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flag Broadway's *Cats: The Jellicle Ball* returns with Ken Ard, a 25-year absence, amid a Harlem-inspired queer ballroom reinvention.

flag A reimagined version of the 1983 musical *Cats* is now playing on Broadway as *Cats: The Jellicle Ball*, featuring Ken Ard, a performer from the original cast making a triumphant return after a 25-year absence. flag Ard, who struggled with PTSD following the 9/11 attacks, returned to the stage after finding renewed purpose in the revival's bold reinvention of the story, which draws inspiration from Harlem's Black and Latino queer ballroom culture. flag The production, directed by Zhailon Livingston and Bill Rauch with choreography by Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons, transforms the classic tale into a vibrant celebration of identity and resilience. flag Ard now plays DJ Griddlebone, a dynamic character, and describes the show as a full-circle moment that has helped heal old wounds and reignited his passion for performing.

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