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‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ to Close 2026 Over Rising Costs

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Broadway production “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” will close on Aug. 8, 2026 because producers said it could not cover expenses.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said Broadway “breaks my heart” and warned that soaring costs threaten new work.
Julie James reported that average musical capitalization now exceeds $20 million and weekly operating costs approach $1 million.
Producers such as Ben Holtzman say higher costs force higher ticket prices, shorter previews, and tighter budgets.

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Story summary

The Broadway production “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” will close on Aug. 8, 2026 because producers said it could not cover expenses.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said Broadway “breaks my heart” and warned that soaring costs threaten new work.
Julie James reported that average musical capitalization now exceeds $20 million and weekly operating costs approach $1 million.
Producers such as Ben Holtzman say higher costs force higher ticket prices, shorter previews, and tighter budgets.