Lloyd Webber’s classic in a completely new, extravagant adaptation
A successful musical seen many times around the world since its creation in 1981, “Cats”, one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s wilder masterpieces, based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”, the poems written in 1939 by T.S. Eliot, has often divided theatergoers who have either enjoyed it to the hilt or rejected it as garbage. The fact remains that despite these different opinions, it has always attracted crowds in the many formats in which it has been presented, with the exception of its disastrous film version …
In this new version by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, now presented under the new title of “Cats: The Jellicle Ball”, that changes the approach of previous stage treatments and turns it into an ecstatic celebration of queer sincerity and transgender realities of living, the musical makes a much-anticipated return to Broadway in an extravagant presentation that is bound to stay on the boards for many years to come. Set in New York in a queer disco club, superbly designed by Rachel Hauck, the show remains faithful to the development of the original story and its many musical numbers but moves away from it in many ways that give it an unusual originality and different aspect. Where the narrative previously unfolded around moments of joy and sadness, it now explodes in completely unbridled euphoria as a dance contest with members of the cast running around on the stage and in the audience in ways that surprise spectators, some of whom are seated on stage, and make them participate in the hocus pocus that happens.
Dressed for the most part in the scintillating costumes designed by Qween Jean, and not in the strange cat furs previously used everywhere, the actors perform with such enthusiasm and vivacity that the general tone of this presentation remains exuberant throughout, with their performances made even more dazzling thanks to the extravagant and frequently astonishing choreography by Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons.
The cast assembled for the occasion brings it to a level of exuberance seldom seen on Broadway, with three splendid leaders: André De Shields, last seen in “Hadestown” for which he won a Tony Award, as Old Deuteronomy; Junior LaBeija, best remembered as the emcee featured in the Ballroom documentary “Paris Is Burning”, as Gus the Theatre Cat; and „Tempress” Chasity Moore, a trans actress and ballroom celebrity, as Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, whose delivery of „Memory“ remains one of the highlights of the show. They are seconded by a sparkling cast that includes Nora Schell, frequently on stage with her occasional seminude buxom, as Bustopher Jones; Dudney Joseph Jr., as Munkustrap, the Master of Ceremonies; Sydney James Harcourt, as Rum Tum Tugger; Bebe Nicole Simpson, as Demeter; Jonathan Burke, as Mungojerrie; Emma Sofia, as Skimbleshanks; Dava Huesca, as Rumpleteazer; Robert „Silk” Mason, as Magical Mister Mistoffelees, and the seductive Leiomy as Macavity, all of them superbly convincing in their respective stage presentations.
While it will primarily appeal to the queer community because of its presentation, this reimagined and reconfigured version of “Cats” is bound to remain forever written as one of the best examples of musical theater being revived for generations to come and should undoubtedly challenge the Broadway 18-year run of the original. In the current explosive climate that exists in so many places in the world, it is simply a delightful way to settle down and see something so entertaining and enjoyable.
Music Supervision and Music Direction: William Waldrop • Direction: Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch • Choreography: Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons • Scenic Design: Rachel Hauck • Costume Design: Qween Jean • Projection Design: Brittany Bland • Lighting Design: Adam Honoré • Sound Design: Kai Harada • Hair and Wig Design: Nikiya Mathis • Make-up Design: Rania Zohny • Dramaturgy and Gender Consultancy: Josephine Kearns • With: André De Shields (Old Deuteronomy), Ken Ard (DJ Griddlebone), Kya Azeen (Etcetera), Bryson Battle (Jellylorum), Jonathan Burke (Mungojerrie), Baby Byrne (Victoria), Sydney James Harcourt (Rum Tum Tugger), Dava Huesca (Rumpleteazer), Dudney Joseph Jr. (Munkustrap), Junior LaBeija (Gus the Theatre Cat), Leiomy (Macavity), Robert „Silk“ Mason (Magical Mister Mistoffelees), „Tempress“ Chasity Moore (Grizabella), Primo Thee Ballerino (Tumblebrutus), Xavier Reyes (Jennyanydots), Nora Schell (Bustopher Jones), Bebe Nicole Simpson (Demeter), Emma Sofia (Cassandra/Skimbleshanks), Garnet Williams (Bombalurina), Teddy Wilson Jr. (Sillabub) and others
Cover photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade