Performing Arts

In the latest revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, there are no singing cats. The actors have basically ditched the furry ears and velvet tails and reimagined the characters as competitors in the ballroom scene, vying for trophies and a new chance at life. This week, host Brittany Luse talks to Cats: The Jellicle Ball star Chasity Moore and co-director Zhailon Levingston about ballroom, spectacles and memories.

Want to be featured on IBAM? Record a voice memo responding to Brittany's question at the end of the episode and send it to ibam@npr.org.

A play about witches is selling out in Ukraine's capital Kyiv. Critics say that even though the plot takes place centuries ago, the play's takeaways and parallels to today resonate with Ukrainians.

The songleader, civil rights activist and scholar died Tuesday at the age of 81.

This week, the legendary singer and civil rights figure Mavis Staples is turning 85 and there's no sign of her slowing down: She released a new song, "Worthy," and a children's book, Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples.

Today, Mavis joins host Brittany Luse to share stories from her life: what it was like to be mentored by Mahalia Jackson, how she helped create the soundtrack for the Civil Rights movement, how she was spurned by the church then welcomed back, and what it was like to collaborate with Prince.

Want to be featured on IBAM? Record a voice memo responding to Brittany's question at the end of the episode and send it to ibam@npr.org.

As Americans celebrate the day that gave white men life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the Broadway musical Suffs explores the styles of activism used by Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells and others.

As Americans celebrate the day that gave white men life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the Broadway musical Suffs explores the styles of activism used by Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells and others.

The award-winning playwright talks about his provocative Slave Play, which earned 12 Tony nominations. A new HBO documentary chronicles the making of the production. Originally broadcast June 2023.

Taylor Tomlinson has found the kind of success many comedians dream about, with multiple Netflix specials and a late-night hosting gig — After Midnight on CBS. She tells Rachel that part of the secret to her success is fear. They also swap stories about their Christian upbringings, the search for validation and getting things stuck up their noses.

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The new Netflix documentary Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution features interviews with dozens of gay and trans comics, archival footage and lots of jokes.

There were very few surprises during Sunday's Tony Awards, except for one: best musical. The final award of the night went to The Outsiders, the adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s beloved book.