Andrew Lloyd Webber Closes Cats After 11 Weeks

Andrew Lloyd Webber announced on Instagram that the final performance of *Cats: The Jellicle Ball* will close on Broadway tonight, calling the decision “gutted” and describing the current Broadway model as “unsustainable.” The message came after the show’s 11‑week run at the St. James Theatre, which began on May 23 and drew mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.

*Cats* has a long history on Broadway, with the original 1981 production running for 18 years and becoming the longest‑running show in history. The new version, produced by the same team that staged the 2023 revival, aimed to update the score and staging for a contemporary audience. However, the production’s high technical demands – a 500‑piece LED wall, a rotating stage, and a 200‑person orchestra – pushed the budget to an estimated $12 million. Ticket sales averaged around 70 % of capacity, far below the $20–25 million revenue threshold needed to break even. The COVID‑19 pandemic also left many Broadway venues operating at reduced capacity, making it harder for even high‑profile shows to reach profitability.

Lloyd Webber’s comments echo concerns voiced by producers and investors over the past year. A spokesperson for the production company said the closure was “the most difficult decision” and that the team would look into touring the show in regional theatres where operating costs are lower. Fans on social media expressed disappointment, with many sharing clips from the show’s final night and urging the industry to rethink the economics of large‑scale productions. Industry analysts note that the closure is part of a broader trend: several high‑profile shows have shut down early this season due to rising costs, tightening budgets, and changing audience habits.

The show’s exit from Broadway marks a turning point for the future of large‑scale musical productions. Lloyd Webber, who has seen *Cats* and other hits like *The Phantom of the Opera* run for decades, said he remains “immensely proud” of the creative team’s work. The closure will likely prompt producers to explore hybrid models that combine touring, digital streaming, and smaller venue runs to keep beloved shows financially viable. Meanwhile, the St. James Theatre will host a new production next month, as the Broadway calendar continues to shift toward more flexible and cost‑effective formats.