Digest

This episode of "It's Been a Minute" delves into the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Cats," which has been reimagined through the lens of the ballroom scene. The episode features interviews with Jalen Livingston, co-director of the revival, and Chastity Moore, who stars as Grisabella, discussing the connection between ballroom and the musical. The episode explores the revival's unique approach to reimagining "Cats," emphasizing a remix rather than a remake, and how it distinguishes itself from other Broadway reboots. The episode also delves into the challenges and rewards of bringing together performers from the ballroom scene and Broadway, highlighting the unique energy and spirit that emerged from the collaboration. Chastity Moore shares her personal experiences in the ballroom scene and how they connect to her role as Grisabella, including the use of archival footage from her own ballroom days. The episode also explores the significance of the song "Memory" in the context of the revival, reflecting on how Moore's own experiences with age and memory resonate with the character's journey. The episode concludes by discussing the challenges of balancing mainstream visibility with preserving the legacy of ballroom, particularly the recognition of older generations who have shaped the scene.

Outlines

00:00:00

Ballroom and Cats: A Cultural Remix

This episode explores the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Cats," which has been reimagined through the lens of the ballroom scene. The episode features interviews with Jalen Livingston, co-director of the revival, and Chastity Moore, who stars as Grisabella, discussing the connection between ballroom and the musical. The episode explores the revival's unique approach to reimagining "Cats," emphasizing a remix rather than a remake, and how it distinguishes itself from other Broadway reboots.

00:08:01

Blending Ballroom and Broadway: A Unique Collaboration

The episode delves into the challenges and rewards of bringing together performers from the ballroom scene and Broadway, highlighting the unique energy and spirit that emerged from the collaboration. Chastity Moore shares her personal experiences in the ballroom scene and how they connect to her role as Grisabella, including the use of archival footage from her own ballroom days.

00:16:44

Ballroom's Legacy and Mainstream Visibility

The episode explores the significance of the song "Memory" in the context of the revival, reflecting on how Moore's own experiences with age and memory resonate with the character's journey. The episode concludes by discussing the challenges of balancing mainstream visibility with preserving the legacy of ballroom, particularly the recognition of older generations who have shaped the scene.

Keywords

Q&A

• How does the "Cats" revival reinterpret the musical through the lens of the ballroom scene?

  The revival features performers from the ballroom subculture, incorporating their fashion, dance styles, and social dynamics into the story of the Jellicle cats.

• What are some of the surprising overlaps between ballroom and the themes of "Cats"?

  Both share themes of community, acceptance, and the importance of legacy, particularly the reverence for elders and the celebration of individual expression.

• How does the revival distinguish itself from other Broadway reboots?

  It aims to be a remix rather than a remake, exploring the cultural context and significance of "Cats" while presenting a new spectacle through the lens of ballroom.

• What were the challenges and rewards of bringing together performers from ballroom and Broadway?

  The collaboration required a unique approach to training and performance, but it resulted in a powerful blend of energy and spirit, creating a sense of unity among the performers.

• How does Chastity Moore's personal experience in the ballroom scene inform her portrayal of Grisabella?

  Moore draws on her own memories and archival footage from her ballroom days, bringing a personal and authentic dimension to the character's journey of redemption and acceptance.

• How does the song "Memory" resonate differently in the context of the revival?

  Moore's performance of "Memory" reflects on the passage of time, the fading of memory, and the importance of recognizing the contributions of older generations in the ballroom community.

• How does the revival address the challenges of balancing mainstream visibility with preserving the legacy of ballroom?

  The revival acknowledges the importance of recognizing the contributions of older generations who have shaped the scene, ensuring that their history and impact are not erased.

Show Notes