The Wrong Cat Died

From The Vault: Originally released on December 14, 2020, this was Episode 32 with Fergie L. Philippe who was Old Deuteronomy at Elon University's production of CATS and is currently on tour with Beauty and the Beast. This episode features Fergie L. Philippe who stars as James Madison in the Broadway production of Hamilton but also played a wild weekend as Old Deuteronomy during the Elon University Production of CATS. Fergie shares how his Elon production utilized a Beyonce and Elvis cat, how CATS influenced his career, and how we would cast Hamilton characters as Cats aka HamilCATS. Check out Fergie on all social media platforms: @fergsters95 Check out Beauty and the Beast: beautyandthebeastthemusical.com Produced by: ⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠ Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When two podcasts collide, the conversation gets wild — and that’s exactly what happened when Mike Abrams of The Wrong Cat Died joined me for this crossover episode with actor Ian Knauer. We cover Ian’s journey through Broadway, the West End, regional theater, and even his time performing on Disney Cruise Line. Along the way, Ian shares the perseverance it took to finally land Cats after years of auditioning, what it was like stepping into the role of Jafar at sea, and how those experiences shaped his career both onstage and off. Of course, with Mike in the room, we couldn’t resist diving headfirst into the eternal Cats debate — was Grizabella really the right choice, or did the wrong cat die? Ian makes a compelling case for Old Deuteronomy, and things only get livelier from there. From cruise ship lore to Broadway memories to a game of “Did the Wrong Cat Die?” reimagined with iconic stage and screen deaths, this episode is equal parts thoughtful and hilarious. Ian Knauer’s career spans Broadway (Anastasia), the West End (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), national tours, regional theater (Cats, White Christmas), and concert and film appearances. A University of Michigan graduate, he has also performed with Disney Cruise Line as a Broadway guest artist, where he delighted audiences as Jafar in Aladdin and beyond. This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day. Connect with Ian and Mike: Ian's Instagram: @theianknauer Ian's website: www.ian-knauer.com Mike Abrams’ podcast: The Wrong Cat Died Mike Abrams' Instagram: @thewrongcatdied Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I am barely five one. Macavity was not a role that I ever thought I would be in the running for because he's typically the tallest in the show but he doesn't have to be. He is the Napoleon of crime.” Join host Mike Abrams as he chats with Erik Simon, an actor with a deep history in the world of CATS. Erik recounts his journey from childhood fascination with T.S. Eliot’s poems and the original London cast recording, to experiencing the immersive Winter Garden Theater performance at a young age. Listen as Erik recalls his pivotal moments in high school’s first amateur CATS production in North America and his recent portrayal of Macavity in the Shawnee Playhouse's 2025 production. Discover Erik’s insights into character development, the shadow-casting of the 2019 CATS movie, and the enduring legacy of CATS in his life. This episode dives into fandom lore, unique staging choices, and personal anecdotes that show why CATS remains a beloved and complex piece of musical theater. 00:55 Erik's Early Fandom 07:43 High School Production of CATS 12:43 Shawnee Playhouse Production 17:17 Multi-Generational Cast Experience 19:26 Revisiting CATS After 20 Years 23:15 Shadow Casting the 2019 CATS Movie 31:59 Fandom Lore and Interpretations 40:13 Exploring Macavity's Character 47:47 Rapid Fire Check out Erik on Instagram: @curiousbeasttm Check out Shawnee Playhouse on Instagram: ⁠@theshawneeplayhouse⁠ Check out Shawnee Playhouse's website: ⁠www.shawneeplayhouse.org⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special bonus episode we celebrate the podcast's six-year anniversary with the show’s producer Alan Seales who is also the host of The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales and the Co-Founder of the Broadway Podcast Network. Mike and Alan reflect on the origins of the podcast, memorable moments, and the evolving journey of analyzing and interpreting the musical CATS. Mike shares his experiences interviewing Broadway stars, the unexpected depth of the CATS fan community, and his dreams for future productions. Listen in for fascinating stories, insights, and a look at what the future holds for The Wrong Cat Died. Check out The Theatre Podcast on Instagram: ⁠@theatre_podcast⁠ Check out The Theatre Podcast on Tik Tok: ⁠@thetheatrepodcast⁠ Check out The Theatre Podcast's Website: ⁠bpn.fm/ttp Produced by: ⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠ Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Chrissie Cartwright wants more than anything, she wants specificity. So she doesn’t necessarily need to know what all of the relationships are that you’re playing, as long as it’s clear.” In this newest episode, we chat with Michael Robert-Lowe, the actor currently playing Old Deuteronomy in the International tour of CATS. They dive into Michael's journey with the show, his thoughts on the character dynamics, and how he interprets various elements of the musical. From discussing the musical's cultural impact across various countries to entertaining theories about Old Deuteronomy’s role, this episode offers fans an insightful and engaging look behind the scenes of this beloved production. 01:07 Michael’s Journey with CATS 07:07 Experiences on the International Tour 15:27 Interacting with Fans 20:36 Old Deuteronomy's Decision-Making Process 30:28 The Sacrificial Gesture of Old Deuteronomy 31:32 Interpreting Relationships and Hierarchies 33:06 Character Evolution and Cast Changes 36:38 Audience Interaction and Immersion 43:39 Rapid Fire Check out Michael on Social Media: @michaelrobertlowe Check out the International Tour of CATS: ⁠tour.catsthemusical.com⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Some people might say CATS is a ripoff of A Chorus Line. I don’t want to go that far but it’s remarkably similar. I think it’s sort of a doppelganger of A Chorus Line.” In this episode, host Mike Abrams welcomes David Armstrong, a fellow Broadway Podcast Network host and author of the newly published book Broadway Nation. They delve into the rich history of Broadway musicals, highlighting the significant influences and connections, including how the iconic musical CATS ties into this history. Armstrong shares fascinating insights about the evolution of Broadway from his podcast and University of Washington course, the criteria behind the Jellicle choice, and how reality shows like 'Queen for a Day' may have influenced Broadway storytelling. 00:53 David’s Broadway Journey 01:22 The Evolution from Podcast to Book 07:26 The Impact of A Chorus Line on CATS 08:17 The British Theater Transformation 12:16 The Reality Show Parallel 27:54 Assigning CATS to Students 28:39 Discussing the 2019 Movie 35:17 The Jellicle Choice Debate Check out Broadway Nation on Instagram: @davidatbroadwaynation Check out the Broadway Nation Podcast Check out the Broadway Nation Book Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Ours is set in a community garden and we thought this would be a really good setting that I’ve not seen done before where it focuses on how gardens can fade and then regrow and rebirth." Join host Mike Abrams as he welcomes the cast and creative team of the Westerville Civic Theatre's production of CATS. Director Michael Ruehrmund, Assistant Musical Director Michael Neary, and Jellylorum Meghan Noonan share their journey in bringing this unique rendition to life, set in a community garden with a 66-member cast. Discover how the team found inspiration from the podcast and used it for character development. They discuss the criteria for selecting the Jellicle choice, the challenges and excitement of producing such an iconic and complex show, and their innovative approach to making it family-friendly. Don't miss their insights on character dynamics, favorite musical numbers, and the moments they're most excited about as they prepare for their performances. 01:13 Discovering The Podcast 06:45 Production Challenges and Unique Approaches 10:45 Character Development and Cast Dynamics 27:30 Excitement and Preparations for the Show 33:05 Creative Freedom in the Show 34:39 Rapid Fire Questions Check out Michael Ruehrmund on Instagram: @m.i.ch.ae.l Check out Michael Neary on Instagram: @michael.neary Check out Meghan Noonan on Instagram: @meghanknoonan Check out the Westerville Civic Theatre's website: https://www.artscouncilofwesterville.com/calendar/2025/7/17/westerville-civic-theatre-persents-cats Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I said I cannot wait to still be doing CATS with you in 30 years time because of course Grizabella’s brilliant. I can probably play it now for a good 30 to 40 years.” Dive into an engaging episode with Lucy May Barker who is currently dazzling audiences as Grizabella on the CATS international tour. Lucy shares her early love for the musical, recounting her first experience seeing CATS in London at the age of eight. The discussion delves into the complexities of Grizabella's character, theories about her past and relationships, and thoughts on the storyline's powerful themes. Lucy also reveals her thoughts on various characters, their roles, and the idea of an audience-chosen Jellicle choice. Don't miss her insights on the CATS community interactions, her favorite moments in the show, and future tour destinations. 01:19 Lucy's Journey with CATS 04:53 The Role of Grizabella 10:22 Performing Memory 15:49 Grizabella's Backstory and Theories 32:25 Audience Interaction Ideas 35:44 Rapid Fire & Jellicle Choice Check out Lucy on Social Media: @lucymaybarker Check out the International Tour of CATS: tour.catsthemusical.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“We have 16 different Grizabellas for this production.” In this episode of The Wrong Cat Died podcast, Mike Abrams welcomes Naomi Naughton, a former swing in the original Broadway production of CATS (1992) who is now directing a summer production at the Shawnee Playhouse. Naomi shares her journey from first seeing CATS as a teenager, through auditioning and performing on Broadway, to her current role as a director. She discusses the challenges and joys of directing, including working with 16 different performers as Grizabella and staying true to the show's choreography and storytelling. Naomi also reflects on deeper themes of the musical, such as acceptance, forgiveness, and the meaning of the Heaviside Layer. 00:46 Naomi's Broadway Journey 04:45 Landing the Role and Broadway Experience 07:56 Reflections on the Show's Choreography and Story 22:24 Directing CATS: New Insights and Challenges 32:58 Teaching a Specific Moment in Time 33:29 Adapting Choreography for Diverse Cast 34:45 Exploring Grizabella's Backstory Check out Shawnee Playhouse on Instagram: @theshawneeplayhouse Check out Shawnee Playhouse's website: www.shawneeplayhouse.org Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. "Normally Grizabella does not start the show. We meet her about 20 minutes into it. I do think it’s really neat we see her right away." This episode features Sara Sheperd who plays Grizabella in this production. Sarah shares her journey with the musical, her thoughts on Grizabella, and the unique aspects of this particular production, including character backstories and her emotional connection to the role. Listen in for an insightful and fun conversation about one of the most iconic musicals of all time. 00:52 Sarah's CATS History 04:07 Crafting Grizabella's Story 06:36 Exploring Relationships and Dynamics 10:26 Grizabella's Return and Motivations 25:03 Audience Engagement and Reactions 29:51 Rapid Fire 34:53 The Rollercoaster Ride Experience Check out Sara on Instagram: @shepnailsit⁠ Check out the Fulton Theatre on Instagram: ⁠⁠@fultontheatre⁠⁠ Check out the Fulton Theatre's Website: ⁠⁠thefulton.org⁠⁠ Get tickets to Fulton's CATS: ⁠⁠thefulton.org/shows/cats⁠⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. "At our Ball, Old Deuteronomy selects me as the homecoming queen and then I select my king. So I select Alonzo." This episode features Brianna Abruzzo who plays Victoria in this production. Brianna shares her unique journey into the musical, from her first introduction to CATS through her brother's fascination with the soundtrack, to the intricate process of auditioning and eventually landing the role of Victoria. Discover the personal backstory and character development she brings to Victoria, insights on working with the cast, and amusing anecdotes including her brother's unexpected love for the show. This episode offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at CATS and the nuanced storytelling that brings the feline characters to life. 02:21 Auditioning for the US Tour 05:44 Victoria's Storyline and Character Development 09:50 The Jellicle Ball and Victoria's Role 11:59 Interactions with Other Characters 21:29 Experimenting with Relationships 23:13 Rapid Fire 29:09 Jellicle Choice Check out Brianna on Instagram: @briannaabruzzo Check out Brianna on Tik Tok: @briannaabruzzo Check out the Fulton Theatre on Instagram: ⁠@fultontheatre⁠ Check out the Fulton Theatre's Website: ⁠thefulton.org⁠ Get tickets to Fulton's CATS: ⁠thefulton.org/shows/cats⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. This bonus episode is with the "Coaster Kittens" who are the teen ensemble in the 2025 Fulton Theatre production of CATS. Hear each of them share their character's backstory and discuss all of the fun parts of being part of this production. Featuring: Elliott Evans, Trenton Breneman, Kendra Alexander, Conner Moodie, Mateah Bylone, Summer Turczynski, Abigail Gottshall, Ariana Stambaugh, Sophia Amaya, Ava Rosalía Graff Check out the Fulton Theatre on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@fultontheatre⁠⁠⁠ Check out the Fulton Theatre's Website: ⁠⁠⁠thefulton.org⁠⁠⁠ Get tickets to Fulton's CATS: ⁠⁠⁠thefulton.org/shows/cats⁠⁠⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. " I'm having so much fun. It's silly. It's great. And I love the fact that he turned it into a Shakespearian moment." This episode features James Patterson who plays Bustopher Jones & Gus in this production. Hear James share his extensive history with the show, his experiences playing multiple roles, and the unique elements that regional productions bring to this long-running musical. The conversation also delves into the rich storytelling and character development that CATS allows over a performer's career, the interpretation of various characters, and humorous backstage anecdotes. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of theater's most beloved and enduring shows. 00:39 Journey with CATS 03:01 Character Development 06:56 The Revival and Production Changes 26:50 Fun Theories and Audience Reactions 30:54 Rapid Fire 36:22 The Jellicle Choice Check out James' Instagram: @allnewalldifferentjimmyp Check out the Fulton Theatre on Instagram: ⁠@fultontheatre⁠ Check out the Fulton Theatre's Website: ⁠thefulton.org⁠ Get tickets to Fulton's CATS: ⁠thefulton.org/shows/cats⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. "I know that Grizz has left and Jelly has two litters and is currently pregnant with her third." This episode features Katie Sina who plays Jellylorum in this production. Katie shares her journey with the musical, from her first encounter with CATS on Broadway to her current role. They discuss her history in musical theater, her unique relationship with the character Jellylorum, and the dynamics of the Fulton Theatre production. Katie also opens up about her interpretation of Jellylorum's relationships with other characters and the show's special immersive elements. Tune in to hear an in-depth conversation about love for theater, motherhood, and the magic of Cats. 00:46 Katie’s Journey with CATS 01:44 Early Auditions and National Tour Experiences 03:42 Personal Connection to the Role of Jellylorum 10:06 Character Development and Production Insights 17:40 Immersive Set and Unique Production Elements 22:35 Exploring Character Relationships and Dynamics 24:23 The Fun of Improvisation and Interaction 27:00 Rapid Fire 29:57 The Jellicle Choice Debate Check out the Fulton Theatre on Instagram: @fultontheatre Check out the Fulton Theatre's Website: thefulton.org Get tickets to Fulton's CATS: thefulton.org/shows/cats Produced by: ⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠ Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

" The first 15 days of every month was in English and then the second 15 or 16 days it was in German." This episode features John Treacy Egan who performed as Old Deuteronomy in Zurich and on the US National Tour 4 and is currently performing in Just In Time on Broadway. Hear John discuss his remarkable Jellicle journey. From learning lyrics in German to handling on-stage mishaps and fan interactions, this episode offers a delightful mix of behind-the-scenes stories and professional insights. he also touches on his experience working in the cheeky, interactive show Just in Time and the dynamics of its cast. Tune in for a fun and informative conversation exploring the world of theater through the eyes of a seasoned performer. 00:43 Early Experiences with CATS 02:25 Performing CATS in Zurich 11:04 Old Deuteronomy's Character Insights 18:41 Tour Memories and Anecdotes 23:39 Just In Time on Broadway 27:34 Casting CATS Into Just In Time 32:41 Rapid Fire Questions Check out John on Instagram: ⁠@officialjohntreacyegan Check out Just In Time on Social Media: @justintimebway Check out Just In Time on Broadway: ⁠justintimebroadway.com⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The truth is every good play is hinged on the one particular character having a life changing moment." This episode features Deneen Melody, Kelby McClellan, & Zach Santolaya who were part of the Canyon Theatre Guild Production of CATS in California this summer. They share their initial reactions upon hearing the theater would do CATS, their personal histories with the musical, and the detailed character research they undertook. They also explore fascinating lore, backstage antics, memorable moments, and some hilarious stories from their production. 00:38 Initial Reactions to Performing CATS 02:29 CATS History 08:08 Character Development 13:32 Unique Interpretations and Theories 27:15 Memorable Moments and Backstage Antics 31:49 Funny Stories 33:47 Rapid Fire Questions 46:32 The Jellicle Choice Debate Check out Deneen Melody on Instagram: @deneenmelody Check out Kelby McClellan on Instagram: @kelbyjomcc Check out Zach Santolaya on Instagram: @thezachsantolaya Check out CATS at Canyon Theatre Guild on Instagram: @catsctg Check out CATS at Canyon Theatre Guild's website: canyontheatre.org/cats Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

