John Legend Joins Producing Team of Broadway's 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball'

Legend's Get Lifted Film Co. signs on to produce the Cats musical reimagining set in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:50pm

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John Legend and his production company Get Lifted Film Co. have joined the producing team of the upcoming Broadway production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, the show's producers announced. Legend is the latest high-profile creative to sign on to the project, which also includes producers Lena Waithe and Cynthia Erivo. The musical reimagines the classic Cats story by setting it in New York's underground LGBTQ+ ballroom scene.

Why it matters

The involvement of high-profile names like Legend, Waithe, and Erivo signals that the Cats: The Jellicle Ball production is generating significant industry buzz and interest. Their participation lends additional star power and creative clout to the project, which is aiming to put a fresh, contemporary spin on the beloved Cats musical.

The details

Get Lifted Film Co., led by Legend and producer Mike Jackson, has a track record of producing acclaimed theatrical projects, including the 2017 revival of August Wilson's Jitney, the hit Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, and the upcoming Off-Broadway adaptation of Imitation of Life featuring music and lyrics by Legend. The Cats: The Jellicle Ball production is set to make its Broadway debut this spring at the Broadhurst Theatre, with previews beginning on March 18 and an opening night on April 7.

  • The Cats: The Jellicle Ball production is set to begin Broadway previews on March 18, 2026.
  • The show will officially open on Broadway on April 7, 2026.

The players

John Legend

An American singer, songwriter, and producer who has signed on through his production company Get Lifted Film Co. to produce the Broadway production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball.

Lena Waithe

An Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actor who has also joined the producing team for Cats: The Jellicle Ball.

Cynthia Erivo

An actor, singer, and producer who has signed on as a producer for the Broadway production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball.

Michael Harrison

The lead producer bringing the Cats: The Jellicle Ball production to Broadway.

Mike Bosner

A producer working alongside Michael Harrison to bring Cats: The Jellicle Ball to Broadway.

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What they’re saying

“I am so proud to be joining this production as a producer alongside wonderful creatives such a Lena Waithe. Cats: The Jellicle Ball astounded me and truly was a theater experience unlike any other I have had, so to have the opportunity to support it in its next iteration is an honor. I'm so excited for audiences to have a chance to experience its magic, for the first time or once, twice, three times again.”

— Cynthia Erivo

“This musical was introduced to me by the great Cynthia Erivo. I can always trust her taste, so I flew out to see it and was changed. I wasn't the same person when I walked out of the theater. I understood this musical in a way I never have. Cats needed Ball culture in order for it to finally make sense. And now that I've been changed – I want everyone to have the same experience we did. I'm honored to be a part of this historic production.”

— Lena Waithe

What’s next

The Cats: The Jellicle Ball production is scheduled to begin Broadway previews on March 18, 2026, ahead of its official opening night on April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

The involvement of high-profile creative talents like John Legend, Lena Waithe, and Cynthia Erivo in the Cats: The Jellicle Ball production signals that this reimagining of the classic Cats musical is generating significant industry buzz and interest. Their participation lends additional star power and creative clout to the project, which aims to put a fresh, contemporary spin on the beloved story by setting it in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene.