| CATS - THE JELLICLE BALL essential theater and not to be missed | |
| Last Edit: Shutterbug 02:02 pm EDT 08/10/24 | |
| Posted by: Shutterbug 01:50 pm EDT 08/10/24 | |
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| This show literally blew me away. It’s so much more than just an extravagantly entertaining spectacle. It is. But it’s also important, groundbreaking, boundary shattering theater. It takes an entertainment designed to appeal to the masses (which Cats certainly did in its heyday) and boldly reimagines it with a queer BIPOC cast and no cat costumes. It’s thrilling to watch. It’s so much more than an inclusive piece of theater with queer representation - it celebrates BIPOC queerness in a way that explodes boundaries and affirms the queer spirit in a way I haven’t quite felt before on a NY stage - all while still appealing to the masses. The audience was - literally - screaming. There were also two mid show standing ovations that felt genuine and spontaneous. This production also made me listen to the score with completely new ears. The score sounded glorious. And…Memory, as presented here, is staggeringly beautiful and so heartbreaking. It gave me goosebumps. Having true ballroom royalty, Junior Labeija, in the show connected the past with the present. And as Gus, the theater cat, Junior was perfectly cast and gave a brave and impactful performance. Truly a highlight. Andre De Shields was at his imperious best - as only he can be. He’s a true star who lights up the stage with his magnetic presence. And an amazing wig. And absolutely fierce costumes. Around the theater space were tributes to some of the luminaries from ballroom’s history such as Pepper Labeija, Angie Xtravaganza, Hector Xtravaganza, Dorian Corey and so many more. There was even a tribute to the legendary house mothers during the show. If only those who are no longer with us could be here to see this. This is why I say it’s such an important work. It’s so much more than an entertaining show. We’re at a juncture where this history could be lost. But it’s alive at the Harris Hotel and Cats - The Jellicle Ball brings it back from the Heavyside Layer. Do not miss this. I’m sad I won’t be able to go back before its run ends. For anyone wondering - I sat in the lower balcony, Seat P 201. It was a superb seat. And only cost $59 when I bought it a few months ago. |
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