Andrew Lloyd Webber Shares ‘What’s Wonderful’ About “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” Compared to 2019 Movie (Exclusive)

**Revival of ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ Opens on Broadway Amidst Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Reflections**

The iconic musical, *Cats*, has returned to Broadway under the title *Cats: The Jellicle Ball*, now showing at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. The revival, which debuted on April 7, has garnered significant attention, largely due to the thoughts shared by its composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, who expressed his enthusiasm about the new production in a recent interview.

Lloyd Webber, now 78 years old, spoke with *PEOPLE* on the opening night, highlighting what distinguishes this iteration of *Cats* from the 2019 film adaptation that faced widespread criticism. He noted, “What’s wonderful about this is that it is so original and so daring. It has a quality about it that I think T.S. Eliot would have loved.” The esteemed composer mentioned that the current production embodies a genuine emotional depth, stating, “If it’s got real heart, that’s what this has, and I think that’s the big difference.”

The composer’s remarks come in stark contrast to his previous comments regarding the 2019 movie. Directed by Tom Hooper, the film, featuring an ensemble cast including Judi Dench, Idris Elba, and Jennifer Hudson, received mixed to negative reviews. Lloyd Webber has been outspoken about his disappointment with the film, labelling it “off-the-scale all wrong” during a 2021 interview. He recounted the experience of seeing the movie, stating, “I just thought, ‘Oh, God, no.’ It led me to a rather unusual positive outcome; I ended up buying a dog.”

This sentiment was echoed when he referred to the movie as “terrible” in a subsequent interview with *The Times* in 2024, where he described the overall experience for those involved as unhappy. Talents like Dench and Taylor Swift reached out to Lloyd Webber during the film’s production, expressing their concerns and seeking his advice about the project.

The current revival of *Cats: The Jellicle Ball* is notable as it is the first Broadway revival since 2016. The original incarnation of the musical, which had captivated audiences since its debut in 1982, closed in 2000 after an impressive 7,485 performances at the Winter Garden Theatre. This revival seeks to re-energise the story, presenting it through a contemporary lens while honouring its roots.

*CATS* tells the tale of a diverse group of felines who gather for their annual Jellicle Ball, a vibrant celebration where one cat is chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn. This production brings a fresh twist by reimagining the Jellicle tribe as participants in the Harlem ballroom scene, which was founded by Black and Latinx queer and trans communities during the 1980s. This creative reinterpretation aims to resonate with modern audiences while retaining the essence of the beloved classic.

The cast of *Cats: The Jellicle Ball* boasts a diverse array of performers, including Dudney Joseph Jr. as Munkustrap, André De Shields as Old Deuteronomy, and Chasity Moore as Grizabella. Other standout performers include Leiomy as Macavity, Junior LaBeija as Gus, and Kya Azeen as Etcetera. Additionally, the ensemble has been thoughtfully constructed to embody the spirit of the original work while integrating the new thematic elements, ensuring that both fans of the classic musical and new audiences are engaged.

Notably, the ensemble includes Bebe Nicole Simpson, Emma Sofia, and Garnet Williams, enhancing the show’s vibrant energy and representation. Audiences can expect a rich tapestry of talent and emotion as they delve into the world of *Cats*, with each character bringing their own unique flair to the stage.

Tickets for *Cats: The Jellicle Ball* are currently available for purchase, and early reactions from the audience have been overwhelmingly positive. With Lloyd Webber’s hopeful outlook and an innovative cast committed to the show’s revival, *Cats* seeks to reclaim its position in the hearts of musical theatre aficionados.

As the reviews roll in, the production’s journey may well reflect a triumphant return for *Cats* on Broadway, allowing the beloved musical to shine anew while celebrating its cultural legacy.