All articles tagged with #cats the jellicle ball
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is gutted that Cats: The Jellicle Ball is closing tonight at the Broadhurst Theatre five months earlier than planned, and he uses an Instagram post to urge Broadway to address the unsustainable costs of producing and running new shows, signaling a broader industry financial crisis.
Andrew Lloyd Webber warns Broadway is in dire danger after his Cats revival, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, closes after five months due to unsustainable running costs despite strong grosses and Tony wins. He argues that the current economics make new productions hard to finance, urging theatre owners, unions and producers to act collectively to protect the next generation of creators, while noting Broadway’s overall 2025-2026 grosses set a record as the industry faces a delicate balance between risk and renewal.
Schmigadoon! was crowned Best Musical at the 2026 Tony Awards, hosted by Pink, while Liberation won Best Play and Death of a Salesman dominated revivals with six Tonys. Cats: The Jellicle Ball earned best-direction honors for Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, and Qween Jean became the first openly trans winner in Best Costume Design (Musical). The Lost Boys claimed multiple trophies, Ali Louis Bourzgui spoke on Palestine, John Lithgow won for Giant, and Laurie Metcalf added a third Tony for Linda Loman, with Ragtime’s Joshua Henry and Caissie Levy also taking their first Tonys. The night featured a star-studded lineup of performances and speeches, underscoring a year of milestone moments on Broadway.
Death of a Salesman led the night with the most Tonys, but Ragtime won Best Musical Revival and Cats: The Jellicle Ball claimed three awards, including Best Direction of a Musical for Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch. Ali Louis Bourzgui delivered a surprise win in Featured Actor in a Musical for his role described as the Lost Boys’ charismatic vampire leader, beating André De Shields. In play acting categories, Alden Ehrenreich edged out Christopher Abbott for the Featured Actor in a Play, while John Lithgow overtook Nathan Lane for Lead Actor in a Play. Several multiple-nominee shows—The Rocky Horror Show, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and Titaníque—went home empty-handed.
Costume designer Qween Jean became the first openly transgender performer to win a Tony, taking Best Costume Design of a Musical for Cats: The Jellicle Ball. She designed her own Tony gown and Whitney White’s, and is also nominated for Best Costume Design of a Play for Liberation. Beyond the win, she advocates for queer and trans rights and founded Black Trans Liberation, using the moment to push for lasting change in the theater community and society at large.
Sabrina Carpenter turned heads at Cats: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway in a bright yellow pastel coat, leopard-print bucket hat, and a black velvet Chanel bag, but the standout detail was her Jacquemus Les Doubles stacked-heel sandals, marking another bold fashion moment after her Met Gala appearance.