Story perspectives

Cats: The Jellicle Ball Closes Aug 2026, Low Grosses

7/16/2026

Summary

Cats Closing

Michael Harrison and Mike Bosner announced that Cats: The Jellicle Ball will close after its performance on August 8, 2026 at the Broadhurst Theatre.
The show ran 123 performances, opened April 7 after March 18 previews, and won three Tony awards for direction, choreography and costume design.
Weekly grosses fell to $691,071 with 18% empty seats, prompting Andrew Lloyd Webber to warn on Instagram that high operating costs make daring Broadway shows untenable.

Summary

Broadway Declines

Only six original Broadway musicals opened this season versus 14-15 previously, signaling a decline that suggests a creative crisis beyond finances.
“Cats: The Jellicle Ball” reimagined the classic as a drag-filled ballroom competition and earned critical praise.
Andrew Lloyd Webber confirmed a Broadway revival of “Evita” spring starring Rachel Zegler after a London run.
He may forgo staging his new musical “The Illusionist” in New York because of high costs.

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Cats Closing

Michael Harrison and Mike Bosner announced that Cats: The Jellicle Ball will close after its performance on August 8, 2026 at the Broadhurst Theatre.
The show ran 123 performances, opened April 7 after March 18 previews, and won three Tony awards for direction, choreography and costume design.
Weekly grosses fell to $691,071 with 18% empty seats, prompting Andrew Lloyd Webber to warn on Instagram that high operating costs make daring Broadway shows untenable.

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