# The Roundtable Talks Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Chess & Playing The Palace at the Chita Rivera Awards Meet the Nominees Event!

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-roundtable-with-robert-bannon-6608267/the-roundtable-talks-cats-the-jellicle-ball-chess-playing-the-palace-at-the-chita-rivera-awards-meet-the-nominees-event
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-roundtable-with-robert-bannon-6608267/the-roundtable-talks-cats-the-jellicle-ball-chess-playing-the-palace-at-the-chita-rivera-awards-meet-the-nominees-event.md
Podcast: [The Roundtable with Robert Bannon](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-roundtable-with-robert-bannon-6608267)
Published: 2026-05-06T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/the-roundtable
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/BPNET9182435737.mp3?updated=1778033691
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-roundtable-with-robert-bannon-6608267/episodes/the-roundtable-talks-cats-the-jellicle-ball-chess-playing-the-palace-at-the-chita-rivera-awards-meet-the-nominees-event
Duration seconds: 1667

## Resource

A behind-the-scenes look at the Chita Rivera Awards nominees, exploring the intersection of dance, history, and identity on Broadway. Featuring interviews with performers from 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' and 'Chess,' the episode highlights the evolution of modern stage movement.

## Highlights
- Main idea: The reimagining of 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' through the lens of 1980s NYC ballroom culture and queer identity
- Practical takeaway: Authenticity in performance allows an artist to resonate more deeply with a modern audience
- Failure mode: The danger of an ensemble lacking emotional investment, which can compromise the integrity of a lead performance
- Main idea: The rigorous, iterative process of Broadway revivals where choreography and scripts are often refined during previews
- Practical takeaway: Aspiring performers should study theatrical history and research their predecessors to pave their own way

## Topics

Broadway, Chita Rivera Awards, Musical Theatre, Dance Documentary, Ballroom Culture, Choreography, Performing Arts, Theatre History

## Chapters
- 1:00 — The Chita Rivera Awards Kickoff: An introduction to the Chita Rivera Awards and the energy surrounding the meet-the-nominee event.
- 3:00 — Reinventing the Jellicle Ball: Sydney James Harcourt discusses bringing ballroom culture and queer history to the iconic 'Cats' score.
- 5:00 — The Power of Authenticity: Performers discuss how embracing individual identity and masculinity/femininity shapes their stage presence.
- 9:00 — The Precision of 'Chess': Sarah Meahl shares insights into the demanding rehearsal process and the evolution of the 'Chess' revival.
- 11:00 — Learning Through the Process: A discussion on the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changes during show previews.
- 20:00 — Documenting Broadway History: A look at the dance documentaries being honored, including 'Playing The Palace.'
- 24:00 — The Vital Role of the Ensemble: A tribute to the ensemble dancers who serve as the lifeblood and structural integrity of Broadway productions.

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## Transcript

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