Episode
Ep439 - Zhailon Levingston: Building a New Breed of Cats
- Published
- Apr 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3286
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Summary
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. He dives deep into the "cosmic synergy" of his career, explaining how a chance meeting at a concert led to a Broadway debut and how he managed to stage a production during a global pandemic by building a set literally on top of another show's equipment. Zhailon also shares how his ADHD serves as a creative asset, allowing him the high capacity and patience required to lead a room as a director. The conversation centers on his current hit, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, a production that marries the legendary score of Andrew Lloyd Webber with the vibrant, radical joy of Ballroom culture. Zhailon explains the meticulous process of ensuring authenticity while moving the show from a downtown "happening" to the Broadhurst Theatre. From the "human spectacle" of live performance to the profound connection found in "chosen families," he illustrates how this reimagining invites a multi generational, cross cultural audience to see themselves in the poetry of the text. Zhailon Levingston is a director, writer, and activist who serves as the Artistic Director of Inheritance Theatre Project and sits on the board of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition. In addition to his historic work on Chicken and Biscuits, his directorial credits include the Obie Award winning Cats: The Jellicle Ball at PAC NYC and the acclaimed Table 17. He co created the Theatre of Change course at Columbia University School of Law and has served as a resident or associate director on major productions including Hadestown, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and Reconstructing. Connect with Zhailon: IG @zhailon Connect with The…