The Wrong Cat Died

" 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

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 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

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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" 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

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied

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"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

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