Ep245 - 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

“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

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

“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

“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

“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

“There’s always the chance that they can make an announcement of some sort and when that happens, that completely cuts the music in the show. It overrides the singing and everything.” This episode features Savannah DeCrow who recently performed as Grizabella on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas production of CATS. Learn about Savannah's unique journey from college to cruise life, the dynamics of performing in a moving ship, and her perspective on the show. Discover fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, costume mishaps, and what it's like to live and perform on a cruise ship. Also, get a glimpse of Savannah's social media presence where she shares her extraordinary cruise life. Don't miss this intriguing conversation filled with laughs, mishaps, and musical insights! 01:12 Savannah's Journey to CATS 04:00 Choreography and Rehearsals 07:31 Life on a Cruise Ship 16:34 Performing on a Moving Ship 26:00 Grizabella's Relationships and Theories 35:04 Rapid Fire Check out Savannah on Instagram: @savdecrow Check out Savannah on Tik Tok: @savdecrow Check out Savannah's website: Savannahdecrow.com Produced by: ⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠ Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Chrissie set it out as this young lion who is about to inherit the throne. The Jellicle throne.” This episode features Sam Brown who is currently performing as Munkustrap on the International Tour of CATS. Sam shares his journey with the musical, from first discovering it as a child to joining the cast on tour. He dives into the unique storytelling and choreography challenges, the enriching rehearsal process, and the profound influence of director Chrissie Cartwright. Sam also offers a behind-the-scenes look at performing in different countries and the universal appeal of CATS. Listen in as he discusses his thoughts on the show's iconic characters, memorable moments, and who he believes should be the rightful Jellicle choice. 03:16 First Experience Watching Cats Live 04:40 Joining the International Tour 08:26 Rehearsal Process and Character Development 19:55 Audience Reactions and Cultural Differences 25:35 Memorable Moments and Funny Stories 31:54 The Power of Memory 33:21 Rapid Fire Check out Sam on Instagram: @sam_brown_ Check out the International Tour of CATS: ⁠⁠⁠tour.catsthemusical.com⁠⁠⁠ Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The way I approached this whole production is that I wanted this to be the CATS that 11-year-old Tyler would want to see. If there were kids in the audience, I would capture their attention and maybe have them fall in love with the show in the same way that I did." This episode features Tyler Daddario who was the Director of the 2025 production of CATS at the Broadway Theater of Pitman, New Jersey. Tyler shares his personal and professional journey with CATS, starting from his childhood obsession with a Barney VHS trailer to directing a full-scale production. The episode delves into Tyler's unique approach to storytelling and character development, his rehearsal process, audience reactions, and his special family ties to the show. Tune in to hear fascinating behind-the-scenes insights and Tyler's reflections on what he'd change if he could direct Cats again. 01:24 Tyler's Early Love for CATS 02:31 Basement Productions and Family Involvement 06:04 Transition to Professional Theater 07:39 Directing at the Broadway Theater of Pitman 11:12 Rehearsal Process 23:06 Audience Reactions and Reflections 30:05 Family Trees and Interpretations 32:41 Memorable Moments in Production 37:19 Rapid Fire Check out Tyler's Website: www.tylerdaddario.com 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

“When you’re acting like a cat to begin with, it’s a lot easier to paw in the direction that people need to be.” This episode features Adam Lendermon who played Skimbleshanks on the US National Tour 5 of CATS. Adam shares his introduction to the show, his audition and rehearsal process, and his experiences on tour, including memorable stories and interactions with fans. He also discusses the personality and backstory of Skimbleshanks, as well as his thoughts on the show's unique elements. Tune in for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and joys of performing in CATS, as well as a special listener story that highlights the impact of the musical. 00:58 First Encounter with Cats 02:37 Audition Process and Joining the Tour 04:40 Rehearsal Process and First Performance 10:50 Character Development and Relationships 15:29 Memorable Tour Stories 30:28 Rapid Fire Check out Adam on Social Media: ⁠@adamlendermon Check out Adam's Website: www.adamlendermon.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices