Episodes

  • Ep213 - Deneen Melody, Kelby McClellan, & Zach Santolaya, Canyon Theatre Guild Production

    Ep213 - Deneen Melody, Kelby McClellan, & Zach Santolaya, Canyon Theatre Guild Production
    Jun 17 2025
    "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 Check out Deneen Melody on Instagram: @deneenmelody Check out Kelby McClellan on Instagram: @kelbyjomcc Check out Zach Santolaya on Instagram: @thezachsantolaya Check out CATS at Canyon Theatre Guild on Instagram: @catsctg Check out CATS at Canyon Theatre Guild's website: canyontheatre.org/cats Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ep212 - Caesar Samayoa, Rum Tum Tugger in Act II Performing Arts Center & Don Kirshner in Just In Time on Broadway

    Ep212 - Caesar Samayoa, Rum Tum Tugger in Act II Performing Arts Center & Don Kirshner in Just In Time on Broadway
    Jun 10 2025
    " 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 Check out Caesar on Instagram: @caesarsamayoa Check out Just In Time on Social Media: @justintimebway Check out Just In Time on Broadway: justintimebroadway.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Ep211 - Trent Stork, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, & Jake DiMaggio Lopez, Cast & Creative, Paramount Theatre Circus CATS

    Ep211 - Trent Stork, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, & Jake DiMaggio Lopez, Cast & Creative, Paramount Theatre Circus CATS
    Jun 3 2025
    "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 Check out Paramount Theatre on Social Media: @paramountaurora Check out Paramount Theatre's website: paramountaurora.com Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Ep210 - Nancy Leach, Swing in Hamburg Production of CATS

    Ep210 - Nancy Leach, Swing in Hamburg Production of CATS
    May 27 2025
    " 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 Check out Nancy on Instagram: @nsleach_studio Produced by: ⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • Ep209 - Marc Robin & Joey Abramowicz, Creative Team, Fulton Theatre CATS

    Ep209 - Marc Robin & Joey Abramowicz, Creative Team, Fulton Theatre CATS
    May 20 2025
    "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 Check out Fulton Theatre on Social Media: @fultontheatre Check out Fulton Theatre's website: thefulton.org Check out Fulton Theatre's links: linkin.bio/fultontheatre Get your tickets to Fulton's Produciton of CATS: thefulton.org/shows/cats/ Produced by: ⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠ Social Media: @⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Ep208 - Sarah Bowden, Sillabub in Australian Circus Tent Tour & Ensemble in Smash on Broadway

    Ep208 - Sarah Bowden, Sillabub in Australian Circus Tent Tour & Ensemble in Smash on Broadway
    May 13 2025
    " 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 Check out Sarah on Instagram: @sarahbowden.de Check out Smash on Broadway on Social Media: @smashbway Check out Smash on Broadway: smashbroadway.com Check out the Broadway Run Club on Instagram: @broadwayrunclub.nyc Produced by: ⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠ Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Ep207 - Victor Carrillo Tracey, Munkustrap in 2017 STAR Theatre Production & Swing in The Outsiders Broadway

    Ep207 - Victor Carrillo Tracey, Munkustrap in 2017 STAR Theatre Production & Swing in The Outsiders Broadway
    May 6 2025
    "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. Check out Victor Carrillo on Instagram: ⁠@victorctracey Check out The Outsiders on Social Media: @outsidersmusical Check out The Outsiders on Broadway: outsidersmusical.com Produced by: ⁠Alan Seales⁠ & ⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠ Social Media: @⁠TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Ep206 - Elise O'Connell, Grizabella on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Oasis of the Seas

    Ep206 - Elise O'Connell, Grizabella on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Oasis of the Seas
    Apr 22 2025
    "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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
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