The stars came out in full force for the annual New Dramatists Spring Luncheon, bringing together some of Broadway’s brightest talents for an afternoon celebrating the future of theater.
Zhailon Levingston
Zhailon Levingston is a Louisiana-raised storyteller, director, and activist. He is a Board Member for the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, which he co-created, and teaches the Theatre of Change course at Columbia University.
Latest News on Zhailon Levingston:
BIO
Zhailon Levingston is a Louisiana-raised storyteller, director, and activist. He is a Board Member for the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, which he co-created, and teaches the Theatre of Change course at Columbia University.
He is a Music Mentor Fellow and has done work with Idina Menzel’s A Broader Way Foundation. His directing credits include: Neptune (Dixon Place, Brooklyn Museum), The Years That Went Wrong (Lark, MCC), The Exonerated (Columbia Law School), Chariot Part 2 (Soho Rep., for The Movement Theatre Company), Mother of Pearl (LaGuardia Performing Arts Center). He is the associate director of Primer for a Failed Superpower with Tony Award winner Rachel Chavkin, and Runaways at The Public Theater with Sam Pinkleton. Most recently, he directed Chicken & Biscuits which premiered on Broadway in 2021 and Patience which premiered at Second Stage UPTOWN Summer of 2022. Zhailon is also the former resident director at Tina: The Tina Turner Musical on Broadway and the associate director of Hadestown in South Korea.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Productions
See how Zhailon Levingston connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate Zhailon Levingston from another Broadway star or creative.
Zhailon Levingston
Connection
Awards and Nominations
Drama League Awards - 2026 - OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Zhailon Levingston, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
winner
Tony Awards - 2026 - Best Direction of a Musical
Zhailon Levingston, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Zhailon Levingston, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Drama League Awards - 2025 - OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Zhailon Levingston, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Zhailon Levingston, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Videos
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast Performs 'Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat' on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-06-23 09:17:35
Video: Qween Jean Reacts to Tony Win - 'It's a Tremendous Blessing'
by Talking Tonys - 2026-06-07 23:27:51
Video: Zhailon Levingston & Bill Rauch on Their Tony Win- 'People Coming Together is the Only Path Forward'
by Talking Tonys - 2026-06-07 22:06:16
Video: Tony Winners Omari Wiles & Arturo Lyons Are Ready for the Next Job
by Talking Tonys - 2026-06-07 21:45:31
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Performs 'The Jellicle Ball' on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-28 14:37:18
Video: Follow Robert 'Silk' Mason's Path to CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL in STAGEBOUND
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-26 13:05:35
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Performs 'Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat' in the Subway
by Michael Major - 2026-05-22 13:25:28
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast Performs at WNYC Concert Event
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-21 15:40:07
Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast Performs Flashy Dance Number on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-21 11:34:42
Video: Watch Highlights from CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - 2026-04-07 18:24:15
Video: Watch the Full Conversations with CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast and Crew From CBS Sunday Morning Segment
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-30 15:18:26
Character Breakdown: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast Unpacks Their Jellicle Roles
by Luka Vonier - 2026-03-07 08:00:20
Video: Ready for a Ball? Go Inside Rehearsals for CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
by Luka Vonier - 2026-02-19 15:08:46
Video: Anika Noni Rose Sings 'One Hundred Easy Ways' in Encores! WONDERFUL TOWN
by Michael Major - 2025-05-06 11:00:37
Video: WONDERFUL TOWN Highlights at New York City Center Encores!
by Stephi Wild - 2025-05-01 06:38:47
News
Savy Jackson, Benjamin Pajak and More to Perform at Rhinebeck Writers Retreat Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2026
Rhinebeck Writers Retreat will present its 2026 Gala Concert at Joe's Pub, featuring Broadway performers and new music developed by the organization's resident writers.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2026
Rhinebeck Writers Retreat will present its 2026 Gala Concert at Joe's Pub, featuring Broadway performers and new music developed by the organization's resident writers.
Video: Pasadena Playhouse Releases PASSING STRANGE Teaser
by Michael Major - Oct 22, 2026
Pasadena Playhouse shared a new music video featuring Ty Taylor performing the opening number from PASSING STRANGE, ahead of the rock musical's Los Angeles premiere.
by Michael Major - Oct 22, 2026
Pasadena Playhouse shared a new music video featuring Ty Taylor performing the opening number from PASSING STRANGE, ahead of the rock musical's Los Angeles premiere.
Video: Ty Taylor Performs 'We Might Play All Night' From PASSING STRANGE at Pasadena Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2026
Pasadena Playhouse releases original music video featuring Ty Taylor and the cast of the Tony Award-winning rock musical PASSING STRANGE, marking the show's Los Angeles premiere.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2026
Pasadena Playhouse releases original music video featuring Ty Taylor and the cast of the Tony Award-winning rock musical PASSING STRANGE, marking the show's Los Angeles premiere.
