Andrew Lloyd Webber has issued a stark warning that Broadway is in "dire danger," following the announcement that his reimagined production "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" will close after just four months. The composer took to social media to urge theatre owners, unions, and producers to address what he calls a "crisis coming to a head." He lamented that it is becoming "impossible for new or daring work to be originated on Broadway anymore" due to prohibitive costs, questioning whether a groundbreaking show like "West Side Story" could premiere today. An insider told Page Six that Webber's frustration was sparked by the high cost of productions, particularly one he loves as much as "Cats: The Jellicle Ball." Despite receiving rave reviews and winning three Tony Awards, the musical could not sustain its run. Webber noted that creators are being forced to accept minimal royalties, making it impossible for young talent to make a living from theatre alone. He concluded by warning that Broadway risks rivaling "Hollywood's empty soundstages with increasingly dark theatres."
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