I have tickets for next month, and I'm so excited. Just piggybacking off of what you said, if you're not familiar with the drag ball scene, I'd highly recommend watching the documentary Paris Is Burning. Junior LaBeija, who is an icon of the scene and emcee in the documentary (he was the inspiration for Billy Porter's character in the TV show Pose) is in this cast as Gus. Just unbelievable to me. Plus André De Shields! Absolute legends.
Saw it the other night. It blew me away. One of the best interpretations of a musical I’ve seen in years. I can’t wait for this amazing cast to get recognized for the monumental feat they pulled off.
I'm really glad they cast some people who are actually in the ballroom scene - I hope they all blow up after this. Silk Mason, Baby, and Dava Huesca were all particularly delightful.
Silk Mason was probably my favorite part of the whole show. Just amazing and such a stage presence. Baby was also great.
It’s such a stupid thing to say, but I was surprised to see that there was a choreographer, even though I rationally understood there must have been one. Every movement felt so authentic and vibrant that I could only imagine the characters, or performers, coming up with them themselves
I keep seeing this take, and I'm sure the show is great, but I do wonder:
What about Cats doesn't make sense to people? It's a very, very simple premise, that is clearly outlined in the first song. What's not to get?
Average folks think, "eh, just cats singing and dancing."
In actuality, it's "CAT COMPETITION to go to heaven/SPACE and they hate the old lady cat and also there's a spooky cat and a magic cat and an old ass man cat who is like cat!Jesus and gets to pick the SPACE CAT"
So I get the confusion.
Well, third song. Lmao.
But yeah, I don't get why some people have an aversion to shows that have simple premises - not everything has to be heavy on exposition. Although, I guess the fact that everyone is dressed as cats doesn't help.
I like CATS. It's a fun show if you don't take it too seriously.
Hit the nail on the head there.
Honestly I think the growing unease/hatred of the furry scene has made more modern audiences knee-jerk react in hatred against Cats.
Nothing wrong with furries, but the two have nothing to do with each other. People just see "grown people dressed up like animals" and automatically write it off.
Which brings the question of why the fuck is The Lion King so popular when it's basically the same damn thing (Lion King stans, don't come for me, I love that show too, I just also love Cats).
As much as I like to dig into the buried meanings, arcs, and subplots. It's literally told in 12 lines of recited poetry: cats come together to have a party and pick who needs to die.
From what I gather interpreting it through the Ballroom scene works really well. But I'm irked with the take that Trevor Nunn and Gillian Lynne's vision was broken and needed fixing.
Exactly. I've had this issue my whole life, people just not understanding. It's like it's so simple people blow right past the meaning thinking that can't be it?
[For what it’s worth, they’re in good company](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=doFcWmt7-J0&pp=ygUTSGFsLCBpdHMgYWJvdXQgY2F0YQ%3D%3D):
> I listened to it all and I said, uh, “Andrew, is this something I don’t get? is this about—Queen Victoria, she’s the main cat, and Disraeli and Gladstone are other cats, and—and then there are, y’know, poor cats and—am I missing this?” He took a terrible, painful long pause, and said “Hal…it’s about cats.” And we never discussed it again.
> –Hal Prince
I don't think anything about the original Cats wouldn't make sense, but believing that you are seeing actual cats as opposed to actors dressed up like cats just requires another level of theatrical suspension of disbelief that may or may not work for everyone. This production is great because there are no cats, it's just people who call themselves cats, having a party which doesn't take any suspension of disbelief. It's like being invited to an actual ball as an observer (or minor participant, if you are sitting in one of the cabaret tables) and it's like the most fun party for 2 hours or so.
I think it’s a lot of young people who have never seen Cats who love the “hot take” about how Cats sucks and never made any sense. At least that’s who I mostly hear this take from.
Young people can, and should, have opinions, but this same opinion over and over again is as tired and overdone as they seem to think Cats is.
The movie becoming a meme certainly didn’t do the show any favors with the younger crowd either.
I think it also has to do with seeing the show live, which most young people haven’t - it’s an experience no video can capture. Something about it is just electric. There’s a reason it ran for so long.
I don't think it's that CATS doesn't make sense, the just the whole magical cat-resurrection competition that also seems to invoke space aliens and a flying saucer(??) might not be directly relatable to many people - especially if you're not a cat-owner familiar with their odd behaviors that the original CATS tries to somewhat justify. Adults in leg warmers doing kitty ballet doesn't hit with people, but the drag ball/singing competition is a bit more understandable and makes more sense if it's not physical resurrection but (I'm assuming) Grizabella being a has-been and making a comeback after being shunned by the community, and that the performers have been tasked with performing under a "theme" of being cats.
