CATS : Der Jellicle Ball am Broadway Ticket

Wow. All I can say is wow! Costumes, performers, nostalgia, energy. Unbridled.

Very bad experience! The Cats show on 2026 is not the same Cats Broadway show that it was years ago! I went on May 22nd 2026 and it looks like a Drag Queen show, I didn't expect to see that, I bought the tickets expecting to see a show not a guy with strap on his butt, acting like a strippers. I feel like I was robbed. No recomended.

Beware! This show does not resemble the original Cats production in any way. No clever costumes. Dialogue is sometimes raunchy. MANY in the audience had large folding fans they clapped open in unison, before and throughout the show. We sat in front of some and had to wear earplugs to tolerate the loud and frequent popping. The audience knew the actors lines and yelled them out. I spent over $550 for 4 tickets and we couldn't even make it to intermission. Had I known we were buying tickets to a Rocky Horror Picture Show version of Cats I'd have know better. Now YOU have been warned. Skip this and do anything else.

We caught Cats: The Jellicle Ball during previews on a recent spring trip to NYC , and it’s unlike any version of Cats I’ve ever seen. If you’re familiar with the original Cats, this is a complete reimagining. Instead of traditional costumes and staging, this production blends the classic score with ballroom culture and runway performance. There are no cat ears or tails — the show is staged more like a high-energy runway competition, with a central catwalk and performers representing different “houses.” I’ll be honest — I’ve never been a huge fan of Cats. I’ve always appreciated the music and choreography, but found the story a bit hard to follow. This version doesn’t radically change the plot, but it does frame it in a way that’s much easier to connect with. The competitive ballroom structure actually helps clarify what’s happening and gives the show a stronger throughline. The cast is outstanding. Led by André De Shields, the performers bring incredible energy and presence, and many are making their Broadway debut from the ballroom world. It’s a great mix of established Broadway talent and artists bringing something completely fresh to the stage. One standout moment is “Memory,” performed by Tempress Chastity Moore — a powerful, emotional take on one of Broadway’s most iconic songs. It’s raw, heartfelt, and absolutely stops the show. Visually, this is a spectacle from start to finish. The choreography, lighting, and overall staging create a nonstop, high-energy experience. The audience gets pulled into it as well — while it’s not officially interactive, it very much feels like it. People cheer, react, and engage throughout, which adds to the fun. I will say, at times, I found myself thinking this ballroom/runway concept could work for a lot of shows, not just Cats. But that’s also part of what makes this version so interesting. It takes something very familiar and turns it into something new and buzzworthy. Bottom line: If you love Cats, you should absolutely see this — it’s one of the most entertaining versions I’ve experienced. If you’ve never loved Cats, this might actually be the version that changes your mind. Either way, it’s a unique, high-energy night at the theater and well worth seeing. We rushed this show and ended up sitting about 5 rows back in the orchestra on the side. These were full-view seats and were close enough to make eye contact with the performers. If you have free time in the morning before your show, I encourage you to rush this show. It is a great way to get solid seats for a great discount.