EGOT winner John Legend and Tony and Emmy-winning producer Mike Jackson are set to bring their formidable talents to the producing team of the highly anticipated Broadway production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball. The acclaimed duo, operating under their Get Lifted Film Co. banner, will infuse the iconic musical with what they describe as "a new cultural energy." This collaboration marks Legend’s significant return to the theatrical stage, promising a fresh and vibrant interpretation of the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber classic.
The ballroom-infused rendition of Cats is scheduled to commence Broadway previews on Wednesday, March 18, with its official opening night set for Tuesday, April 7. The production aims to reimagine the enduring legacy of Cats by integrating the dynamic and expressive world of ballroom culture. This strategic move is expected to attract a diverse audience and inject a contemporary sensibility into a musical that has captivated theatergoers for decades.
A New Artistic Vision for a Classic Musical
John Legend and Mike Jackson articulated their enthusiasm for the project in a joint statement, emphasizing the production’s unique approach. " Cats is one of the most recognizable musicals ever created, and what makes Cats: The Jellicle Ball so exciting is how it honors that legacy while completely reinventing the experience through the lens of ballroom culture," they stated. "The creativity and artistry of this production are extraordinary. It takes a beloved musical and infuses it with a new cultural energy that feels vibrant, contemporary, and celebratory." Their involvement signals a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring innovative theatrical storytelling.
This venture represents a significant milestone for Legend, whose previous Broadway forays have garnered critical acclaim. In 2018, he starred as the titular character and served as an executive producer for the Emmy-winning live telecast of Jesus Christ Superstar. That same year, the Grammy-winning artist also received a Tony nomination for his contributions to the score of SpongeBob SquarePants. His return to Broadway as a producer, particularly for a project with such a distinct artistic direction, underscores his multifaceted engagement with the performing arts.
Get Lifted Film Co.’s Growing Theatrical Footprint
Get Lifted Film Co., co-founded by Legend, Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius in 2012, has established itself as a prolific multi-platform production company. The company’s name, derived from Legend’s debut album, reflects its ambitious scope and artistic vision. Beyond film and television projects, including the Emmy-winning HBO documentary 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed, Get Lifted has steadily expanded its presence in the theater world.
The company’s theatrical credits include the critically acclaimed 2017 revival of Jitney, which earned Legend his first Tony nomination and win. Other notable Broadway productions include Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations and the Joe Morton-led Turn Me Loose. Off-Broadway, Get Lifted also contributed to the production of the Jay Ellis-starring Duke & Roya. Currently, the company is preparing for its forthcoming stage adaptation of Imitation of Life, which will feature music and lyrics by John Legend himself and is slated for a premiere at The Shed.
The Jellicle Ball: A Modern Take on Eliot’s Feline World
Cats: The Jellicle Ball is based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and promises a reimagined theatrical experience. The production will premiere at the Broadhurst Theatre, a venue with a rich history on Broadway. Leading the cast is the distinguished Tony and Grammy winner André De Shields, who will portray the venerable Old Deuteronomy.
The directorial vision for this innovative production will be helmed by OBIE Award winners Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch. Their combined expertise in experimental and impactful theater is expected to shape a compelling narrative that honors the source material while embracing contemporary artistic trends.
A crucial element of the production’s distinctiveness lies in its choreography. The dance elements will be crafted by renowned figures from the NYC ballroom scene: Omari Wiles of the House of NiNa Oricci and Arturo Lyons of the House of Miyake-Mugler. Their involvement ensures an authentic and electrifying integration of ballroom aesthetics, adding a layer of cultural significance and visual dynamism to the show.
The musical direction will be overseen by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of the original Cats. Webber’s continued engagement with the production signifies a vested interest in its new direction. This collaboration brings together a legendary composer with a new generation of artists and cultural innovators, aiming to create a truly groundbreaking production.
A Legacy of "Cats" on the Charts and Stage
The original Cats musical, which debuted in London’s West End in 1981, has left an indelible mark on musical theater history. It remains the fifth-longest-running show in Broadway history, boasting over 7,000 performances. The musical’s enduring popularity is further evidenced by its commercial success, with two separate cast recordings charting on the Billboard 200. The original London cast recording reached No. 86 in 1982, followed by the original Broadway cast recording, which peaked at No. 131 the subsequent year.
The addition of John Legend and Mike Jackson to the producing team, alongside other notable producers such as Michael Harrison and Mike Bosner, as well as producers Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe, suggests a robust and well-supported endeavor. Cynthia Erivo, a multi-talented artist, is currently captivating audiences in London’s West End with her solo Dracula show, a project that follows her significant involvement in the Oscar-winning Wicked films.
The strategic partnership of Get Lifted Film Co. with Cats: The Jellicle Ball signifies more than just a financial investment; it represents a shared vision for theatrical innovation. By merging the established appeal of Cats with the vibrant energy of ballroom culture, the production is poised to resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences. The involvement of prominent figures like Legend and Jackson, known for their ability to blend artistic integrity with commercial success, positions this revival as a significant cultural event on the Broadway calendar. The production’s success will likely be measured not only by its box office performance but also by its ability to introduce fresh perspectives and celebrate diverse artistic expressions within the mainstream theater landscape.
