"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

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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" 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

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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"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

Produced by:

⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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" Chrissie Cartwright looked at me and she’s like ‘you've gotta like see the mouse, follow the mouse, pounce on the mouse, chase the mouse again.’ And I was like, wait, wait, wait. Are we cats?" This episode features Sarah Bowden who performed as Sillabub in the Australian Circus Tent Tour production of CATS and is currently performing in the ensemble in Smash on Broadway. Hear Sarah share tales from her early career, including her intriguing audition stories and experiences touring with CATS in both Australia and South Korea. She recounts her accidental yet fateful audition for CATS at the age of 15, her near-miss with a typhoon during the South Korean tour, and the familial bond she built with her cast mates during these formative years. Plus, Sarah and Mike cast the CATS into Smash.

01:00 Audition Story

06:28 First Experiences in CATS

12:16 Touring Life and Memorable Moments

17:07 South Korea Tent Tour and Typhoon Incident

23:50 Heartfelt Memories and Adventures

25:59 The Thrill of Performing in 'Smash'

32:21 Casting CATS Characters in 'Smash'

38:11 Rapid Fire Questions and Sarah's Jellicle Choice

Produced by:

⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠

Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied

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"I tried to imbue as much of me as an older brother, as a leader among friends, in my role in the pack." This episode features Victor Carrillo Tracey who performed as Munkustrap in the 2017 STAR Theatre regional production of CATS and is currently performing as a swing in The Outsiders on Broadway. Hear Victor Carrillo share his family connection into CATS, how it was a huge part of his introduction to professional dance, and some fun stories that could only happen at a regional theater. Plus, Victor Carrillo and Mike cast The Outsiders characters as CATS.

Produced by:

⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠

Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied

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"My favorite word that Grizabella has is ‘indomitable.’ She’s been beaten down and is not afraid to continue to stand back up." This episode features Elise O'Connell who is currently Grizabella on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Oasis of the Seas productions of CATS. Hear Elise share she performed the T. S. Eliot poems in high school, her introduction to CATS, and some fun stories from the boat. Plus, Elise shares the paragraph the boat shares with the audience before the show that tries to explain the plot of CATS.

• Check out Elise on Instagram: @eliseoconnell

AUDIO NOTE: This episode was recorded with Elise outside while still on cruising on the ship. There are some parts where the audio cuts out or might be difficult to hear. We still wanted to have everyone hear Elise's experience and theories so we decided to release the episode as is.

Produced by:

Alan Seales & Broadway Podcast Network

Social Media: @TheWrongCatDied

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" A lot of it was me trying to find a middle point. Most nights I would just pick up someone and have a little dance to them, make the crowd clap for them. Sometimes if there was a kid in the audience, I would give them a little high five. My favorite one was anytime if there was an empty seat in the front row. I would go sit down on that seat and just watch." This episode features Jesse Chidera who played the Rum Tum Tugger on the most recent International Tour of CATS which mostly performed in China. Hear Jesse share some of his fun in the audience Tugger moments, what it was like exploring China, and how the audience reacted to the cast singing Moonlight in Mandarin. Plus, Jesse adds some new theories into the mix for Bustopher Jones and compares CATS to Wicked.

• Check out Jesse on Instagram: @jesse_chid

Produced by:

Alan Seales & Broadway Podcast Network

Social Media: @TheWrongCatDied

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" I conned my way into the Winter Garden on the back of my parents' wedding anniversary so that I got to experience CATS in person." This episode features Robert Bannon who is the host of The Roundtable which is another Broadway Podcast Network show. Hear how Robert conned his way into seeing CATS for the first time, his thoughts on all productions including the 2019 movie and the PAC Cats: "The Jellicle Ball," and how he acquired pieces of the original CATS set. Plus, Robert does a deep dive into his thoughts on Jennifer Hudson's performance in the 2019 CATS movie.

Produced by:

Alan Seales & Broadway Podcast Network

Social Media: @TheWrongCatDied

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"My name is Alexis. Electra sounds a lot like Alexis. Is that why I got this part?" This episode features Lex Miller who performed as Electra in 2015 Stage Left Children's Theater production CATS. Hear Lex share the craziness of doing the show at such a young age, how their production did the full show for multiple weekends, and some fun things she learned long about the characters long after the production. Plus, Lex shares a story about her cast having to stay on stage during intermissions.

• Check out Lex on Social Media: @lexpaigemiller

Produced by:

Alan Seales & Broadway Podcast Network

Social Media: @TheWrongCatDied

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

" I definitely think what is appealing about swinging is that it really helps keep the show feeling fresh for you." This episode features Lucas Thompson who was a swing and Coricopat on the US National Tour 5 of CATS and sang in the CATS Chorus in the 2016 Revival. Hear Lucas share how he ended up in the various productions, how he approached covering so many cats as a swing, and why Grizabella is his Jellicle choice. Plus, Lucas and Mike share a moment discussing CATS in football to celebrate their mutual connection.

Produced by:

Alan Seales & Broadway Podcast Network

Social Media: @TheWrongCatDied

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices