The Wrong Cat Died

“When you’re acting like a cat to begin with, it’s a lot easier to paw in the direction that people need to be.” This episode features Adam Lendermon who played Skimbleshanks on the US National Tour 5 of CATS. Adam shares his introduction to the show, his audition and rehearsal process, and his experiences on tour, including memorable stories and interactions with fans. He also discusses the personality and backstory of Skimbleshanks, as well as his thoughts on the show's unique elements. Tune in for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and joys of performing in CATS, as well as a special listener story that highlights the impact of the musical.

00:58 First Encounter with Cats

02:37 Audition Process and Joining the Tour

04:40 Rehearsal Process and First Performance

10:50 Character Development and Relationships

15:29 Memorable Tour Stories

30:28 Rapid Fire

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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“I actually think there is something kind of cool about a bad guy who is pure evil, that there are no redeeming qualities whatsoever.” This episode features Marco Venturini who is currently performing as Macavity on the International Tour of CATS. Marco shares his unique journey from Italy to the musical theater spotlight, reflecting on his early fascination with the musical and the depth of character development in CATS. The conversation dives deep into the intricate backstories of various characters, particularly focusing on Macavity, and offers a fresh perspective on the narrative and choreography of the beloved musical. Ideal for fans and newcomers alike, this episode is a blend of behind-the-scenes insights and passionate discussions about the timeless appeal of CATS.

00:58 Marco's Journey with CATS

01:43 Cultural and Linguistic Challenges

19:18 Macavity's Character and Relationships

34:00 The Complexity of CATS Characters

35:33 The Ensemble's Role and Dynamics

51:20 Rapid Fire Question

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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From The Vault: Originally released on June 25, 2024, this was episode 171 with "Tempress" Chasity Moore who was Grizabella in PAC's CATS: The Jellicle Ball. CATS: The Jellicle Ball will be transferring to Broadway in March of 2026 and Tempress will be Grizabella!

"When we were building, the connection between us (Macavity & Grizabella) was that he used to be in the House of Glamour at one time." This episode features "Tempress" Chasity Moore who plays Grizabella in the production. Hear Chasity discuss her experience being back on stage, how she's tackling Memory each night, and a dive into the ballroom history as the founding mother of her own house. Plus, Tempress shares a fun ballroom character aspect their production has between her and Macavity.

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied⁠

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From The Vault: Originally released on September 3, 2024, this was episode 184 with André De Shields who was Old Deuteronomy in PAC's CATS: The Jellicle Ball. CATS: The Jellicle Ball will be transferring to Broadway in March of 2026 and André will be Old Deuteronomy!

"A theater is a temple. This is the fourth institution where the five necessary questions are answered. You have to answer a question. You have to resolve a crisis. You have to lift a burden. You have to break a yoke. Take that albatross off the neck of the people who have come for redemption. That's why we come and sit in a dark place with strangers. It's a kind of atonement, right?" This episode features André De Shields who plays Old Deuteronomy in this production. Hear André share his thoughts on the production, how he created his character, and how he views the story of CATS. Plus, André gives a passionate defense for why Grizabella has to be the Jellicle choice in this production.

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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“ It's like an episode of RuPaul's Drag Race. You know there's a lot of people there. Some of them have very furry backs. Most of them pretend to dance and there's some cat fights. And then at the end one is chosen and everybody else is upset.” This episode features the multi-talented Ginger Minj, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 and current host of a North American tour of Hokus Pokus Live. Ginger shares her first impressions of CATS, childhood memories, and thoughts on its characters and plot. The episode dives into Ginger's exciting year, new music releases, upcoming film, and memorable interactions with the cast of Hocus Pocus 2. Don't miss this entertaining and insightful conversation about musical theater, drag, and so much more!

