André De Shields Celebrates Broadway Return in Cats: The Jellicle Ball

At 80, Broadway legend André De Shields is gearing up to reprise his role as Old Deuteronomy in the innovative Cats: The Jellicle Ball, now heading to Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre with previews starting March 18 and opening April 7, 2026.

The press preview highlighted De Shields’s remarkable career spanning Tony, Grammy and Emmy wins and his mission to bring beauty and dignity to the stage. The production reimagines Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic through electrifying ballroom-inspired choreography by Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons and dynamic direction by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch.

The show, which racked up awards and extensions in its off-Broadway run, features a diverse cast and promises a spectacular blend of iconic music and avant-garde performance.