Broadway opening nights often shine a bright light on the cast members taking the stage nightly, but the show does not go on without the stage manager. Cody Renard Richard, who has become one of Broadway’s most sought-after stage managers, is celebrating his second opening as stage manager this season and his 25th Broadway credit with the arrival of CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway.
In addition to his integral involvement as a stage manager across many Broadway shows, including this season’s Ragtime, Richard is also a Tony Award–winning producer, taking home Tonys earlier this decade for the award-winning productions of A Strange Loop and Parade. Last year, he elevated his style icon status by attending the annually anticipated Met Gala for the first time.
Fresh off the opening of CATS: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre, take a look inside Richard’s dazzling opening night on Broadway.
What is going through your head as you open CATS: The Jellicle Ball?
Mainly, gratitude is in my head right now. I’m thinking about how fortunate I am to get to do this monumental production at this time with this group of humans. I’m so happy that these artists have this time to shine their talents on BROADWAY. I’m excited to celebrate all of our hard work and all of the debuts in the company. We’ve been working hard, so tonight will truly be a much-needed celebration for us all.
Who are the people you would like to thank for being with you on this journey?
Tiffany Robinson, Kayla Uribe, Alex Luong, Campbell Anidjar, and Wisdom—the incredible stage managers who work alongside me and show up daily with joy. The amount of care they pour into this production should always be celebrated, and I’m so lucky to have them with me on this journey.
What’s a funny moment you’ll always remember from this preview process?
Oh, the way we kiki all the time!! This company is full of comedians, so I feel like I’m constantly catching someone saying or doing something crazy. But a moment that was simultaneously funny and epic was when our dance captain, Bryce Farris, had his wig fly off during the Jellicle Ball! Baby, he dipped so hard there were not enough pins in the world to secure that thang! Bryce didn’t miss a beat, though.
What do you hope audiences will take away from CATS: The Jellicle Ball?
That Black people elevate everything!!! No, but seriously, I’d love for audiences to walk away feeling the immense joy that is oozing throughout the Broadhurst Theatre, and that they feel inspired by this reimagining, this fresh new take. I hope they embrace the Black, queer culture, legacy, and joy infused throughout this piece. I hope they tell their friends to come experience it for themselves.
If you could meet your younger self for coffee, what would he say about this opening night moment?
He probably wouldn’t believe that this is my 25th Broadway show! I think, in some sort of way, he’d say that he was proud of me and proud of the path that I’ve carved out for myself. I think he’d probably hold up a mirror to remind me that the dream has been realized and to keep going. And I also think he’d say that I look fab!!
