CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Previews- Page 6

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/26/26 at 11:51am

Kad said: "quizking101 said: "TennisFan said: "I saw Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst yesterday (I didn’t see it downtown). “Memory” was clearly transposed, and I wasn’t a fan of the key choice. It ended up feeling like one of the weaker moments in the score when it’s usually the emotional peak. Curious how others felt."

It’s important to know that “Tempress” Chasity Moore is a trans woman. Although she has transitioned, her voice isn’t necessarily going to reach the high quasi-operatic belt that everyone is used to.

The whole point in this context is a trans woman reclaiming her space and her interpretation has a certain raw energy to it that asserts her right to occupy space in the community and deserves forgiveness and a second chance, and I find that beautiful moreso than the traditional way."

I found this production's "Memory"- and Moore's performance of it- to be one of the most moving I've ever seen. Sure, it doesn't have the vocal fireworks we've come to associate with the song, but it carries so much deeply felt emotional weight."

Agree! I see the Broadway mounting next week, but at PAC, I was really moved by her interpretation of the song. 

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/26/26 at 11:56am

Kad said: "quizking101 said: "TennisFan said: "I saw Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst yesterday (I didn’t see it downtown). “Memory” was clearly transposed, and I wasn’t a fan of the key choice. It ended up feeling like one of the weaker moments in the score when it’s usually the emotional peak. Curious how others felt."

It’s important to know that “Tempress” Chasity Moore is a trans woman. Although she has transitioned, her voice isn’t necessarily going to reach the high quasi-operatic belt that everyone is used to.

The whole point in this context is a trans woman reclaiming her space and her interpretation has a certain raw energy to it that asserts her right to occupy space in the community and deserves forgiveness and a second chance, and I find that beautiful moreso than the traditional way."

I found this production's "Memory"- and Moore's performance of it- to be one of the most moving I've ever seen. Sure, it doesn't have the vocal fireworks we've come to associate with the song, but it carries so much deeply felt emotional weight."

And she sometimes pushes that limit of her upper register (without straining) and that’s when you hit maximum impact.

[hyangsoo]

Posted: 3/26/26 at 12:45pm

TennisFan said: "I saw Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst yesterday (I didn’t see it downtown). “Memory” was clearly transposed, and I wasn’t a fan of the key choice. It ended up feeling like one of the weaker moments in the score when it’s usually the emotional peak. Curious how others felt."

Memory is one of my favorite songs. I watched last night as well. I understand the decision to cast Chasity as Grizabella but the first 80% of the song she sang it very out of tune. Everyone in our group commented on it. She has the confidence and the grit but it was painful to listen to. Maybe it was an off night.

[Grace Sweeney]

Posted: 3/26/26 at 1:30pm

Went to the show on Tuesday after sadly missing off broadway.....and then back again last night. I FCKING LOVED IT. So joyful, so exciting, so mf C*UNTY!!!! This cast is working their ass off, and while there were some moments of not the most pristine vocals I have ever heard, the atitude and confidence of the whole piece just knocked me over. I really felt like I was in a club at a ball. Cannot WAIT to see this again. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/27/26 at 7:31am

First things first... the cast is doing tremendous work. It’s clear they’re having the time of their lives, and the talent across the board is top-notch.

I really appreciate the bold vision here. This is a radical reinterpretation of CATS, and it largely succeeds on its own term. It’s a joyous explosion of energy.

From a design standpoint, the production looks fantastic. I missed the Off-Broadway run, but it fits the Broadhurst beautifully. The lighting is especially striking and precise, and the choreography is complex and flawlessly executed. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this pick up a few Tonys, particularly for costume design.

That said, my overall reaction is a bit more tempered than most here. At times, there felt like a little too much going on. It could verge on chaotic, and I wasn’t always sure where to focus my attention. That may very well be intentional given the ballroom-inspired approach, but for me, it occasionally crossed into overwhelming.

Even so, while it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, I admire and respect what this production is doing. It’s a bold, exciting, and ultimately successful revival.

[The8re phan]

Posted: 3/27/26 at 3:11pm

<-- manifesting a new cast recording

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/27/26 at 3:15pm

The8re phan said: "<-- manifesting a new cast recording"

I’m quite curious to see how this particular production would translate on a cast album. Isn’t the music pretty much the same, save for the occasional added house beat?

[The8re phan]

Posted: 3/27/26 at 3:27pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "I’m quite curious to see how this particular production would translate on a cast album. Isn’t the music pretty much the same, save for the occasional added house beat?"

