous full-body struts, the icons on stage gag us with movements like no other.
Looking for the most unique way to experience “CATS: The Jellicle Ball?” The Broadhurst Theater offers two pairs of seats directly at the stage’s front. In those special spots, the Cats interact with you between their many duckwalks and twirls. Those tickets sell for nearly $250 and make for the perfect surprise to the ultimate feline fan.
Fantastic Felines
This isn’t just “CATS,” it’s elevated to a whole new level. As in a traditional night of ballroom, there are themed battles as categories flash on the screens around the theater. The show morphs into an authentic competition where live judging even takes place. Glittering trophies are handed out to the best dancer in each segment, though all performers proved worthy of winning gold.
The role of Old Deuteronomy is played by 79-year-old actor André de Shields, who commands the crowd like a conductor. His passion and pizazz are worth the cost of entry alone.
Another highlight is Sydney James Harcourt as the seductive cat, Rum Tug Tugger. Harcourt’s portrayal leans heavily into the sexiness, fully undeterred by the wild subject matter. Expect to see a whole lot of abs and assless leather pants.
After intermission comes a truly powerful part of the play. There is a montage of the Founding Mothers, an homage to the legends who built Ballroom. It’s clear the show can have fun and games, but first and foremost, it honors the legacy of past queer pioneers.
A night out on Broadway isn’t always easy on the wallet. There are great resources for affordable tickets, like TodayTix, Broadway lottery, or when a rich relative comes into town. Hitting that part of the city isn’t a regular trek for many of us, which is why it’s so important to read reviews before you buy.
In the spirit of Ballroom, we have to rate “CATS: The Jellicle Ball” as earning “tens… tens across the board!”