Interview: 'There's A Blurring Of That Fourth Wall': Actor Jamael Westman On TABLE 17
by Kat Mokrynski - Oct 19, 2026
Recently, we had the chance to speak with Jamael Westman, who plays Dallas in Table 17. We discussed what it was like to prepare for the three-hander, the community that has been built around the Kiln Theatre and even the conversations he hopes that audiences have after seeing the play.
by Kat Mokrynski - Oct 19, 2026
Recently, we had the chance to speak with Jamael Westman, who plays Dallas in Table 17. We discussed what it was like to prepare for the three-hander, the community that has been built around the Kiln Theatre and even the conversations he hopes that audiences have after seeing the play.
Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program Opens Applications for 7th Year
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2026
Applications for The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program are now open. The seventh cycle of The CRR Scholarship Program will continue to distribute $100,000 amongst 10 recipients.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2026
Applications for The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program are now open. The seventh cycle of The CRR Scholarship Program will continue to distribute $100,000 amongst 10 recipients.
IMPRESSIVE, SINCERELY to Have World Premiere at Lower East Side Bookstore
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 5, 2026
Robert Norman's deadpan comedy about an American author in Germany will have its world premiere at P&T Knitwear bookstore, directed by Alex Hare and starring Amara James Aja and Annika Burley.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 5, 2026
Robert Norman's deadpan comedy about an American author in Germany will have its world premiere at P&T Knitwear bookstore, directed by Alex Hare and starring Amara James Aja and Annika Burley.
PASSING STRANGE to be Presented at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2026
Pasadena Playhouse announced the full cast for the Los Angeles premiere of the Tony Award-winning rock musical PASSING STRANGE, starring Ty Taylor, Britton Smith, and Saycon Sengbloh, with direction by Zhailon Levingston.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2026
Pasadena Playhouse announced the full cast for the Los Angeles premiere of the Tony Award-winning rock musical PASSING STRANGE, starring Ty Taylor, Britton Smith, and Saycon Sengbloh, with direction by Zhailon Levingston.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 1, 2026- Matthew Morrison Returns to JUST IN TIME and More
by - Oct 1, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 1, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 1, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 1, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: Michael Arden, Daniel Durant and More Join Deaf West Theatre 35th Anniversary NYC Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2026
Deaf West Theatre held its inaugural New York City gala at Joe's Pub, honoring Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur, five-time Tony Award winner Eva Price, and Tony Award-winning directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch. See photos!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2026
Deaf West Theatre held its inaugural New York City gala at Joe's Pub, honoring Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur, five-time Tony Award winner Eva Price, and Tony Award-winning directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch. See photos!
Review: TABLE 17, Starring Marisha Wallace, Kiln Theatre
by Clementine Scott - Sep 24, 2026
Before Table 17 begins, a voice over the tannoy announces that audience interaction is encouraged, “like in panto”. It’s a good thing they warned us, because Douglas Lyons’s play is trying so hard to be a participatory experience that its core emotional truths are being lost along the way.
by Clementine Scott - Sep 24, 2026
Before Table 17 begins, a voice over the tannoy announces that audience interaction is encouraged, “like in panto”. It’s a good thing they warned us, because Douglas Lyons’s play is trying so hard to be a participatory experience that its core emotional truths are being lost along the way.
38th Annual FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS Unveils Creative Teams
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2026
The National Alliance for Musical Theatre named directors, music directors and emerging artists for its 38th annual festival showcasing eight new musicals in concert presentations at New World Stages.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2026
The National Alliance for Musical Theatre named directors, music directors and emerging artists for its 38th annual festival showcasing eight new musicals in concert presentations at New World Stages.
Michael Arden, Daniel Durant, Kathryn Gallagher & More Set for Deaf West Theatre's 35th Anniversary Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 1, 2026
Deaf West Theatre announced performers for its first New York City gala, honoring Troy Kotsur, Eva Price, Zhailon Levingston, and Bill Rauch at Joe's Pub.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 1, 2026
Deaf West Theatre announced performers for its first New York City gala, honoring Troy Kotsur, Eva Price, Zhailon Levingston, and Bill Rauch at Joe's Pub.
Full Cast And Creative Team Set for TABLE 17 At Kiln Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 13, 2026
Kiln Theatre has revealed the full cast and creative team for the UK premiere of Douglas Lyons' hit play and romantic comedy Table 17, directed by 2026 Tony Award-winner Zhailon Levingston.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 13, 2026
Kiln Theatre has revealed the full cast and creative team for the UK premiere of Douglas Lyons' hit play and romantic comedy Table 17, directed by 2026 Tony Award-winner Zhailon Levingston.