This actually gives insight how to make CATS stageable for smaller theater companies who don't want to do full-on ballet/junkyard/special effects since it could be framed as a cabaret, either drag, or even just an audition/performing competition. The music is fun and well-known enough that it holds up as a concert/cabaret outside the logistical trappings of the original show. Despite being a smash hit, it's kind of always had the pall (like Starlight Express) of "is this supposed to be mega-million dollar children's theater?"
Exactly, and that's why this artistic vision for it is clearly working! I guess it just makes it a little clearer for everyone who didn't get it the first time?
Yeah I've always enjoyed Cats, I'm sure I'll enjoy this version, and I'm glad people are getting enjoyment from it who hadn't before, but I don't understand all the comments like this (or all the "they finally fixed Cats!" ones)
Cats has always made sense? Has everyone just been missing Munkustrap's whole soliloquy at the beginning where he literally explains what's happening and why?
I think a lot of the people criticizing it have never seen it. I can understand not liking the show for many reasons, but this version hasn’t added any meaning that wasn’t already there. I saw it back in the 80s and liked it a lot, but it was the cool show to see then. There was a big turnaround in public opinion which was when people suddenly decided it made no sense and started parroting what they heard other people say. But they literally tell you the plot right at the beginning.
This reminds me of the horrible time in in the 2000s, mostly after the movie came out, when people decided that *Rent* was about the main characters spontaneously deciding not to pay rent, and not about how their landlord screwed them over by going back on a deal where they live in the apartment for free. Fortunately that misconception seems to have died down.
This may be a dumb question, but I hear that audience members are encouraged to dress up. What are people wearing?! I have tickets to Cats and want to join in on the fun without being the only person dressed up!
I didn't know this! There was definitely people wearing glittery/fun outfits - think if you needed to go to a Pride parade but also have a sit down dinner? But I would say the majority were not dressed in any sort of special fashion - I wore shorts, a tank top, and a short-sleeved cardigan.
Glitter tops/jackets/pants are an easy and eyecatching way to dress for the event without being too uncomfortable. Also a good reference is what the members of the Haus of Silk wore when they came to support Robert Silk Mason last night. [https://x.com/robert802371/status/1805043177881022535](https://x.com/robert802371/status/1805043177881022535)
From what I know of that new production, the characters aren’t meant to be actual cats, but do they still sing lyrics that are specifically about being a cat? Are the songs still sung or changed? What does the winner of the ball win? Do they still go to the Heaviside Layer or some other destination?
Some of them would make “sense” but get really, really weird or uncomfortable. I’m thinking about Mister Mistoffelees lol. But idk what they actually did in the production
the winners of categories got trophies and if you're talking about the memory cat I'm not sure how to explain it but she does go somewhere and it's a very beautiful moment!
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If they don't answer, leave a message and they'll call you back. (If you call today they'll call back tomorrow because they're closed today.)
[https://pacnyc.org/visit/ticket-savings-programs/](https://pacnyc.org/visit/ticket-savings-programs/)
If they don't answer, leave a message and they'll call you back. (If you call today they'll call back tomorrow because they're closed today.)
In addition to the student and 30under30, they also have $30 tickets for educators and first responders. They had multiple 20% off discount codes available prior to opening. (I paid $126 for mine.) While most of the $68 seats are gone, there are still $108 tickets available later in the run. I see them in the lower balcony on 7/26 and the 7/27 matinee.
I just saw the educator thing! I am a teacher. Going to try to call and see if there are tickets available. :). Thanks!
$108 is a bit high for me. 😂. I try not to spend over $61 bucks on tickets.
Yeah...it's pretty lame that an Off-Broadway show that is takes from Ballroom culture (which has plenty of lower income people) is so expensive.
Also - the new PAC building is AWFUL. The layout is insane and makes no sense.
Everyone has been arguing over how to interpret Cabaret since the Tony’s but this is the hill I will always die on:
Cats isn’t supposed to make sense. You’re supposed to walk out thinking to yourself “What the hell was that? What is a Skimbleshanks? Why did the roaches tap dance? Was I supposed to be turned on by Rum Tum Tugger? Did I not understand the true meaning? Am I dumb?”
That’s what makes Cats beautiful. It’s deeply deeply disturbing and upsetting… you assume because to be honest you have no idea what just happened. If this one made you feel like you understood it then it’s bad and I refuse to acknowledge it.
Yeah it has always been about the spectacle and not the story itself. I do get though why modern audiences is not very receptive to such a show in its original form.
