The musical production "CATS: The Jellicle Ball" has incorporated a pointed new line into its show, seemingly directed at the landlords of the Broadhurst Theatre, following the announcement of its early closure. The new quip, delivered just before the song "Macavity: The Mystery Cat," states, "The Shuberts must have raised the rent again," eliciting laughter from the audience. This line replaces a previous version that reportedly said, "The Shuberts must have forgotten to pay the electric bill."
The Shubert Organization, a prominent Broadway dynasty, owns numerous theaters in the area, including the Broadhurst.
The musical, which reimagines Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic "Cats" as a queer ballroom competition, had its run extended to August 8. This decision came after the July 13 announcement of its early closing, which caused concern within the theater community.
Despite critical acclaim, awards, and celebrity endorsements, the production struggled financially. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show's weekly gross revenue hovered around $1 million before its three Tony Award wins and saw a slight dip afterward, leading to the decision to close early due to insufficient revenue.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of "Cats" and other well-known musicals, commented on the financial realities of Broadway productions. He stated that for many shows, it is "practically no financial sense to come to Broadway with things as they are." Webber noted that creators, writers, and directors are often compelled to accept minimal royalties or fixed weekly fees, making it difficult for emerging talent to sustain a living solely from theater.
In an appeal to the industry, Webber urged theater owners, unions, and producers to collaborate urgently to address what he described as an impending crisis. He expressed concern that Broadway could face a future with increasingly dark theaters, akin to Hollywood's empty soundstages.
Producers Michael Harrison and Mike Bosner of "Jellicle Ball" released a statement highlighting the positive impact of the show, describing the joy it brought to audiences and calling it an honor to bring ballroom culture to Broadway. Representatives for the Shubert Organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment.