The Wrong Cat Died

“When you have such a love and a passion for a show that means so much to you, you have the ability to take care of it and look after it.” Check out this episode with Meghan Peploe-Williams who in multiple productions of CATS. Meghan shares her extensive experience with the musical CATS, detailing her roles in various productions including the Vienna Revival, the Asia Tour, and the international tour. Listen in as Meghan reveals her introduction to CATS, her university production experience, and the unique challenges of performing in different languages and locations. Discover her favorite roles, memorable moments, and in-depth character insights, all while exploring what makes CATS such a special and enduring show.

00:45 Early Love for CATS

02:23 University Production Experience

06:38 Professional Journey Begins

07:26 Navigating Language Barriers

14:07 Assistant Dance Captain Role

27:11 Memorable Moments from The Stage

34:32 Rapid Fire

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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“ I've never seen a production of CATS that looks the way a production of CATS are supposed to look which is why I always thought I was the perfect person to direct it.” This episode features Tim Scott who was the Director of the 2018 and 2025 reimagined productions of CATS at the Music Theater Heritage in Kansas City. Tim discusses his initial dislike of CATS and how that perspective influenced the innovative choices he made. From eliminating the iconic cat costumes to introducing hip-hop elements, Tim shares how his team brought new life to this classic musical, making it more relatable and emotionally impactful. Tune in to hear about the challenges, audience reactions, and the future of theater reimaginings.

01:06 Tim's Initial Dislike for CATS

02:35 The 2018 Production: A Bold Reimagining

04:26 Philosophy Behind the Unique Approach

12:00 Audience Reactions and Feedback

19:35 Diving into Character and Story Arcs

29:22 Upcoming Season Highlights

31:21 Rapid Fire

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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“I couldn’t ignore the fact for me that I was playing Grizabella while also pregnant so for me I had to allow that piece of me to layer into my version of Grizabella.” This episode is with Jalise Wilson who performed as Grizabella in the 2023 City Springs Theatre Company production of CATS. Jalise shares her unique perspective on playing the iconic role while pregnant, her unexpected audition process, and her journey from jazz singer to musical theatre performer. Discover the depth and storytelling in CATS as Jalise discusses her experiences, challenges, and the profound impact of motherhood on her portrayal of Grizabella. Whether you're a die-hard fan of CATS or new to the musical, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and emotion that bring this timeless show to life.

02:15 Auditioning for Grizabella

06:07 Jacob Brent's Influence and Storytelling

11:41 Portraying Grizabella While Pregnant

24:31 Artistry and Motherhood

31:23 Rapid Fire Question

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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

“I’m not religious but Chrissie Cartwright would be the person I would pray to.” This episode is with Aaron Jenkins who is a versatile performer known for his extensive involvement in various CATS productions. Aaron shares his journey, from watching CATS on VHS as a child to performing in the 2019 CATS movie, an outdoor production at Kilworth House Theatre as Macavity, and on the international tour in China as a swing covering multiple roles. He delves into the unique challenges and memorable experiences of each production, including the demanding rehearsals, the intricate makeup processes, and the camaraderie among cast members. Aaron also discusses the fascinating nuances of the characters he portrayed and offers his insights on who should be the Jellicle choice. Tune in for an in-depth look at the magical and sometimes surreal world of CATS!

01:12 Early Experiences with CATS

02:10 Landing the Role in the 2019 CATS Movie

09:07 Reactions to the 2019 CATS Movie Release

17:17 Kilworth House Theater Production

23:34 Challenges of Outdoor Performances

25:52 Joining the International Tour as a Swing

38:02 Rapid Fire

43:23 Debating the Jellicle Choice

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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

“Chrissie said that when Munkustrap admits Grizabella back into the tribe, that is Old Deuteronomy's confirmation that he is ready to lead the tribe.” Check out this latest episode with José Raúl, a talented swing performer from the US National Tour 6 of CATS. In this episode, José shares his unique experiences playing various roles in the iconic musical, from his start in community theater to his upcoming role as the Rum Tum Tugger on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. Dive deep into the world of theater as José discusses his insights on the show's sensuality, character dynamics, and the psychological impact of embodying a feline on stage. Hear his passion for the CATS universe, his thoughts on the Jellicle choice, and his excitement for the challenges and opportunities that come with performing on a cruise ship. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about the magic of CATS and the life of a dedicated performer.

01:39 Community Theater and First Role in CATS

02:45 Exploring Sensuality and Sexuality in CATS

08:39 The Expansion of the CATS Universe

16:50 Challenges and Insights of Being a Swing

24:09 Character Development and Relationships

31:26 Reflecting on the Feline Experience

36:09 Excitement for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Performance

44:39 Rapid Fire Questions

Produced by:

⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠

Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied

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

“I started to realize that Skimble had a little bit of a cheeky side to him and that’s the thing I wanted to balance out along with his meticulous side.” This episode features Michael Guerriere who recently played Skimbleshanks in the Shawnee Playhouse 2025 production of CATS. They discuss Michael's introduction to CATS, his character development process for Skimbleshanks, and the unique experience of performing with a different Grizabella each night. Michael shares his intricate approach to doing makeup and reflects on the trust and camaraderie built during the production.

0:48 Michael's History with CATS

03:22 Diving into the Role of Skimbleshanks

09:36 Unique Production Elements

14:26 Building Trust and Overcoming Challenges

17:46 Memorable Moments and Makeup

22:21 Rapid Fire Questions

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 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.

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.

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“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

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.

Produced by:

⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠

Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied

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