I overheard a creative team member in audience next to me during previews say that his daughter saw a preview and reported back to him. If the show got a good response/reviews (which it clearly did...they were all basically raves), that he would come see the show.
The fact that he is allowing for new interpretations of his work (Sunset Blvd, CATS) which have both been selling strongly and well-reviewed makes me think he would be very happy. It gets a whole new audience for him, allows his work to live on more, and gets him even more $$$.
That’s good to hear. I think this adaptation is brilliant on paper (haven’t seen it) so was hoping he was open to it and celebrating its success. I think it would be wonderful for the cast and creatives if he came to see it.
I’m seeing it this weekend and I’ve never been more excited for a show. Full disclosure I am a Cats truther so it is AMAZING to see so many people loving this production!!! I can’t wait for Saturday!!!
Protip: PAC has several discount ticket programs including a "30 Under 30" -- anyone under 30 can purchase any 1 ticket for $39 after taxes and fees INCLUDING THE $300+ CABARET TABLE SEATS. I just snagged one and I can't wait! Call the box office to buy.
Crash course in drag culture…
Okay, this gets complicated quickly and the concept of drag balls rose and fell multiple times in many different countries but… Drag balls in the US really kicked off in the late 1800s/early 1900s. The hot spots that I know of were mostly in NYC and Washington DC. DC in particular was where William Dorsey Swann hosted drag balls and he was the first ever self proclaimed drag queen (also a black man, born into slavery and possibly a trans woman though he used he/him pronouns while alive.)
Anyway. While there’s a lot of debate on the origins of drag balls and where people drew inspiration from, the concept is (on the surface) the same as a traditional cakewalk. The origins of cakewalks come from the American South on plantations where they were held as social gatherings for slaves to unwind. In a cakewalk men and women would dress up as best they could and dance in an exaggerated way that was essentially to mimic and mock southern ball culture. Often there was a prize component where the best dancers/best costumes would leave with a small item, often a cake hence the name. After Emancipation cakewalks continued to be a large part of black culture with dancers often donning full evening dress (gowns for women, tuxes for men) and the energetic dances became a Vaudeville staple. Cakewalks are often also thought of being the origin of other dance styles like voguing which also uses exaggerated motions though cakewalks often had partners parading together while dancing instead of dancing alone.
Anyway, drag balls are basically cakewalks but more queer. The legality and notoriety of drag culture varied over the years so some drag balls were in private homes while others were permitted events held in major dance halls. Either way, a series of “categories” were usually announced prior to the ball that people could compete in. A category could be anything from who could pass the best as the opposite gender, best gown, dance competitions, etc and were a social scene where gay men, lesbians, and trans men and women could interact socially in a scene that was far more accepting for them. Small prizes were usually given for each category, usually trophies or small amounts of money.
People started to get competitive in the drag ball scene and started creating “houses” which were groups of queer people who essentially helped each other in balls. Houses were usually organized with a person in charge (mother, no matter the gender) and then the children underneath. Drag houses sometimes had people all living together, but other times were just places of support where people could help each other with costumes, makeup, performances, or anything else needed to compete in a ball. Houses would also compete with each other over how many awards they collectively got during a ball, children would branch off and form their own houses, some crumbled under drama, basically it was a lot of messy fun.
Drag balls today are still going though often they have a much more polished vibe. I’ve been to a few that felt more like actual beauty pageants then parties and many people who compete sink serious money into their hobby.
Anyway, the major take aways is that a drag ball is a series of competitions, usually with a party atmosphere, usually hosted by a MC and with a judge panel. The competitors are performing in their category with a lot of poise and posing or with dance depending on the event. Traditionally it’s a very queer and very black and Latino scene, though it’s much more multi-racial today. It’s also often thought of as a very male space though lesbians have always been a part of it and trans women pretty much pioneered the genre, especially in the era before hormones and other gender reassignment treatments were available.
And that is the super quick and dirty history of drag balls. I left loads and loads and LOADS out. But that's the highlights as far as I'm concerned.
No worries! Everyone has to start somewhere. I love history and have done a couple presentations on queer history for work events so a lot of this stuff are things I’ve learned to try and make power points more interesting. I just want more people to know about William Dorsey Swann (because he is on my list of historical figures I want to go back and meet if I ever get a time machine) and the history of cakewalks in general is just fascinating to me. There’s some really great old silent era films of Vaudeville performers doing cakewalks and it’s amazing how much it looks like voguing or the Monty Python sketch of the Ministry of Silly Walks.
Interesting. My history specialty is really obscure: the role women played in early computer programming. I teach cs and tried to enlighten students to break down the gender barrier. Didn’t go well.
