Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster were recently spotted enjoying a night at the theatre, attending the much-anticipated Broadway revival of “CATS: The Jellicle Ball” at the Broadhurst Theatre on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. The couple made headlines not just for their appearance, but also for the fervour with which they praised the production.
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Their outing coincided with a vibrant reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical, which is now viewed through the lens of the Harlem Ballroom scene. This underground cultural movement, embraced by Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities, gained prominence in the 1980s and presents a bold new perspective on the feline characters originally sketched by T.S. Eliot in “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”.

The production has quickly garnered rave reviews, establishing itself as one of the most talked-about performances on Broadway since its opening earlier this month. High-profile celebrities such as Zendaya, John Legend, Whoopi Goldberg, and Ian McKellen have all made their way to the theatre to witness the show.
Jackman, 57, and Foster, 51, were spotted backstage enjoying the company of the cast. Exclusive photographs obtained by PEOPLE magazine captured the couple alongside cast members, highlighting their enthusiasm for the show. A source at the scene revealed, “They were raving about the show,” noting the couple’s background in dance and their appreciation for the ensemble, which features a mix of traditional theatre dancers and talents hailing from the ballroom scene.
Foster expressed particular delight about the interactive fans, which were handed out to select audience members and contributed to the lively atmosphere of the performance. The backstage moments captured by photographer Luis Suarez also included snapshots with Ken Ard, who originated the role of Macavity in the 1982 production. Ard now appears as DJ Griddlebone in this revamped version, further bridging the legacy of the iconic performance with contemporary culture.
The direction of “CATS: The Jellicle Ball” is led by OBIE Award winners Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, while choreography is provided by ballroom icons Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons. Their vision has helped shape a production that resonates with both nostalgic fans of the original and new audiences alike.
The cast features a stellar lineup, including Tony Award winner André De Shields as Old Deuteronomy and other talents such as Kya Azeen, Baby Byrne, and Leiomy, all contributing to a diverse and dynamic rendition of the classic. Major producers like Michael Harrison and Mike Bosner, along with several co-producers including Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe, back this ambitious project.
Away from the spotlight of “CATS,” Jackman is also making waves with his performance in “Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes,” an Off-Broadway hit he is currently performing at the Minetta Lane Theatre. In this production, he plays Jon, an enthralling university professor whose complex relationship with a young star student raises ethical questions about power dynamics.
Their romantic connection has blossomed since they worked together on the 2022 revival of “The Music Man.” The pair was first publicly linked in January 2025 and made their official red carpet debut at the Los Angeles premiere of Jackman’s film, “Song Sung Blue,” in October 2025. Since then, they have routinely been seen supporting each other at various events and performances.
As the buzz around “CATS: The Jellicle Ball” continues, excitement grows among theatre enthusiasts, eager to secure tickets for what promises to be a memorable experience. The production not only showcases talent and creativity but also celebrates the vibrant history of the ballroom community interwoven with a classic tale beloved by many. Tickets for both “CATS” and Jackman’s stage performance are currently available, ensuring that audiences will have the chance to witness these exceptional productions.
