The Wrong Cat Died

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Grizabella was the wrong cat to die. After seeing CATS the Musical for the first time in July of 2016, podcast host Mike Abrams was filled with a whirlwind of emotions. He was amused, confused, and a little angry. Almost exactly three years later when the 2019 CATS movie trailer came out, Mike had enough. It was time to speak his truth – Grizabella was the wrong Cat to Die at the Jellicle Ball. In this podcast, Mike interviews CATS cast members, CATS superfans, CATS haters, and explores the backstories of the Jellicle characters all to make a case for why they were more worthy to ascend to the Heaviside Layer than Grizabella.Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Nina White, Future Grizabella & You Got Older

    “I think the premise is clear. They have to compete. For their life. I really don’t know why either.” This episode features Nina White (Kimberly Akimbo, The Queen of Versailles) who is currently appearing at the Cherry Lane Theater in You Got Older. Nina comes on the show to discuss her strong pro-CATS opinions and why she thinks much of the show’s hate is unfounded. Nina shares seeing the tour in Detroit, the characters she gravitated toward, and which role she’d want today, plus thoughts on the CATS: The Jellicle Ball revival and her desire to play Skimbleshanks there. The discussion pivots to You Got Older, as Nina explains the play’s story about a woman returning home during her father’s cancer treatment and its themes of family, presence, and authentic sibling dynamics, including how personal it is to playwright Clare Barron. They end with rapid-fire CATS questions, debate the Jellicle choice, and share how to follow Nina and see the show. 02:14 First CATS Memory 05:24 Dream CATS Roles 15:11 Skimbleshanks Obsession 17:30 You Got Older 20:17 Why the Play Hits Home 34:49 Starlight Express Discussion 37:18 Rapid Fire Check out Nina on Instagram: @iamninawhite Check out You Got Older: cherrylanetheatre.org/shows/ygo Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  2. 24 MAR

    Quentin Earl Darrington, Old Deuteronomy in 2016 Broadway Revival

    “ I believe that they were all linked and in sync all of the cats because there's so many parts in the play where it's so evident within the storytelling that they are all in tune with one another immediately.” This episode features Quentin Earl Darrington who played Old Deuteronomy in the 2016 Broadway Revival of CATS and currently appears as the Phantom in Masquerade. Quentin explains how he had never seen CATS before auditioning and researched recordings and commentary to build the show’s story, then recalls the heavy, hot Old Deuteronomy suit, ice-pack vest, and unexpectedly having to dance with elite performers while also playing an opening-number ensemble cat. He describes shaping Old Deuteronomy through biblical books and viewing the Jellicle Choice as a collective, evolving decision, not predetermined, with Deuteronomy as a servant-leader who never expects to ascend. The conversation shifts to Masquerade’s immersive demands, constant variation, and physical backstage navigation, with Quentin embracing unpredictable audience proximity.  01:20 First Encounter With CATS 03:47 Costume Heat and Survival 04:49 Old Deuteronomy Decision Theology 18:48 Masquerade  27:49 Immersive Show Demands 36:17 Reinventing Classics Today 39:07 Rapid Fire Check out Masquerade on Social Media: @masqueradenyc Check out Masquerade's website: masqueradenyc.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min

  3. 18 MAR

    Rachel Hauck, Scenic Designer for CATS: The Jellicle Ball

    "It was  very important to us that we figure out how to do this in a proscenium house because we want to bring this work to as many people as we can." This episode features Rachel Hauck who is the Scenic Designer for CATS: The Jellicle Ball. Rachel came to discuss the set and stage design at the Broadhurst Theatre sharing her first experience seeing CATS on tour in Los Angeles, what it was like being part of the project early on, and the research and collaboration required to merge Broadway and ballroom culture on stage. We discuss the challenges of designing an immersive runway environment at the PAC, audience sightlines and seating variety, and teased a few fun elements you can expect to see in the theatre. 01:14 Rachel’s CATS Origin Story 07:20 Designing PAC’s Immersive Space 12:04 Building the Broadway Runway 19:10 What Changes on Broadway 24:45 Set Surprises 32:07 Accessibility and Community Reach 32:55 Rapid Fire Check out CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Social Media: @catsjellicleball Check out CATS: The Jellicle Ball: ⁠catsthejellicleball.com⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  4. 10 MAR

    Aaron J. Albano, Skimbleshanks in 2016 Broadway Revival

    “No one warns anyone before they go into CATS about just how hot the yak hair is.” This episode features Aaron J. Albano who played Skimbleshanks in the 2016 Broadway revival of CATS. Aaron describes first encountering CATS through the Cameron Mackintosh concert “Hey, Mr. Producer,” then trying the filmed version as a teenager and not finishing it due to the show’s non-linear structure. Hear Aaron offer an elevator-pitch explanation of the show, discuss the strong love/hate reactions CATS inspires, including the fans curiosity around Andy Blankenbuehler's revival compared with Gillian Lynne’s original staging, and even the infamous “Stop Cats” flyers that popped up around town before opening night. Aaron shares his experience covering seven tracks including his wild experience going on mid show. This is an episode you won’t want to miss. 01:00 Aaron’s First Taste of CATS 07:52 Getting Cast in the 2016 Revival 11:02 Life as a Swing 21:32 Becoming Full-Time Skimbleshanks 34:52 Being Thrown On Mid-Show 47:23 Rapid Fire Check out Aaron on Instagram: @aaronjalbano Check out Aaron's website: aaronjalbano.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 1min