I mean you probably don’t but just do yourself a favor and watch Paris is Burning because it is both so fun and so heartbreaking AND you’ll learn about ballroom culture
Seconding the other comment: watching Paris is Burning will bring you up to speed and make you appreciate certain things more. If you don't want to commit to a full documentary, watch an episode of Legendary (it was canceled but should still be on Max).
Just an understanding on what a house is, what the typical categories are, etc is nice. It will also give you a really cool insight into a part of the queer community a lot of people don't know about.
I won’t be able to see it but I wish I could. Can you elaborate more on how it makes sense? I do know a bit about ballroom culture (I’ve watched Paris is burning and pose)
The cats are all competing in a ball and most of the numbers are tied to the cats walking in a category (e.g. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer ae walking in Duo Performance during their number). Old Deuteronomy is a legend who appears to judge the ball and award the grand prize, Grizabella is a former legend/winner who has fallen by the wayside...they kind of skip the whole "Winning means you get to die!" thing (it still happens but it's not...expanded upon?).
It's still not a radically coherent storyline but it really WORKS. You just immediately go"oh yeah, this is happening and it makes sense to me".
Any word on whether it's possible this show could be extended again? I won't be back in NYC until August but would really love to see this if at all possible (and this coming from someone who's generally an ALW hater, lol).
The way the theatre is set up I'm not sure anything on the second balcony (Not sure what they actually call it) would be great - we were on the first balcony, stage right and we could see everything well. There's also no bar if you're in the balconies???? So if you want to have a drink during it you would want the orchestra/first floor seats.
The cabaret seating looked really fun but I'm sure that's insanely expensive.
Haven’t watched it but from reading about it sounds like trash just my opinion. I’d rather watch the normal version of cats idk it seems like a classic show why modernize it makes no sense.
Because the original didn’t make any sense either. It’s not exactly modernized as it is humanized. Making it more understandable for a different audience.
I have tickets for next month, and I'm so excited. Just piggybacking off of what you said, if you're not familiar with the drag ball scene, I'd highly recommend watching the documentary Paris Is Burning. Junior LaBeija, who is an icon of the scene and emcee in the documentary (he was the inspiration for Billy Porter's character in the TV show Pose) is in this cast as Gus. Just unbelievable to me. Plus André De Shields! Absolute legends.
Chastity Moore is in a few episodes of Pose as well! She really stuns as Grizabella.
Saw it the other night. It blew me away. One of the best interpretations of a musical I’ve seen in years. I can’t wait for this amazing cast to get recognized for the monumental feat they pulled off.
I'm really glad they cast some people who are actually in the ballroom scene - I hope they all blow up after this. Silk Mason, Baby, and Dava Huesca were all particularly delightful.
Silk Mason was probably my favorite part of the whole show. Just amazing and such a stage presence. Baby was also great. It’s such a stupid thing to say, but I was surprised to see that there was a choreographer, even though I rationally understood there must have been one. Every movement felt so authentic and vibrant that I could only imagine the characters, or performers, coming up with them themselves
I REALLY want to see it, but I was shocked at the high ticket prices. Any show with Andre DeShields is gonna be great.
Is your name a riff on Wilton Manors? And yeah - an off-Broadway venue charging MORE than a lot of Broadway venues is insane.
Of course my name is a riff on WM. But I live in HK.
OMG
pac has a $30 rush sale if you're under thirty years old !!
I keep seeing this take, and I'm sure the show is great, but I do wonder: What about Cats doesn't make sense to people? It's a very, very simple premise, that is clearly outlined in the first song. What's not to get?
Average folks think, "eh, just cats singing and dancing." In actuality, it's "CAT COMPETITION to go to heaven/SPACE and they hate the old lady cat and also there's a spooky cat and a magic cat and an old ass man cat who is like cat!Jesus and gets to pick the SPACE CAT" So I get the confusion.
“Hal, it's about cats.”
Well, third song. Lmao. But yeah, I don't get why some people have an aversion to shows that have simple premises - not everything has to be heavy on exposition. Although, I guess the fact that everyone is dressed as cats doesn't help. I like CATS. It's a fun show if you don't take it too seriously.
It’s funny cause Six and Ride the Cyclone are basically the same style of show as Cats but I guess people don’t want to look past the costumes
Hit the nail on the head there. Honestly I think the growing unease/hatred of the furry scene has made more modern audiences knee-jerk react in hatred against Cats. Nothing wrong with furries, but the two have nothing to do with each other. People just see "grown people dressed up like animals" and automatically write it off. Which brings the question of why the fuck is The Lion King so popular when it's basically the same damn thing (Lion King stans, don't come for me, I love that show too, I just also love Cats).
As much as I like to dig into the buried meanings, arcs, and subplots. It's literally told in 12 lines of recited poetry: cats come together to have a party and pick who needs to die. From what I gather interpreting it through the Ballroom scene works really well. But I'm irked with the take that Trevor Nunn and Gillian Lynne's vision was broken and needed fixing.
Exactly. I've had this issue my whole life, people just not understanding. It's like it's so simple people blow right past the meaning thinking that can't be it?
[For what it’s worth, they’re in good company](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=doFcWmt7-J0&pp=ygUTSGFsLCBpdHMgYWJvdXQgY2F0YQ%3D%3D): > I listened to it all and I said, uh, “Andrew, is this something I don’t get? is this about—Queen Victoria, she’s the main cat, and Disraeli and Gladstone are other cats, and—and then there are, y’know, poor cats and—am I missing this?” He took a terrible, painful long pause, and said “Hal…it’s about cats.” And we never discussed it again. > –Hal Prince
Maybe my favourite theatre related quote ever. Man, Hal was the best.
I don't think anything about the original Cats wouldn't make sense, but believing that you are seeing actual cats as opposed to actors dressed up like cats just requires another level of theatrical suspension of disbelief that may or may not work for everyone. This production is great because there are no cats, it's just people who call themselves cats, having a party which doesn't take any suspension of disbelief. It's like being invited to an actual ball as an observer (or minor participant, if you are sitting in one of the cabaret tables) and it's like the most fun party for 2 hours or so.
Right, it's a cat-masquerade as opposed to "honestly, we're really tiny cats dressed in fur, y'all!"
I’m a CAT and I want to DIE! Not exactly what people expect from a show.
I think it’s a lot of young people who have never seen Cats who love the “hot take” about how Cats sucks and never made any sense. At least that’s who I mostly hear this take from. Young people can, and should, have opinions, but this same opinion over and over again is as tired and overdone as they seem to think Cats is.
The movie becoming a meme certainly didn’t do the show any favors with the younger crowd either. I think it also has to do with seeing the show live, which most young people haven’t - it’s an experience no video can capture. Something about it is just electric. There’s a reason it ran for so long.
I don't think it's that CATS doesn't make sense, the just the whole magical cat-resurrection competition that also seems to invoke space aliens and a flying saucer(??) might not be directly relatable to many people - especially if you're not a cat-owner familiar with their odd behaviors that the original CATS tries to somewhat justify. Adults in leg warmers doing kitty ballet doesn't hit with people, but the drag ball/singing competition is a bit more understandable and makes more sense if it's not physical resurrection but (I'm assuming) Grizabella being a has-been and making a comeback after being shunned by the community, and that the performers have been tasked with performing under a "theme" of being cats. This actually gives insight how to make CATS stageable for smaller theater companies who don't want to do full-on ballet/junkyard/special effects since it could be framed as a cabaret, either drag, or even just an audition/performing competition. The music is fun and well-known enough that it holds up as a concert/cabaret outside the logistical trappings of the original show. Despite being a smash hit, it's kind of always had the pall (like Starlight Express) of "is this supposed to be mega-million dollar children's theater?"
blink blink. cats has always made sense. the cats are having a ball: everyone gets to do their thing and one of them wins
Exactly, and that's why this artistic vision for it is clearly working! I guess it just makes it a little clearer for everyone who didn't get it the first time?
Cats has always made *perfect* sense
“Purrfect” sense. Sorry-couldn’t resist
You win the internet tonight 🐈
🤭
Yeah I've always enjoyed Cats, I'm sure I'll enjoy this version, and I'm glad people are getting enjoyment from it who hadn't before, but I don't understand all the comments like this (or all the "they finally fixed Cats!" ones)
Media literacy is at an all-time low. But to be fair, "Cats" did run for 18 years so apperantly a lot of people got it!
You mean 43 years. Since the opening in London in 1981, the world has not been without an active production of Cats.
They're talking about its run on Broadway specifically, which is in fact 18 years.
Cats has always made sense? Has everyone just been missing Munkustrap's whole soliloquy at the beginning where he literally explains what's happening and why?
I think a lot of the people criticizing it have never seen it. I can understand not liking the show for many reasons, but this version hasn’t added any meaning that wasn’t already there. I saw it back in the 80s and liked it a lot, but it was the cool show to see then. There was a big turnaround in public opinion which was when people suddenly decided it made no sense and started parroting what they heard other people say. But they literally tell you the plot right at the beginning.
This reminds me of the horrible time in in the 2000s, mostly after the movie came out, when people decided that *Rent* was about the main characters spontaneously deciding not to pay rent, and not about how their landlord screwed them over by going back on a deal where they live in the apartment for free. Fortunately that misconception seems to have died down.
There’s a backlash to anything popular, and people love repeating what they hear.
I just want to say that as someone who has always appreciated Cats, this thread has made my day. You are my people.
I am SO jealous of anyone who gets to see this, I wish I had the ability to. Putting it in ball culture is SO smart and such cool framing.
This may be a dumb question, but I hear that audience members are encouraged to dress up. What are people wearing?! I have tickets to Cats and want to join in on the fun without being the only person dressed up!
I didn't know this! There was definitely people wearing glittery/fun outfits - think if you needed to go to a Pride parade but also have a sit down dinner? But I would say the majority were not dressed in any sort of special fashion - I wore shorts, a tank top, and a short-sleeved cardigan.
Glitter tops/jackets/pants are an easy and eyecatching way to dress for the event without being too uncomfortable. Also a good reference is what the members of the Haus of Silk wore when they came to support Robert Silk Mason last night. [https://x.com/robert802371/status/1805043177881022535](https://x.com/robert802371/status/1805043177881022535)
From what I know of that new production, the characters aren’t meant to be actual cats, but do they still sing lyrics that are specifically about being a cat? Are the songs still sung or changed? What does the winner of the ball win? Do they still go to the Heaviside Layer or some other destination?
Music is completely unchanged. It's still 100% ALW Cats.
If you treat it as if the term Cat is a slang (cool cats, etc) and add a sprinkle of camp, then the lyrics still make sense being unchanged.
Some of them would make “sense” but get really, really weird or uncomfortable. I’m thinking about Mister Mistoffelees lol. But idk what they actually did in the production
that song flowed perfectly for me !!
Not really
the winners of categories got trophies and if you're talking about the memory cat I'm not sure how to explain it but she does go somewhere and it's a very beautiful moment!
They need to bring it to circle in the square theater!
Why does “Cats” need to “make sense”? It’s a beautiful collection of stories about cats. The stage musical made TS Eliot’s book jump to life!
It doesn't HAVE to make sense but it's pretty brilliant that they found a framing to make it make sense.
I’m not paying money to be confused. I can do that for free.
This is what I’ve heard and I want to go but I wish there were affordable ticket options :/
They have student and 30under30!
I am neither 😭😭😭
How do I go about getting the 30under30 tickets?
Listening.
[https://pacnyc.org/visit/ticket-savings-programs/](https://pacnyc.org/visit/ticket-savings-programs/) If they don't answer, leave a message and they'll call you back. (If you call today they'll call back tomorrow because they're closed today.)
Call them to book a ticket!
[https://pacnyc.org/visit/ticket-savings-programs/](https://pacnyc.org/visit/ticket-savings-programs/) If they don't answer, leave a message and they'll call you back. (If you call today they'll call back tomorrow because they're closed today.)
They also have teacher discounts and first responder discounts!
In addition to the student and 30under30, they also have $30 tickets for educators and first responders. They had multiple 20% off discount codes available prior to opening. (I paid $126 for mine.) While most of the $68 seats are gone, there are still $108 tickets available later in the run. I see them in the lower balcony on 7/26 and the 7/27 matinee.
I just saw the educator thing! I am a teacher. Going to try to call and see if there are tickets available. :). Thanks! $108 is a bit high for me. 😂. I try not to spend over $61 bucks on tickets.
I did it and any seat for $30 or something
I just got an educator ticket! Leave a message and they will call you back- no one picks up or at least no one did when I called several times.
Ask them for the best seat they have available.
Yeah...it's pretty lame that an Off-Broadway show that is takes from Ballroom culture (which has plenty of lower income people) is so expensive. Also - the new PAC building is AWFUL. The layout is insane and makes no sense.
It’s crazy that I’m like, well maybe it’ll transfer to Broadway and maybe then I’ll be able to afford it 😂
this!! i was there the other day and it was so hard to find the bathroom! ushers were super kind but it was a labyrinth!
Everyone has been arguing over how to interpret Cabaret since the Tony’s but this is the hill I will always die on: Cats isn’t supposed to make sense. You’re supposed to walk out thinking to yourself “What the hell was that? What is a Skimbleshanks? Why did the roaches tap dance? Was I supposed to be turned on by Rum Tum Tugger? Did I not understand the true meaning? Am I dumb?” That’s what makes Cats beautiful. It’s deeply deeply disturbing and upsetting… you assume because to be honest you have no idea what just happened. If this one made you feel like you understood it then it’s bad and I refuse to acknowledge it.
"Hal, this is just about cats."
One of my favorite stories 😂
That's why I love it, because it feels like you're spying on a cult ritual that you accidentally stumbled upon.
Someone on Twitter the other day said it’s American Idol but the winner gets euthanized.
😂😂😂
It's what I like about Cats. It's this dreamlike look into another world.
I always say Cats is about vibes not story. You go for the incredible singing and dancing - and the glorious weirdness. It’s a musical *experience*
Yeah it has always been about the spectacle and not the story itself. I do get though why modern audiences is not very receptive to such a show in its original form.
That honestly might be what the movie ends up turning into
I’m really behind on everything; what’s this about interpreting Cabaret?
So wish I could see this. Has Andrew Lloyd Webber said anything about this production. I’m just curious how he feels about the interpretation.
I overheard a creative team member in audience next to me during previews say that his daughter saw a preview and reported back to him. If the show got a good response/reviews (which it clearly did...they were all basically raves), that he would come see the show.
The fact that he is allowing for new interpretations of his work (Sunset Blvd, CATS) which have both been selling strongly and well-reviewed makes me think he would be very happy. It gets a whole new audience for him, allows his work to live on more, and gets him even more $$$.
That’s good to hear. I think this adaptation is brilliant on paper (haven’t seen it) so was hoping he was open to it and celebrating its success. I think it would be wonderful for the cast and creatives if he came to see it.
>CATS FINALLY MAKES SENSE >Now, this will be totally confusing for anyone not firmly entrenched in "ballroom culture" but... 🤷♂️
I disagree with OP there. I only vaguely know what it is but this served as an excellent introduction.
I’m seeing it this weekend and I’ve never been more excited for a show. Full disclosure I am a Cats truther so it is AMAZING to see so many people loving this production!!! I can’t wait for Saturday!!!
Protip: PAC has several discount ticket programs including a "30 Under 30" -- anyone under 30 can purchase any 1 ticket for $39 after taxes and fees INCLUDING THE $300+ CABARET TABLE SEATS. I just snagged one and I can't wait! Call the box office to buy.
Seeing it on Tuesday. Do I need to find out about ballroom culture?
Crash course in drag culture… Okay, this gets complicated quickly and the concept of drag balls rose and fell multiple times in many different countries but… Drag balls in the US really kicked off in the late 1800s/early 1900s. The hot spots that I know of were mostly in NYC and Washington DC. DC in particular was where William Dorsey Swann hosted drag balls and he was the first ever self proclaimed drag queen (also a black man, born into slavery and possibly a trans woman though he used he/him pronouns while alive.) Anyway. While there’s a lot of debate on the origins of drag balls and where people drew inspiration from, the concept is (on the surface) the same as a traditional cakewalk. The origins of cakewalks come from the American South on plantations where they were held as social gatherings for slaves to unwind. In a cakewalk men and women would dress up as best they could and dance in an exaggerated way that was essentially to mimic and mock southern ball culture. Often there was a prize component where the best dancers/best costumes would leave with a small item, often a cake hence the name. After Emancipation cakewalks continued to be a large part of black culture with dancers often donning full evening dress (gowns for women, tuxes for men) and the energetic dances became a Vaudeville staple. Cakewalks are often also thought of being the origin of other dance styles like voguing which also uses exaggerated motions though cakewalks often had partners parading together while dancing instead of dancing alone. Anyway, drag balls are basically cakewalks but more queer. The legality and notoriety of drag culture varied over the years so some drag balls were in private homes while others were permitted events held in major dance halls. Either way, a series of “categories” were usually announced prior to the ball that people could compete in. A category could be anything from who could pass the best as the opposite gender, best gown, dance competitions, etc and were a social scene where gay men, lesbians, and trans men and women could interact socially in a scene that was far more accepting for them. Small prizes were usually given for each category, usually trophies or small amounts of money. People started to get competitive in the drag ball scene and started creating “houses” which were groups of queer people who essentially helped each other in balls. Houses were usually organized with a person in charge (mother, no matter the gender) and then the children underneath. Drag houses sometimes had people all living together, but other times were just places of support where people could help each other with costumes, makeup, performances, or anything else needed to compete in a ball. Houses would also compete with each other over how many awards they collectively got during a ball, children would branch off and form their own houses, some crumbled under drama, basically it was a lot of messy fun. Drag balls today are still going though often they have a much more polished vibe. I’ve been to a few that felt more like actual beauty pageants then parties and many people who compete sink serious money into their hobby. Anyway, the major take aways is that a drag ball is a series of competitions, usually with a party atmosphere, usually hosted by a MC and with a judge panel. The competitors are performing in their category with a lot of poise and posing or with dance depending on the event. Traditionally it’s a very queer and very black and Latino scene, though it’s much more multi-racial today. It’s also often thought of as a very male space though lesbians have always been a part of it and trans women pretty much pioneered the genre, especially in the era before hormones and other gender reassignment treatments were available. And that is the super quick and dirty history of drag balls. I left loads and loads and LOADS out. But that's the highlights as far as I'm concerned.