Andrew Lloyd Webber Shares Thoughts on CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Closing Day; A Message To The Fans
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 8, 2026
Andrew Lloyd Webber took to Facebook to send his well wishes to the cast and creatives of CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL ahead of their closing performance at the Broadhurst Theater.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 8, 2026
Andrew Lloyd Webber took to Facebook to send his well wishes to the cast and creatives of CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL ahead of their closing performance at the Broadhurst Theater.
Deaf West Theatre to Host First-Ever New York City Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
Deaf West Theatre will present The 35th Anniversary Gala – One Night in New York at Joe’s Pub. Marking Deaf West’s first-ever New York City gala, the event will celebrate 35 years of innovation, collaboration, education, and social change.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
Deaf West Theatre will present The 35th Anniversary Gala – One Night in New York at Joe’s Pub. Marking Deaf West’s first-ever New York City gala, the event will celebrate 35 years of innovation, collaboration, education, and social change.
NEXT FESTIVAL 2026 Casting Announced by Theater Latté Da for Three New Musicals
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 14, 2026
Theater Latté Da announced casting for its 2026 NEXT Festival of New Musicals, featuring three new works — BLACK GIRL IN PARIS, HEARTS IS BROKE, and ALICE IN NEVERLAND — each receiving developmental workshops and public presentations at the Ritz Theater in Minneapolis.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 14, 2026
Theater Latté Da announced casting for its 2026 NEXT Festival of New Musicals, featuring three new works — BLACK GIRL IN PARIS, HEARTS IS BROKE, and ALICE IN NEVERLAND — each receiving developmental workshops and public presentations at the Ritz Theater in Minneapolis.
CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cancels Performance July 13th
by Joshua Wright - Jul 13, 2026
The performance of CATS: the Jellicle Ball on Monday, July 13th, at 7pm has been cancelled by the production due to company illness.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 13, 2026
The performance of CATS: the Jellicle Ball on Monday, July 13th, at 7pm has been cancelled by the production due to company illness.
CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Announces Closing Date
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 13, 2026
The ball is over. BroadwayWorld has just learned that Cats: The Jellicle Ball, the Tony Award-winning musical revival, will end its Broadway run at the Broadhurst Theatre on Saturday evening, August 8. Later this month, the production will be filmed by the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and added to its collection.
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 13, 2026
The ball is over. BroadwayWorld has just learned that Cats: The Jellicle Ball, the Tony Award-winning musical revival, will end its Broadway run at the Broadhurst Theatre on Saturday evening, August 8. Later this month, the production will be filmed by the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and added to its collection.
Tara Lashan Clinkscales Spills All the Backstage Tea From CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
by Stephi Wild - Jul 13, 2026
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Tara Lashan Clinkscales of CATS: The Jellicle Ball, who took us backstage at the Broadhurst Theatre to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 13, 2026
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Tara Lashan Clinkscales of CATS: The Jellicle Ball, who took us backstage at the Broadhurst Theatre to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
Photos: Inside Opening Night of BIRTHRIGHT at MCC
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 30, 2026
MCC Theater just celebrated opening night of Birthright, running through July 26, 2026 at MCC Theater’s Newman Mills Theater. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and you can check out photos from the red carpet here.
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 30, 2026
MCC Theater just celebrated opening night of Birthright, running through July 26, 2026 at MCC Theater’s Newman Mills Theater. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and you can check out photos from the red carpet here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Zhailon Levingston been nominated for?
OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL (Drama League Awards) for Cats: The Jellicle Ball and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cats: The Jellicle Ball.
Podcasts
#168 - Zhailon Levingston - The Category is…Cats the Jellicle Ball!
Tony Nominated Director Zhailon Levingston come back to BTA to deep all things Cats The Jellicle Ball. Zhailon discusses everything to casting André De Shields, honoring the origins of Ball Room and Cats, and even gives us the scoop on what he’s doing next.
Ep439 - Zhailon Levingston: Building a New Breed of Cats
Zhailon Levingston joins the show to discuss his incredible trajectory from selling concessions in Broadway houses to becoming the youngest Black director in Broadway history with Chicken and Biscuits.
The Jellicle Ball Reimagined: Zhailon Levingston Brings Cats Into a New Era!
Zhailon Levingston is here, and this one is for the theatre lovers who like their classics flipped, reimagined, and brought all the way into now.
#79 - Zhailon Levingston - Living the Life He Dreamed.com
Director and Creator Zhailon Levingston joins Behind the Awards to share his vision for the upcoming Wonderful Town at New York City Center Encores. Zhailon also talks about Cats: The Jellicle Ball and the future of the show and his collaboration with Playwright Douglas Lyons.
'Cats' Meets Drag Ball Culture
Behind the scenes with three of the creators of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball," the colorful, queer reimagining of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that's become a breakout hit of the summer.
How Theater Meets Activism With the Broadway Advocacy Coalition
Co-founders Adrienne Warren and Zhailon Levingston on BAC's work at the intersection of arts and activism.
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