Andrew Lloyd Webber expressed devastation over the closing of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" on Broadway tonight at the Broadhurst Theatre, five months ahead of schedule. The composer posted an emotional Instagram message declaring himself "gutted" by the decision and using the show's premature closure as a cautionary tale about Broadway's economic crisis.
Lloyd Webber's message directly addresses what he calls "the unsustainable cost" of producing theater on Broadway. The revival, which reimagined his iconic 1981 musical, couldn't sustain its run despite bringing fresh creative energy to the Sondheim Theatre property. The early shutdown underscores the brutal economics facing Broadway productions in the post-pandemic era, where production costs have soared while audience capacity remains pressured.
The composer called for Broadway to "come to its senses," signaling frustration with an industry facing a reckoning. Rising labor costs, stagehands' wages following recent union negotiations, and theater operating expenses have created a perfect storm for producers. Even shows with brand recognition and creator passion struggle to maintain profitability.
"Cats: The Jellicle Ball" arrived on Broadway with considerable fanfare as a reimagined staging of Lloyd Webber's longest-running musical. The 2019 film adaptation, despite critical derision, had kept the property in the cultural conversation. The Broadway revival attempted to capitalize on renewed interest in the property while offering audiences a fresh theatrical experience.
The closure signals deeper troubles for Broadway's business model. Productions now face impossible arithmetic: ticket prices must climb to offset expenses, yet high prices depress demand. Mid-size musicals without the commercial juggernaut status of "Hamilton" or "The Lion King" face particular peril.
Lloyd Webber's public anguish carries weight. His catalog includes some of Broadway's most durable hits.