From The Vault: André De Shields, Old Deuteronomy in PAC's CATS: The Jellicle Ball

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. Check out André on Instagram: @andre_deshields Check out André on YouTube: @andre_deshields Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“ 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 Check out Ginger's Website: gingerminj.com Check out Hokus Pokus Live: hokuspokuslive.com 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 Check out Bryce on Instagram: @bbayer7 Check out MTH on Social Media: @MTHTheater ⁠⁠⁠ Check out MTH's website: ⁠musictheaterheritage.com⁠ Check out The Music Man on Tour: themusicmantour.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 Check out Cooper on Social Media: @thecooperhowell 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

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. Check out Zhailon on Instagram: @zhailon Check out PAC on Instagram: @pac_nyc Check out PAC's website: pacnyc.org 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 Check out Adam on Instagram: @adamandrews2 Check out Jadyn on Instagram: @jadyn_kelly54 Check out Jadyn on Tik Tok: @jadyn.54 Check out Broadway Theatre of Pitman's Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.thebroadwaytheatre.org 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 Check out Vikki on Social Media: @vikkicoote Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 Check out Meghan on Social Media: @meghan_cara Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“ 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 Check out MTH on Social Media: @MTHTheater ⁠ Check out MTH's website: musictheaterheritage.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 Check out Jalise on Social Media: ⁠@_jalise Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices