Ep439 - Zhailon Levingston: Building a New Breed of Cats
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In this episode of The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales, guest Jalen Livingston—award-winning director and the youngest Black director in Broadway history—shares his remarkable journey from selling tickets on the streets of New York to co-directing the groundbreaking reimagining of Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Livingston’s early exposure to music, theater, and Southern Black culture laid the foundation for his artistic identity. He recounts how he built his career through grassroots advocacy, pop-up art, and relentless relationship-building, eventually landing his breakthrough with Chicken and Biscuits during the pandemic, staged in Circle in the Square atop another show’s set. His work on Cats: The Jellicle Ball transforms the classic musical into a high-energy ballroom competition, fusing Black queer ballroom culture with the original score. Livingston emphasizes the power of chosen family, vulnerability, and audience participation, framing theater as a living, breathing event. He reflects on representation, resilience, and the importance of showing up—even when insecure—arguing that persistence and authenticity are the true superpowers in the arts. The episode explores how Livingston’s ADHD fuels his creative capacity and high tolerance for chaos, turning what some might see as a limitation into a creative advantage. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of casting a diverse ensemble, the deep respect between ballroom and musical theater artists, and the emotional impact of the show on audiences—from diehard Cats fans to first-time theatergoers. His philosophy centers on the human spectacle: theater as a shared, transformative experience where the audience becomes part of the event. With a message of inclusion, joy, and bold self-assertion, Livingston’s story is a testament to the power of belief, community, and the courage to say, 'I’m a director'—even without a degree. The conversation closes with a playful game and heartfelt advice: become a nerd about your craft, find dopamine in the work, and never stop showing up.
Show up even when you feel insecure—your resume is never too weak to send.
Relationships, not resumes, are the real currency of success in the arts.
Theater is not just a performance—it’s a live event where the audience becomes part of the story.
Chosen family and community are essential to sustaining creative work and personal identity.
ADHD can be a creative superpower when channeled into high-capacity, high-patience work.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: The Visionary Behind Cats: The Jellicle Ball
“You should never be afraid to send your resume even when you feel insecure about it. You can never make any of the shots you'd ever take.”
Roots in Shreveport: Culture, Church, and Early Exposure
Livingston reflects on his upbringing in Shreveport, Louisiana—growing up in a Black Baptist church, attending a performing arts magnet school, and being immersed in music and community theater from a young age. He describes a balanced cultural upbringing that exposed him to both Black and white artistic traditions.
The New York Hustle: From Street Vendor to Director
“I don’t have to act for 50 years to say that I’m a director. I can just be one.”
Breakthrough: Chicken and Biscuits and the Pandemic Pivot
“We just kind of were like, as long as we laugh every day and have fun, this shit may be hard sometimes. But let's just do it and see what happens.”
From Advocacy to Art: Building a Creative Network
Livingston details his early advocacy work with the 'Words on White' campaign, using public art to spark dialogue around race and justice. He explains how this work opened doors to playwrights, producers, and collaborators, creating a backdoor entry into the industry.
“I know I am enough, do you know that I'm enough? If you don't, I'm about to show you and it's not a question, it's a demand.”
“I really see that as a real invitation to the city and attest like let's see how much we can hold each other. Let's see how different we can make this room.”
“You should never be afraid to send your resume even when you feel insecure about it. You can never make any of the shots you'd ever take.”
Host
Guest
Jalen Livingston
person
Cats: The Jellicle Ball
other
Alan Seales
person
Ballroom Culture
other
Chicken and Biscuits
other
Shreveport, Louisiana
place
Broadhurst Theater
other
Circle in the Square
other
ADHD
other
Words on White
other
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