Cats
"The Jellicle Ball"
Choreographed by Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles
Directed by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch
Inspired by the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot
A radical reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic dance musical based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.
Inspired by the Ballroom culture that roared out of New York City over 50 years ago and still rages around the world. Staged as a spectacularly immersive competition by Zhailon Levingston (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Chicken & Biscuits) and PAC NYC Artistic Director Bill Rauch (All the Way), with all new Ballroom and club beats, catwalk ready choreography, and an edgy eleganza makeover that moves the action from junkyard to runway. Come one, come all, and celebrate the joyous transformation of self at the heart of Cats and Ballroom culture itself.
By arrangement with The Really Useful Group.
A PAC NYC Production.
Major support for Cats: “The Jellicle Ball” is provided by BNY Mellon.
Additional Production Support for Cats: “The Jellicle Ball” is provided by Carlos and Eileen Rodriguez.
Photo by Jai Lennard. Model, Jodi Mugler.
Andrew Lloyd Webber – Composer
Zhailon Levingston – Director
Bill Rauch – Director
Arturo Lyons – Choreographer
Omari Wiles – Choreographer
Rachel Hauck – Scenic Design
Qween Jean – Costume Design
Adam Honoré – Lighting Design
Kai Harada – Sound Design
Brittany Bland – Projection Design
Nikiya Mathis – Hair/Wig Design
William Waldrop – Music Supervision and Music Direction
David Lai – Music Coordinator
Trevor Holder – Beats Arrangement
Capital Kaos – Ballroom Consultant/DJ
Josephine Kearns – Dramaturg & Gender Consultant
X Casting/Victor Vazquez C.S.A., Sujotta R. Pace C.S.A. – Casting
Paris Is Still Burning
A modern take on Jennie Livingston’s 1991 film Paris Is Burning, New Pride Agenda presents a speaker series featuring pioneers, legends, and stars from the House Ballroom community. Discussion topics include mentorship, chosen family, legacy, the upcoming kiki scene, and more!
The aim of this space is to bring together the LGBTQ+ community and our allies to learn more about our history and impact together, and to disrupt the mainstream narrative of Ballroom life and culture.
Moderated by Mother Jocelyn Milan.
The following discounts are currently available by calling 212-266-3000:
Student Discounts
Full-time students are invited to purchase tickets at 50% off plus applicable fees for select events, subject to availability. One student ticket per valid ID. Identification is requested at the time of ticket pick up.
Under 30 Discount
Under 30s are invited to purchase $30 tickets for select events, subject to availability. Proof of age for each member of the party will be required at the time of ticket pick up. Under 30s can purchase one ticket per event, and applicable transaction fees will be applied to each purchase.
The following discount is currently available by calling 212-266-3011:
Group Discount
Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off and 20 or more receive 15% off.
Cats remains a theatrical milestone that speaks to the transformative power of imagination.
—The New York Times
The Ballroom scene is a culture of freedom, expression, and creativity that has always been about pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers. It is a living, breathing, evolving art form that continues to inspire and empower people all over the world.
—Jack Mizrahi, founder of the House of Mizrahi
Josephine Kearns
Josephine Kearns (she/her) is a dramaturg, theatre creative, and gender consultant who tells stories of queer and trans affirmation and joy.
Zhailon Levingston
Zhailon Levingston is a Louisiana-raised storyteller, director, and activist. He is a Board Member for the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, which he co-created, and teaches the Theatre of Change course at Columbia University.
Arturo Lyons
Arturo Lyons (aka NY Father Icon Arturo Miyake-Mugler) is a choreographer based in New York. Finding dance in school at a young age, he’s studied Hip Hop, Vogue, Reggae and Street Jazz, and combined them to form his own signature style as well as learning music as a DJ and creating dance tracks of his own.
