The Broadway production of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' has announced its complete cast, introducing a vibrant mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces to the stage. This modernized adaptation reimagines the classic musical within a dynamic underground ballroom culture, focusing on a vogue dance competition. The ensemble is set to deliver an energetic and innovative theatrical experience, building on its successful Off-Broadway run.
Key additions include celebrated vogue dancer Leiomy as Macavity, original 'Cats' cast member Ken Ard returning in a newly created role, and 'The Voice' alumnus Bryson Battle making his Broadway debut. These cast members, alongside a diverse and talented group of performers, will bring a contemporary edge to the beloved narrative, promising a show that captivates both long-time fans and new audiences.
New Talents Infuse Life into the Jellicle Ball
The reimagined Broadway production of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' is set to electrify audiences with its innovative casting choices, bringing together diverse talents that promise a fresh and dynamic interpretation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical. At the forefront of these exciting additions is Leiomy, affectionately known as the "Wonder Woman of Vogue." Her extensive background as a judge on HBO's reality competition "Legendary" and her profound influence on vogue culture make her a compelling choice for the role of Macavity. Her Broadway debut is highly anticipated, as she is expected to imbue the character with a unique blend of grace, power, and contemporary dance artistry. This casting not only highlights the production's commitment to modernization but also introduces the theatrical world to a celebrated figure from the ballroom scene, bridging different artistic disciplines. Leiomy's presence is poised to redefine the character of Macavity, offering a portrayal that resonates with contemporary dance trends and performance art.
Complementing this fresh talent is Ken Ard, an esteemed veteran who notably originated the role of Macavity in the 1982 Broadway run of 'Cats.' Ard's return to the stage after a quarter-century hiatus is a significant event, as he takes on the newly conceived role of DJ Griddlebone. This character addition is pivotal to the updated narrative, which frames the Jellicle Ball as an underground vogue dance competition. Ard's reprisal in this innovative capacity symbolizes a passing of the torch while simultaneously enriching the production with his profound experience and understanding of the original work. His involvement ensures a connection to the musical's legacy while embracing its evolution. Furthermore, Bryson Battle, a standout finalist from "The Voice" season 28, is making his Broadway debut as Jellylorum. Battle's recent acclaimed performance as Ulysees in "Saturday Church" at the New York Theatre Workshop underscores his versatile vocal and acting capabilities, making him an ideal fit for this vibrant new production. The collective inclusion of these artists signals a bold new direction for 'Cats,' blending theatrical tradition with modern performance sensibilities.
Theatrical Innovation and Artistic Vision
The revival of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' represents a significant artistic undertaking, pushing the boundaries of traditional musical theater by embedding the narrative within the vibrant and competitive world of underground ballroom culture. This creative decision, championed by directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, alongside choreographers Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons, transforms the Jellicle Ball into an electrifying vogue dancing competition. This innovative setting not only provides a fresh context for the classic songs and characters but also offers a powerful platform for celebrating diverse performance styles and narratives. The production's successful run at New York’s Perelman Performing Arts Center last season garnered critical acclaim, proving the viability and excitement of this modernized approach. Audiences were captivated by the dynamic staging, the intricate vogue choreography, and the compelling performances that brought a new layer of meaning to the beloved musical, making its transfer to Broadway a highly anticipated event.
The extensive and talented cast further solidifies the production's commitment to artistic excellence and diversity. Beyond the leading roles, the ensemble features a rich array of performers, many of whom were part of the celebrated Off-Broadway run. Notable returning cast members include André De Shields as 'Old Deuteronomy,' Jonathan Burke as 'Mungojerrie,' and Baby Byrne as 'Victoria,' among others. Each performer brings a unique skill set and interpretation to their respective roles, contributing to the overall richness of the Jellicle community. The inclusion of new ensemble members like Sherrod T. Brown, Bryce Farris, and Phumzile Sojola, many of whom are making their Broadway debuts, further enriches the cast with fresh energy and diverse backgrounds. This thoughtful curation of talent underscores the vision to create a version of 'Cats' that is both deeply respectful of its origins and boldly forward-looking. The blend of seasoned veterans and emerging artists ensures that 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' will be a memorable theatrical experience, offering a relevant and exhilarating spectacle when it opens at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre in March, with opening night slated for April 7th.