Qween Jean Brings Ballroom Flair to 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' Broadway Costumes

The costume designer created nearly 500 looks inspired by New York City's vibrant ballroom culture.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:11pm

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Costume designer Qween Jean has created the elaborate looks for the new Broadway production of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball,' which reimagines the classic musical in the world of New York City ballroom culture. Jean drew inspiration from the history and legacy of the ballroom scene, incorporating elements like vogueing, competition, and portraits of iconic figures to celebrate the community's creativity and resilience.

Why it matters

The new 'Cats' production aims to shine a spotlight on the vibrant ballroom culture that emerged as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people of color in New York City. By centering this community's artistry and traditions, the show brings greater visibility and respect to an integral part of the city's cultural heritage.

The details

Jean created nearly 500 costumes for the show, allowing each performer to 'shine' and bring their 'internal glow' to the designs. She conducted extensive research at the Schomburg Center and New York Public Library, studying the history of ballroom competitions and the work of photographers like Chantal Regnault who documented the scene. One of Jean's proudest creations is a tapestry costume featuring portraits of 'matriarchs, founding mothers, pioneers, diamond pioneers, living legends and icons' from the ballroom community.

  • The new Broadway production of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' officially opens on Tuesday, April 9, 2026.
  • The show had a successful off-Broadway run at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in 2025.

The players

Qween Jean

The costume designer behind the nearly 500 looks created for 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball.' Jean made her Broadway debut with the costumes for 'Liberation' last fall.

Zhailon Levingston

The co-director of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball,' who worked with Jean to reimagine the classic musical in the world of New York City ballroom culture.

Bill Rauch

The co-director of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball,' who collaborated with Jean and Levingston on the production.

André De Shields

The Broadway legend who plays the role of Old Deuteronomy in 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball.'

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What they’re saying

“'My goal has been to allow every artist to shine, that their internal glow is the most beautiful thing about the design.'”

— Qween Jean, Costume Designer

“'There's been so many iterations that grew beyond our original ideas, that surpassed what our expectations were and that really culminated with the collaboration with our performers. This cast is undoubtedly the best performers I've ever worked with in New York City and they all bring determination, vulnerability and such exquisite curiosity and unbound imagination.'”

— Qween Jean, Costume Designer

“'A lot of the details and richness of our creativity was truly honoring the myriad of balls and the categories that our ancestors created. So for me, it was just really to pay homage and to uplift every part of the beauty that has allowed us to exist today and to stand proudly knowing where we've come from.'”

— Qween Jean, Costume Designer

What’s next

The new Broadway production of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' will have its official opening night on Tuesday, April 9, 2026.

The takeaway

By reimagining the classic 'Cats' musical through the lens of New York City's vibrant ballroom culture, the new Broadway production celebrates the creativity, resilience, and legacy of the LGBTQ+ community of color that nurtured this vital artistic tradition.