As CATS: The Jellicle Ball gets ready to make its Broadway debut, multi-award-winning producer, director, and actress Lena Waithe speaks on the excitement of being a part of this production.
Lena Waithe, along with award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo and famed stylist Law Roach, has been named a producer on this production, and she discussed why she decided to join the team.
“Cynthia Erivo told me to check it out, and when I did, I was blown away,” she said. “The show is captivating and magical. You can’t help but be educated about ball culture and those that created it while being entertained at the same time.”
CATS: The Jellicle Ball is Broadway meets Ballroom culture, where the cast sings the original songs from the original production but also incorporates the ballroom lifestyle such as voguing, drag, and more.
Although this is a different take from the original, Waithe hopes that once audiences have seen it, they become inspired to learn more about ballroom culture.
“My hope is everyone revisits PARIS IS BURNING, and I hope folks get a chance to experience a culture that they benefit from but might not know its origins,” she said.
As previously reported, this production’s cast has legends from the ballroom scene, including Leiomy, “Tempress” Chasity Moore, and Junior Labejia (Paris Is Burning). Legendary actor André De Shields also stars in the play.
The show will premiere on Wednesday, March 18th, at the Broadhurst Theatre. Make sure to get your tickets now.
