Cats: The Jellicle Ball Reimagines a Classic Through Ballroom Culture

Cats: The Jellicle Ball transforms the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical into a celebration of Harlem ballroom culture, reframing the Jellicle gathering as a high-energy runway competition inspired by real ball traditions. Co-directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch developed the production over several years, premiering it at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in 2024 before preparing it for Broadway.

Stage legend André De Shields appears as Old Deuteronomy, while ballroom icon Leiomy Maldonado infuses the show with authentic vogue performance style. The production blends Broadway tradition with queer cultural expression, highlighting themes of identity, resilience, and community through a bold theatrical lens.