Cats, But Not As You Know It

It's Cats, but not as you know it! Nominated for nine 2026 Tony Awards!

Originally based on poet TS Eliot's 1939 book for older children, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, this re-imagining of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber-scored classic musical sets the story in an underground ballroom during the 1980s. Extended twice during its Off-Broadway run in 2024, the show now makes the jump to the main stem, dazzling audiences at the Broadhurst Theatre.

With direction from Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch and choreography from Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles, this new adaptation is an enthralling experience both for Cats diehards and newcomers to the seven-time Tony-winning show.

And just what does Lloyd Webber think of this reworking of his famous feline work? In a statement after seeing the show, he gushed: "I have rarely seen an audience respond with as much joy and love as I saw recently at Cats: 'The Jellicle Ball. The atmosphere was, quite simply, electric Cats and Ballroom culture both emerged in the same era and I am delighted that, all these years later, they are intersecting once again. I want to congratulate the entire team behind this special show!"

What Is The Story?

Although this re-imagining turns everything you know of Cats on its head, the timeless story we all know features a local tribe of street cats who, once a year, come together for the legendary "Jellicle Ball". Here they entertain each other, tell stories, and listen to wisdom given by their elderly and respected leader, Old Deuteronomy.

Halfway through, their gathering is interrupted by the tattered and torn Grizabella. Repulsed by her sorry state, the Jellicle Cats shun her and chase her off, despite the pleas of Old Deuteronomy to show compassion. But what happens when their beloved leader is kidnapped by the dastardly master-cat of crime, MacAvity? Will the Jellicle cats be able to save him? And WHO is the mysterious Mr. Mistoffelees?