The Wrong Cat Died

“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

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Produced by:

⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠

Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied

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