00:48 First Encounter with CATS

02:15 Understanding and Interpreting CATS

07:53 Cats and RuPaul's Drag Race Parallels

16:33 Hocus Pocus Live and Career Highlights

28:43 Upcoming Film Projects

31:12 Rapid Fire

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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

“ It's like a group of misfits gathering behind the bleachers after school. And we're all weird and no one wants to hang out with us. So we get together and we tell stories together.” This episode features Bryce Bayer who played Munkustrap in the 2025 Music Theatre Heritage production of CATS in Kansas City. Bryce shares insights on his unique experience with this non-traditional version, including the use of minimal characters, a hip-hop and jazz infusion, and the fascinating concept of a ritualistic book club. Learn about Bryce's journey from no prior CATS experience to embracing and performing in this innovative interpretation.

03:01 The Unique 2025 Production of Cats

05:24 Rehearsal Insights and Podcast Discovery

08:09 Character Dynamics and Conceptual Approach

33:30 Creative Interpretations

36:04 Excitement for Traditional and Non-Traditional Productions

39:14 Innovative Stage Design and Props

43:02 Rapid Fire

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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“I was involved basically since the very first workshop. I was the original Rum Tum Tugger.” This episode features Cooper Howell who was an Associate Director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center's reimagined production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball and will be continuing the role during the Broadway Transfer. Cooper shares their unique journey from their first Broadway show experience in the first grade to becoming a pivotal figure in the CATS production. Discover their personal connection to the show, their transition from actor to director, and the exciting elements of the new production. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about theater, creativity, and the transformative power of love.

00:51 Cooper's First Encounter with CATS

15:17 Transition from Actor to Director

21:46 Role of an Associate Director

25:04 Changes for the Broadway Stage

32:52 Guest Judges and Iconic Hosts

38:06 Rapid Fire

Produced by:

⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠

Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied

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

From The Vault: Originally released on May 10, 2024, this was a bonus episode with CATS: The Jellicle Ball Creative Team ft. Zhailon Levingston, Bill Rauch, & William Waldrop. CATS: The Jellicle Ball will be transferring to Broadway in March of 2026!

"What overtly having categories does dramaturgy of CATS itself is that there is a particular outcome of winner or loser that happens at the end of every song." This bonus episode features the creative team of the Perelman Performing Arts Center reimagined production of CATS set in a ballroom which is appropriately titled: "CATS: The Jellicle Ball". Like me, many of you have been obsessing over this new production. I originally spoke with one of the directors Bill Rauch in July of 2022 when I first got wind of this potential new production which was just a reading at the time and the PAC wasn’t even open yet. Nearly 2 years later, I'm joined by directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch as well as music supervisor William Waldrop to discuss what you can expect from this new production. We recorded this episode two days before the team started rehearsals and discussed how this incredible production is being brought to life. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

Produced by:

⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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

“I want to warn you. You’ve got real life Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer here so we could talk for hours.” Check out this episode with Adam Andrews and Jadyn Kelly, who play the mischievous duo Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer in the Broadway Theatre of Pitman's production of CATS. Adam and Jadyn share their journeys to becoming CATS fans, their experience with the rigorous rehearsal process, and the joy of performing iconic double cartwheels. They dive into their unique interpretations of character relationships within the show and discuss their meticulous preparation, including unexpected insights from The Wrong Cat Died podcast. Tune in for a delightful conversation filled with theater insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and more!

01:23 Early Experiences with CATS

07:07 Rehearsal Insights and Podcast Influence

18:27 Character Relationships and Interpretations

41:17 Learning the Partner Cartwheels

47:35 Rapid Fire

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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

“I felt like I was having a dream. Some out of body experience. Andrew literally sat there playing the overture right in front of me.” This episode features Vikki Coote who played Rumpleteazer in the original West End production of CATS. Vikki shares her amazing journey from her initial fascination with the musical, through her audition process, and her time performing in the show. She discusses the unique experience of altering the choreography and music from the British to the Broadway version, memorable backstage and onstage moments, and her involvement in the 1998 film adaptation. Vikki also offers insights into her current role as a performing arts teacher.

00:46 Vikki’s Journey to CATS

01:39 Audition Process and Early Experiences

04:58 Changes Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer

11:28 Memorable Moments and Stories

21:59 The 1998 Movie Experience

27:01 Teaching and Mentoring Future Performers

32:52 Rapid Fire Questions

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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