An ambitious reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Cats struck gold when Cats: “The Jellicle Ball” debuted in June in New York City. By invoking the spirit of ballroom, this version centered Black and Brown voices and focused on trans empowerment as these Jellicle cats strut, dip, spin and duckwalk to pulsing dance beats. Directed by Zhailon Levingston, choreographed by Legendary ballroom alums Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles, this fabulous retelling featured the incredible talents of Tony winner André DeShields, Sydney James-Harcourt, Antwayn Harper, Jonathan Burke, Dudney Joseph Jr., Junior LaBeija and Robert “Silk” Mason. — J.S.M.