I think the house beats as well as the cast's vocal energy would renew an otherwise stale original album

Updated On: 3/27/26 at 03:27 PM

[Charley Kringas Inc]

Posted: 3/27/26 at 3:53pm

I would kill for a double album that preserves the party atmosphere, "D D D D DEUTERONOMY" has been bouncing around my head like a dvd screensaver for like a year and a half.

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/27/26 at 4:27pm

EDSOSLO858 said: "The8re phan said: "<-- manifesting a new cast recording"

I’m quite curious to see how this particular production would translate on a cast album. Isn’t the music pretty muchthe same, save for the occasional added house beat?"

It appeared like there is one being made right now, if Bryce Farris’ Instagram story is an indicator of anything. 

[Voter]

Posted: 3/28/26 at 6:36pm

I seem to be in the minority, but I saw this at PAC and really didn't enjoy it. It felt like "putting a hat" on a mediocre musical (I mean, I do love the score, but as a show I find it aimless and plodding). I kept wishing it had been a completely new musical celebrating ballroom culture. The cast was truly brilliant, though, and I am, however, looking forward to catching it uptown and seeing if my feelings have changed.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 3/28/26 at 6:40pm

The8re phan said: "EDSOSLO858 said: "I’m quite curious to see how this particular production would translate on a cast album. Isn’t the music pretty much the same, save for the occasional added house beat?"

I think the house beats as well as the cast's vocal energy would renew an otherwise stale original album"

This is one of my rare exceptions of not liking a live album, I think it'd really enhance it. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/28/26 at 9:42pm

Show will be featured on CBS Sunday Morning tomorrow. 

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 9:42am

[MezzA101]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 11:02am

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "

CBS News feature Link for subscribers

https://share.google/q8sPP9xrpqyCJtjZL

 

"

 

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 11:06am

Went again yesterday for the matinee and let us give a moment of silence for Andre’s Space Oddity Wig, which has ascended to the Heaviside Layer. (His regular lavender blowout has returned for the finale)

[ACL2006]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 11:27am

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "

 

"

CBS Sunday Mornings tends to release extended interviews of their material. Hopefully we get one on CATS. also fascinating to hear ALW rip apart the movie.

[C4b2a3b]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 12:11pm

Looking at Viewfrommyseat, the stage doesn't look too high? For those who have been, does the first row center orchestra seem like a good seat? Will the actors interact with me if I sit there (I'd like to avoid that if that's the case)?

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 1:15pm

They’re great seats but would definitely include some interaction.

[broadfan327]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 1:31pm

I sat sixth row center and it was the perfect seat.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 2:02pm

I think one of the things that's cool about this production is that each seat offers not only a different view, but also a different experience. The cats roam the entire theatre.

FWIW, I was row J in the mezzanine (far side), and the view was absolutely perfect from there.

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 2:04pm

C4b2a3b said: "Looking at Viewfrommyseat, the stage doesn't look too high? For those who have been, does the first row center orchestra seem like a good seat? Will the actors interact with me if I sit there (I'd like to avoid that if that's the case)?"

The platform is definitely high, so you might miss stuff upstage (which is mostly where Old Deuteronomy is based). But actors use that space and the aisles rather frequently.

Third Row was fine for me, but I would maybe recommend a rear orch (before the overhang) or a box for you. Although the cast popping up is infrequent, you’ll mostly be out of the line of fire

[C4b2a3b]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 2:17pm

Thank you all for the seating recs! 

[broadfan327]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 2:46pm

From what I saw, the audience interaction is nothing to be worried about.  This is not like a magic show where you are called on the stage and asked to do something.

[bear882]

Posted: 3/29/26 at 2:56pm

I agree with bwayphreak234 that where you sit offers a different experience. I chose fifth row center mezzanine, thinking it was most panoramic view of the show and would offer a good look at whatever was happening on the runway. That proved correct and I would recommend those seats (and there’s not really direct interaction with the cast, if that’s a concern). I couldn’t even see the regular orchestra seats due to the setup, which did leave me curious what was going on there.

Two cautions: No matter where you are, unless in a front row, there is always a possibility that an audience member will be waving a fan in front of you. It’s part of the show and encouraged (with fans sold at the merch stand) - and is less distracting than you might think, especially because it happens most often after songs. But it’s something to know. The other issue about the mezzanine, which didn’t affect me but affected my companions, is that getting to and from the restroom at intermission at the Broadhurst is kind of an adventure. If you don’t need to use the restroom, skip it.