The Really Useful Group
The Really Useful Group is wholly owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and exists to produce, licence and promote his shows and music around the globe, including some of the world’s longest running and most successful musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Sunset Boulevard and School of Rock – The Musical. The Really Useful Group works across theatre, film and television, producing and developing new projects and partnerships worldwide, alongside ongoing work in education, amateur licensing and music publishing. Each year, across markets in every corner of the world, The Really Useful Group’s content reaches and is shared by hundreds of millions of people.
William Waldrop
Broadway credits include Music Director/Conductor for the revival of Cats, Associate Conductor for the revival of Evita with Ricky Martin and Associate Conductor for the final company of The Phantom of the Opera. Guest conductor with many US orchestras, including the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, the North Carolina Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic. Off-Broadway/regional credits include Grey Gardens (starring Betty Buckley), South Pacific, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Graduate of The Peabody Conservatory (MM) and The University of Mississippi (BM).
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969) to Bad Cinderella (2023). Lloyd Webber has had shows running continually in the West End for 50 years and on Broadway for 43.
Omari Wiles
Ousmane “Omari” Wiles is an African American West African and Vogue dancer. Wiles is best known as, legendary Omari NiNa Oricci, founder of The House of Nina Oricci [est. OCT. 2019] and Creative Director of LES BALLET AFRIK dance company.
Cast:
Baby
Baby was born and raised in Queens, NY. She grew up dancing on the beach, doing community theatre, and listening to music from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. In 2018, she learned many dance styles partnering with the music from her childhood: disco (waacking), classic house (old way vogue, house, and vogue femme), and hip-hop. She joined Ballroom in 2019 and has traveled extensively, walking balls and winning Women’s Performance of the Year (Southeast Region) twice. She’s grateful to her Ballroom father Omari for naming her Baby, reminding her to be curious and approach life and art playfully without judgement. Shoutout to her mom Joann and boyfriend Izzy for being the best support system! Instagram: @burnbabygocrazy
Jonathan Burke
Broadway: The Inheritance, Choir Boy, Tuck Everlasting. Off-Broadway: Love + Science (NY City Center Stage II); Patience (Second Stage); Toni Stone (Roundabout); Joan of Arc: Into the Fire (Public). Tours: Mary Poppins, A Christmas Story, Joseph…, Cats. TV: Harlem (Prime Video); New Amsterdam (NBC); Only Murders in the Building (Hulu); Bridge and Tunnel (EPIX). Film: Noah’s Arc: The ‘Rona Chronicles, The Distinguished. Co-creator of @notlookingtheseries. BFA, Ithaca College. Facebook: Jonathan Burke | X: @itsjonburke | Instagram: @itsjonathanburke
Emma Sofia Caymares
Emma Sofia Caymares graduated from SUNY Purchase Dance Conservatory 2012 and immediately joined the international tour of West Side Story. She’s performed with ballet companies Morphoses and Ballet Hispanico. Her Broadway debut was in the original cast of Finding Neverland as Wendy. She originated the role of Veruca Salt in Broadway’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She can be seen in Fosse/Verdon (FX) as well as in Law and Order: SVU and Alternatino. You can see her as Celia in Call Your Mother (ABC).
Tara Lashan Clinkscales
Off-Broadway debut! Tara is an alumna of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama where she played Sonya in The Great Comet of 1812 and Clara in A Movie Star Has to Star in Black and White. Credits: Nell Gywnn in Nell Gywnn and Mrs. Squires in The Music Man at Texas Shakespeare Festival. She would like to thank God, Mom, Alex, Dad, Lisa Blair-Hawkins, and friends for every ounce of love along the way! @taraclinkscales
André De Shields
In a career spanning fifty-five years, André De Shields, at age 78, has distinguished himself as a legendary actor/activist, iconic philanthropist and Broadway deity. As Actor, Mr. De Shields’ mission is to fill intimate spaces with enormous beauty, defining intimate spaces as the hearts of humanity. As Activist, he endeavors to to restore majesty, elegance and literacy to the Black Thespian’s toolbox; to advocate for long term survivors of HIV and AIDS, and to champion the legacy of the Wellderly (elderly individuals who continue to kick butt). www.andredeshields.com. Ubuntu!
Sydney James Harcourt
Sydney James Harcourt is a Grammy®-winning multidisciplinary artist from Detroit, Michigan. Stage credits include: Hamilton (Aaron Burr), The Lion King (Simba), American Idiot, Girl from the North Country (Joe Scott – Drama Desk nomination). TV/Film includes: FBI, Blue Bloods, Elementary, Tell Me A Story, Edouard on Netflix’s Castlevania: Nocturne, Enchanted, and Disney’s Hamilton movie. Sydney recently appeared on PBS’s Black Broadway concert and is currently working on a Dance/Electronic album with Netflix Music Lab.
Antwayn Hopper
Broadway: A Strange Loop, HAIR! Select Off-Broadway/New York: Memphis in The Life dir. by Billy Porter (NY Encores!); A Strange Loop (PHNY); The Loophole (NY Public); Civil War Christmas (NYTW); Showboat (Carnegie Hall); and This Ain’t No Disco (NYSF). Select Regional: A Ghost in Satin (Williamstown); Nick’s Flamingo Grill (Alliance); Camino Real (Goodman); The Brothers Size (Old Globe); Rent (Syracuse Stage); Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyric Opera). Film/TV: FBI, 100&1, Girl Most Likely, The Knick, and more. CMU! #HCKR Upcoming: Debut Album!
Dava Huesca
Originally from New York City, Dava holds a degree from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance and is an alum of Springboard Danse Montreal. Her performance career commenced as a company member with Dance Theater Company VIM VIGOR. Other performance attainments include works by: Yin Yue Dance Company, Telfar TV, Jacolby Satterwhite, Johannes Weiland, Laja Martin, Maxine Doyle, Rena Butler, Marla Phelan, Stephanie Batten Bland, Sidra Bell, Christoph Wrinkler Company, & Martha Graham Dance Company.
Dudney Joseph Jr.
Dudney Joseph Jr. is deeply honored to be part of PAC NYC’s Inaugural Season and share the enchanting spirit of Ballroom culture since joining the community in 2011. Off–Broadway: The Harder They Come (The Public Theater). Regional: Angels in America, Little Shop of Horrors, Ain’t Misbehavin’. Film: The True Adventures of Wolfboy, The American Side. TV: The Crowded Room, Harlem, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Run the World. Dudney would like to thank his parents, loved ones, and DGRW for their support and love. @DudneyJr
Capital Kaos
Capital Kaos is a Brooklyn, New York-based Ballroom DJ and producer who is part of an international collective production crew called PUMPDABEAT. He draws inspiration from the sounds of Ballroom music and from other producers such as the late, great Vjuan Allure and the well-known DJ MikeQ. His blends and mixes are guaranteed to get your body moving and voguing on the dance floor. Some of his well-known works are the tracks Runaway and Majorette C*nt.
Junior LaBeija
A member of The Iconic House Of LaBeija for more than 50 years, LaBeija is popular within Gay Culture and Ballroom (Worldwide) for being the trailblazer, pioneer, and iconic master of ceremony for the annual “Paris Is Burning Ball” hosted by the late trailblazer, pioneer, and icon Paris Dupree. LaBeija is the M.C. in the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning by filmmaker Jennie Livingston. He is a humanitarian.
Dominique Lee
Dominique Lee is a dynamic singer and performer whose magnetic stage presence and soulful voice captivate audiences worldwide. With a passion for people and music, he appreciates the opportunity to connect with them through song. From pop, Motown, R&B, gospel, classical, and beyond, he delivers it all. To this day, he continues to enchant fans with his special Prince tribute. He looks forward to creating music that will be enjoyed by generations to come.
Robert "Silk" Mason
Robert “Silk” Mason is a multidisciplinary artist born in the Bronx, and raised in Columbia, SC. Robert attended The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities for dance and The Juilliard School for Dance. They are an international award-winning film actor seen in Into the Colors, Forged in Chaos, and Hold You Down. National commercials: Facebook Messenger Rooms 2020, Super Bowl LVII Apple Music and Rihanna Halftime Show 2023, 212 Carolina Herrera Fragrance Campaign 2024. They are a published model, choreographer, LGBTQIA+ youth leader, and founding mother of the new Kiki Royal Haus of Silk.