Thank you so much for this. I mean well but am clueless because I lived in a bubble till 2016.
No worries! Everyone has to start somewhere. I love history and have done a couple presentations on queer history for work events so a lot of this stuff are things I’ve learned to try and make power points more interesting. I just want more people to know about William Dorsey Swann (because he is on my list of historical figures I want to go back and meet if I ever get a time machine) and the history of cakewalks in general is just fascinating to me. There’s some really great old silent era films of Vaudeville performers doing cakewalks and it’s amazing how much it looks like voguing or the Monty Python sketch of the Ministry of Silly Walks.
Interesting. My history specialty is really obscure: the role women played in early computer programming. I teach cs and tried to enlighten students to break down the gender barrier. Didn’t go well.
William Dorsey Swann. A legend. Icon
I mean you probably don’t but just do yourself a favor and watch Paris is Burning because it is both so fun and so heartbreaking AND you’ll learn about ballroom culture
Seconding the other comment: watching Paris is Burning will bring you up to speed and make you appreciate certain things more. If you don't want to commit to a full documentary, watch an episode of Legendary (it was canceled but should still be on Max). Just an understanding on what a house is, what the typical categories are, etc is nice. It will also give you a really cool insight into a part of the queer community a lot of people don't know about.
Ever seen Pose?
OOOOOH I WANT TO SEE THIS!
Whole heartedly agreed! Saw it Friday. It’s spectacular
Do you suggest it for someone who wants to go to a Ball but has zero interest in Cats?
I’m so excited!! Going in July.
I won’t be able to see it but I wish I could. Can you elaborate more on how it makes sense? I do know a bit about ballroom culture (I’ve watched Paris is burning and pose)
The cats are all competing in a ball and most of the numbers are tied to the cats walking in a category (e.g. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer ae walking in Duo Performance during their number). Old Deuteronomy is a legend who appears to judge the ball and award the grand prize, Grizabella is a former legend/winner who has fallen by the wayside...they kind of skip the whole "Winning means you get to die!" thing (it still happens but it's not...expanded upon?). It's still not a radically coherent storyline but it really WORKS. You just immediately go"oh yeah, this is happening and it makes sense to me".
Thank you for typing this out I so appreciate it!
cats has been my fav musical since i was very small and i neeeed this to tour somehow (caring for a sick family member rn so i can’t travel) 😭
I have 2 tickets for resale- July 13th. Will sell for face value. So sad I can no longer go!!
Any word on whether it's possible this show could be extended again? I won't be back in NYC until August but would really love to see this if at all possible (and this coming from someone who's generally an ALW hater, lol).
Amazing to hear! What seat/section do you recommend? I’m not familiar with that theater.
The way the theatre is set up I'm not sure anything on the second balcony (Not sure what they actually call it) would be great - we were on the first balcony, stage right and we could see everything well. There's also no bar if you're in the balconies???? So if you want to have a drink during it you would want the orchestra/first floor seats. The cabaret seating looked really fun but I'm sure that's insanely expensive.
I didnt like Cats the movie or the touring production. I completely wrote off the whole musical but this version intrigues me so much.
I wanna go so damn bad I'm thinking about a trip in August (or September if they extend the run? 👀)
I have no way of seeing this production and from what I’m seeing online, I just…don’t get it. Someone, please make it make sense for me?
What don't you get?
The LGBTQIA+ community be like "straight people messed this whole musical up; we'll fix it for you..." It's a Pride miracle!
Haven’t watched it but from reading about it sounds like trash just my opinion. I’d rather watch the normal version of cats idk it seems like a classic show why modernize it makes no sense.
The theme of ballroom fits really well IMO. We can have both original cats and this, that’s why theater is fun.
Oh it’s not a rebrand?
Well it’s not a RUG production, and there have already been many non-replicas. I think the original show will always be around.
Because the original didn’t make any sense either. It’s not exactly modernized as it is humanized. Making it more understandable for a different audience.