" I went to see CATS about five times with notebooks and took notes throughout the performance." This episode features Caesar Samayoa who performed as the Rum Tum Tugger in an "illegal" high school production of CATS in New Jersey and is currently performing as Don Kirshner and many more characters in Just In Time on Broadway. Hear Caesar dive into his fascinating journey from performing in multiple Cats productions, including the alleged 'illegal' high school version, to his current role as Don Kirschner in the hit Broadway show Just In Time. Cesar shares amusing anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into the immersive world of theater. They also discuss the deep relationships between characters on stage casting CATS into the world of Just In Time. Whether you’re a CATS aficionado or new to the theater world, this episode offers a delightful mix of nostalgia, humor, and genuine passion for performance. 01:01 Illegal High School Production of Cats 04:28 Regional and Broadway Auditions 07:56 Performing in CATS 13:31 The Depth of CATS Characters and Relationships 22:04 Just In Time on Broadway 23:08 Just In Time Immersive Theater and Audience Reactions 27:02 Casting CATS Characters in Just In Time 33:24 Rapid Fire Check out Caesar on Instagram: @caesarsamayoa Check out Just In Time on Social Media: @justintimebway Check out Just In Time on Broadway: justintimebroadway.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Ten years ago I was the Associate Director of CATS when we did it the first time at Paramount and I thought, wouldn't it be so amazing if Victoria ascended to Jellicle Ball in a moon beam of silks?" This episode features the cast and creative team of the 2025 circus production of CATS. The group dives into the unique transformation of the classic musical CATS into an acrobatic circus-themed production at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois. Featuring Artistic Producer and Casting Director Trent Stork, Circus Choreographer Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, and Munkustrap Jake DiMaggio Lopez, this episode explores the creative decisions behind incorporating circus elements into the story. Discover how they reimagined characters, developed a family tree of relationships, and seamlessly integrated stunning acrobatic performances. Tune in to hear about the production's innovative twists and the cast's experiences bringing this vibrant spectacle to life. 00:55 The Concept of Circus Cats 02:55 Incorporating Circus Elements 05:13 Character and Casting Decisions 09:20 Family Tree and Relationships 19:48 Rapid Fire Questions Check out Paramount Theatre on Social Media: @paramountaurora Check out Paramount Theatre's website: paramountaurora.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

" Bustopher Jones was Bustopher Mürr and I don’t know why except that it rhymed." This episode features Nancy Leach who was a swing in the Hamburg production of CATS. Nancy shares her introduction to CATS, learning the show in German, and her journey from New York to Hamburg. She discusses her roles, particularly as Grizabella, and provides insight into her character's emotional depth and backstory. Nancy also reminisces about fun behind-the-scenes moments, promotional events, and her take on who truly deserves to ascend to the Heaviside Layer. Join us for an engaging discussion filled with anecdotes, reflections, and new perspectives on the iconic musical. 00:51 Nancy's Introduction to CATS 01:47 Auditioning for CATS in Hamburg 03:35 Living and Performing in Germany 07:05 Character Development and Backstory 11:55 Memorable Moments and Challenges 18:12 Promotions and Unique Experiences 22:43 Mastering Makeup and Costumes 23:07 A Special Birthday Performance 24:50 Exploring Character Relationships 28:09 The Legacy and Impact of CATS 33:08 Rapid Fire Questions Check out Nancy on Instagram: @nsleach_studio Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The truth is every good play is hinged on the one particular character having a life changing moment." This episode features Director/Choreographer Marc Robin and Associate Director/Makeup Designer Joey Abramowicz to discuss the Fulton Theatre's upcoming summer 2025 production of CATS. They delve into the unique concept of setting the musical in an abandoned amusement park, the challenges and joys of reimagining this iconic show, and the intricate character dynamics that make this production one-of-a-kind. Plus, hear Marc and Joey dive into the storytelling element added to the choreography and creative changes that aim to provide a fresh take on the classic musical. Join us for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at reimagining one of the musical theatre's most beloved shows! 01:18 Marc's Journey with Cats 05:38 The Vision for the Fulton Theatre Production 12:48 Transforming the Junkyard into an Amusement Park 19:15 Character Tweaks and Storytelling 29:51 The Heaviside Layer Concept 31:59 The Jellicle Ball 34:03 Character Relationships and Tensions 36:29 The Rehearsal Process and Character Development 37:20 The Ever-Changing Dynamics of the Show 41:38 Rapid Fire Questions Check out Fulton Theatre on Social Media: @fultontheatre Check out Fulton Theatre's website: thefulton.org Check out Fulton Theatre's links: linkin.bio/fultontheatre Get your tickets to Fulton's Produciton of CATS: thefulton.org/shows/cats/ Produced by: ⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices