TDF and the producers of “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” have announced a new partnership titled “The Jellicle Ball for All,” a comprehensive accessibility initiative designed to welcome more than 3,000 attendees to the musical this spring. By establishing this collaboration before performances begin, the production and TDF are aiming to prioritize inclusion for students, veterans and individuals with disabilities, as well as those facing financial barriers to the arts.
The partnership leverages TDF’s existing infrastructure to distribute free and low-cost show access to a wide range of communities. Under the program, more than 2,000 students will attend the production through TDF’s “Introduction to Theatre and Dance” and “Graduation Gift” programs. Additionally, the initiative will host 100 veterans for free as part of the TDF Veterans Theatregoing Program. “Jellicle Ball for All” will also provide specialized services for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, have low vision or are blind or have mobility challenges beginning with the first performance of the Broadway revival and continuing regularly throughout the run (rather than sporadically). Further audience engagement opportunities are being explored.
A significant portion of the partnership focuses on community outreach by merging TDF’s network of more than 150 organizations with a deep roster of preexisting partners brought to the project by “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.” This includes a specific emphasis on Black and LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups already closely aligned with the show’s ballroom culture themes, such as Black Trans Liberation, the BTFA Collective, National Queer Theater, the Okra Project, PFLAG, SAGE and the Trevor Project. By combining TDF’s reach with these established production relationships, the initiative seeks to amplify diverse voices and ensure that the production is accessible to the communities reflected onstage.
“I remember being blown away by ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ downtown. This explosive joy bomb built immediate community each night as we exuberantly celebrated an important part of our history and culture, brilliantly reimagined for a contemporary audience,” said Deeksha Gaur, TDF’s executive director, in a statement. “That’s why we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Michael Harrison, Mike Bosner and the whole ‘Jellicle Ball’ team on this wide-ranging initiative. This groundbreaking production perfectly reflects TDF’s belief that access to the performing arts makes for healthier, more hopeful individuals and communities. Whether you’re a public high school student or a veteran, we look forward to welcoming you to the ‘Jellicle Ball for All.’”
Producers Harrison and Bosner added, “Our goal in bringing ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball’ to Broadway has been to create a theater experience that welcomes everyone into the magic of the Jellicles’ world. [‘Cats’ composer and original producer] Andrew Lloyd Webber has long championed the importance of the arts, especially in the lives of young people, and we are proud to continue that legacy in partnership with TDF.”
“Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” which reimagines Lloyd Webber’s musical through the lens of the New York City ballroom scene, is co-directed by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch. Previews will begin on March 18 ahead of an April 7 opening night at the Broadhurst Theatre.