"Tempress" Chasity Moore
Tempress (Chasity Moore) is an actress, singer, and Ballroom Icon/Hall of famer from Mount Vernon, N.Y. She began singing in church at age 5, which led her to Star Search, The Apollo, and traveling with a high school drama troupe. Chasity attended Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA) and pursued a singing career. She was discovered by Tyler Perry, being cast as a transgender person prior to her own transition in I Know I’ve Been Changed. The name Tempress was born in Ballroom. She’s a founder and Queen Mother of her house organization Maison Margiela, has made appearances on Ryan Murphy’s Pose, and in campaigns for Sephora and Tvone. She hosts a YouTube series and a podcast FqCrazySexyCool.
Shereen Pimentel
Shereen Pimentel was last seen as Eva Perón in ART & STC’s co-production of Evita. Her other credits include West Side Story in the 2020 Broadway revival as Maria, Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway, Guenevere in Camelot at The Muny, and New York City Center’s Encores! production of Into the Woods as Rapunzel. Shereen is a graduate from the Juilliard School with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance.
Primo
Primo is a Cincinnati, Ohio, native living in New York City. At 14, Primo started at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati. Ballets include Giselle, Dracula, The Nutcracker. Musicals include 101 Dalmatians, Brigadoon, Peter Pan. In 2015, Primo attended The Young Americans College of Performing Arts, touring more than 16 countries and teaching dance, vocal music, and confidence building through the arts. Primo has performed in international dinner theater (Germany) and was the top producer choice for the final season of So You Think Can Dance (2020). He’s a freelance instructor and voguer and hopes to own his own dance studio to plant just a tiny seed of hope that music can change the world.
Nora Schell
Nora Schell graduated from The University of Michigan with a BFA in musical theatre and a minor in gender, race, and nation. They received Drama Desk, Drama League, and Clive Barnes Award nominations for their Off-Broadway debut in Spamilton. Nora made their Broadway debut in Jagged Little Pill. With their educational background, Nora continues to cultivate a career focused on the intersection of performing and social justice. Love and gratitude to Gregg Baker Management, their family, and Jane.
Kendall G. Stroud
Kendall Stroud is honored to be part of this ‘Jellicle’ family since the beginning. This project has taught them more about family, self-love, and artistry than their entire artistic career. They are immensely grateful to the Ballroom community for welcoming them and providing a space where they could find themselves. They thank PAC NYC for putting their trust in them to be a part of this historic moment. They’d also like to thank X Casting for everything they’ve done for this budding queer artist of color. NYU Tisch School of the Arts’ Department of Drama graduate (2022). Thank you for coming and welcome to… The Jellicle Ball!
Frank Viveros
Recently seen on Broadway in Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Camelot. Broadway: Aladdin (Genie standby). Tours: Phantom of the Opera (Piangi); Aladdin. Off-Broadway: Yellow Brick Road; Play Like A Winner; When Pigs Fly. Disney: Finding Nemo—The Musical (Original Bloat) TV: Danny’s House. Gracias a Dios, Creatives, Pantera/Murphy, Familia, Amigos y Matt! Made in Colombia. @frrankly
Garnet Williams
Garnet Williams is a writer, actor, and singer originally from Atlanta. Some favorite roles include The Lovebird in Skyward: An Endling Elegy (Powerhouse ), Dionne in Hair (Roundabout), Miss Olivia Blonde in At Hotel MacGuffin (Parity). More recently she has been on concert stages from Caveat to Joe’s Pub. For Lucile.
Teddy Wilson Jr.
Ft. Lauderdale born with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Penn State University, Teddy, is extremely grateful and excited to be a part of this production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball. With special thanks to CTG and the friends and family who have supported them along the way. The show is filled with a rich culture and history that is so necessary to the black and brown queer community. We hope to do it justice!