  5. 3 MAR ·  BONUS

    From The Vault: Robert "Silk" Mason, Mr. Mistoffelees in CATS: The Jellicle Ball

    From The Vault: Originally released on June 28, 2024, this was episode 172 with "Robert "Silk" Mason who was the magical Mr. Mistoffelees in PAC's CATS: The Jellicle Ball. CATS: The Jellicle Ball will be transferring to Broadway in March of 2026! "All of us have talked about how our characters are us, who we are in life." This episode features Robert "Silk" Mason who plays the magical Mr. Mistoffelees in the production. Hear Silk discuss their experience learninig about CATS, how they bring their personality into the dance numbers, and where Mr. Mistoffelees would fit in the ballroom community. Plus, Silk shares some details on how the Mr. Mistoffelees/Rum Tum Tugger relationship builds in this production. Check out Silk on Social Media: @_robertsilkmason_ Check out Silk's Haus: @theroyalhausofsilk Check out CATS The Jellicle Ball: catsthejellicleball.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min

  6. 24 FEB

    Gavin Eden, Skimbleshanks on the International Tour

    “I think that CATS needs to carry on existing. And when I say this word, I mean it with absolute love. Like a museum piece. It deserves to be preserved.” This episode features longtime CATS performer Gavin Eden who most recently played Skimbleshanks on the International Tour and has worked on productions in Germany, Korea, China, and on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Gavin shares how he first encountered CATS via the 1998 VHS, learning the show in German, and memorable performance moments like going on as Mungojerrie in Act 1 and Mr. Mistoffelees in Act 2. He also dives into his fun onstage improvisational tradition of choosing a different “station master’s daughter” each show as Skimbleshanks. 01:21 First CATS Memory: 1998 VHS, Ballet Roots & Cat Obsessions 06:42 Learning CATS in German 13:33 Character Chemistry 30:28 Global Audience Etiquette 40:21 Onstage War Stories 44:35 Station Master’s Daughters Tradition 49:24 Rapid Fire Check out Gavin on Instagram: @gabitchi Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 4min

  7. 17 FEB

    PJ Adzima, Broadway Performer, Producer, and Creator of Stage Time

    “CATS The Jellicle Ball was one of the greatest theatrical experiences I’ve ever seen. It had a massive impact on me and made me a fan of CATS.” This episode features PJ Adzima who is known for his role as Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon Musical and recent rise of his production company Stage Time. PJ discusses everything from his hesitation to dive too deep into the CATS world, his Broadway journey, and the innovative shows by Stage Time. Stick around for a fun segment where they try to cast Book of Mormon characters as CATS. Plus, get an insider look at some must-see new works and exciting upcoming projects. An episode you won’t want to miss! 00:42 Broadway Debut 01:36 Diving into CATS 05:33 The Jellicle Ball 14:51 Book of Mormon Journey 22:08 The Secret Sauce of a Good Musical 23:08 Stage Time: The Birth of a Production Company 36:11 Rapid Fire Check out PJ on Social Media: @pjadz Check out Stage Time on Social Media: @stagetimenyc Check out the Slam Frank Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/slamfrank/slam-frank-original-cast-recording Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  8. 10 FEB

    Cassiel Eatock-Winnik, Victoria in 2025 South Africa Tour

    “The Jellicle Ball is a massive dance competition… to prove who’s best to the judge Old Deuteronomy to give them a new life. They are dancing for their lives.” This episode features Cassiel Eatock-Winnik who is currently performing as Victoria in the South Africa touring production of CATS. They discuss Cassiel's journey in musical theater, her unique experiences with the CATS production, and delve into the nuances of character development and performance. Cassiel shares her insights on the competitive nature of the Jellicle Ball, the importance of studying feline behavior for the role, and memorable moments from the show. Tune in for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this iconic musical. 01:05 Cassiel's Early Exposure to Theater 02:04 Auditioning for Victoria 09:04 Character Relationships and Dynamics 28:23 Audience Reactions and Reflections 36:13 Memorable Moments on Stage 39:00 Rapid Fire Check out Cassiel on Instagram: @cassiel101 Check out the South Africa Tour of CATS: www.andrewlloydwebber.com/show/cats Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
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About

Grizabella was the wrong cat to die. After seeing CATS the Musical for the first time in July of 2016, podcast host Mike Abrams was filled with a whirlwind of emotions. He was amused, confused, and a little angry. Almost exactly three years later when the 2019 CATS movie trailer came out, Mike had enough. It was time to speak his truth – Grizabella was the wrong Cat to Die at the Jellicle Ball. In this podcast, Mike interviews CATS cast members, CATS superfans, CATS haters, and explores the backstories of the Jellicle characters all to make a case for why they were more worthy to ascend to the Heaviside Layer than Grizabella.Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.

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