The Wrong Cat Died

The Wrong Cat Died

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.

Episodes

Ep229 - Tim Scott, Director of 2018 & 2025 Music Theater Heritage Productions

October 28, 2025 • 49 mins
“ 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...
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Ep228 - Jalise Wilson, Grizabella in 2023 City Springs Theatre Production

October 21, 2025 • 47 mins
“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 sing...
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Ep227 - Aaron Jenkins, Swing on the International Tour & Chorus in the 2019 Movie

October 14, 2025 • 58 mins
“I’m not religious but Chrissie Cartwright would be the person I would pray to.” This episode is with Aaron Jenkins who is a versatile performer known for his extensive involvement in various CATS productions. Aaron shares his journey, from watching CATS on VHS as a child to performing in the 2019 CATS movie, an outdoor production at Kilworth House Theatre as Macavity, and on the international tour in China as a swing covering mult...
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Ep226 - José Raúl, Swing on US National Tour 6

October 7, 2025 • 61 mins
“Chrissie said that when Munkustrap admits Grizabella back into the tribe, that is Old Deuteronomy's confirmation that he is ready to lead the tribe.” Check out this latest episode with José Raúl, a talented swing performer from the US National Tour 6 of CATS. In this episode, José shares his unique experiences playing various roles in the iconic musical, from his start in community theater to his upcoming role as the Rum Tum Tugge...
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Ep225 - Michael Guerriere, Skimbleshanks in 2025 Shawnee Playhouse Production of CATS

September 30, 2025 • 36 mins
“I started to realize that Skimble had a little bit of a cheeky side to him and that’s the thing I wanted to balance out along with his meticulous side.” This episode features Michael Guerriere who recently played Skimbleshanks in the Shawnee Playhouse 2025 production of CATS. They discuss Michael's introduction to CATS, his character development process for Skimbleshanks, and the unique experience of performing with a different Gr...
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From The Vault: Fergie L. Philippe, Old Deuteronomy at Elon University

September 23, 2025 • 53 mins
From The Vault: Originally released on December 14, 2020, this was Episode 32 with Fergie L. Philippe who was Old Deuteronomy at Elon University's production of CATS and is currently on tour with Beauty and the Beast. This episode features Fergie L. Philippe who stars as James Madison in the Broadway production of Hamilton but also played a wild weekend as Old Deuteronomy during the Elon University Production of CATS. Fergie sha...
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Bonus: Crossover Episode With The Theatre Podcast & Ian Knauer

September 16, 2025 • 53 mins
When two podcasts collide, the conversation gets wild — and that’s exactly what happened when Mike Abrams of The Wrong Cat Died joined me for this crossover episode with actor Ian Knauer. We cover Ian’s journey through Broadway, the West End, regional theater, and even his time performing on Disney Cruise Line. Along the way, Ian shares the perseverance it took to finally land Cats after years of auditioning, what it was like stepp...
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Ep224 - Erik Simon, Macavity in 2025 Shawnee Playhouse Production of CATS

September 9, 2025 • 58 mins
“I am barely five one. Macavity was not a role that I ever thought I would be in the running for because he's typically the tallest in the show but he doesn't have to be. He is the Napoleon of crime.” Join host Mike Abrams as he chats with Erik Simon, an actor with a deep history in the world of CATS. Erik recounts his journey from childhood fascination with T.S. Eliot’s poems and the original London cast recording, to experiencing...
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BONUS - Celebrating 6 Years

September 2, 2025 • 28 mins
In this special bonus episode we celebrate the podcast's six-year anniversary with the show’s producer Alan Seales who is also the host of The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales and the Co-Founder of the Broadway Podcast Network. Mike and Alan reflect on the origins of the podcast, memorable moments, and the evolving journey of analyzing and interpreting the musical CATS. Mike shares his experiences interviewing Broadway stars, the u...
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Ep223 - Michael Robert-Lowe, Old Deuteronomy on the International Tour

August 26, 2025 • 60 mins
“Chrissie Cartwright wants more than anything, she wants specificity. So she doesn’t necessarily need to know what all of the relationships are that you’re playing, as long as it’s clear.” In this newest episode, we chat with Michael Robert-Lowe, the actor currently playing Old Deuteronomy in the International tour of CATS. They dive into Michael's journey with the show, his thoughts on the character dynamics, and how he interprets...
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Ep222 - David Armstrong, Author & Podcast Host of Broadway Nation

August 19, 2025 • 47 mins
“Some people might say CATS is a ripoff of A Chorus Line. I don’t want to go that far but it’s remarkably similar. I think it’s sort of a doppelganger of A Chorus Line.” In this episode, host Mike Abrams welcomes David Armstrong, a fellow Broadway Podcast Network host and author of the newly published book Broadway Nation. They delve into the rich history of Broadway musicals, highlighting the significant influences and connections...
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Ep221 - Michael Ruehrmund, Meghan Noonan, & Michael Neary, Cast & Creative Team, Westerville Civic Theatre’s CATS

August 12, 2025 • 63 mins
"Ours is set in a community garden and we thought this would be a really good setting that I’ve not seen done before where it focuses on how gardens can fade and then regrow and rebirth." Join host Mike Abrams as he welcomes the cast and creative team of the Westerville Civic Theatre's production of CATS. Director Michael Ruehrmund, Assistant Musical Director Michael Neary, and Jellylorum Meghan Noonan share their journey in bringi...
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Ep220 - Lucy May Barker, Grizabella on the International Tour

August 5, 2025 • 60 mins
“I said I cannot wait to still be doing CATS with you in 30 years time because of course Grizabella’s brilliant. I can probably play it now for a good 30 to 40 years.” Dive into an engaging episode with Lucy May Barker who is currently dazzling audiences as Grizabella on the CATS international tour. Lucy shares her early love for the musical, recounting her first experience seeing CATS in London at the age of eight. The discussion ...
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Ep219 - Naomi Naughton, Swing in Original Broadway Production & Director of 2025 Shawnee Playhouse Production of CATS

July 29, 2025 • 60 mins
“We have 16 different Grizabellas for this production.” In this episode of The Wrong Cat Died podcast, Mike Abrams welcomes Naomi Naughton, a former swing in the original Broadway production of CATS (1992) who is now directing a summer production at the Shawnee Playhouse. Naomi shares her journey from first seeing CATS as a teenager, through auditioning and performing on Broadway, to her current role as a director. She discusses th...
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Ep218 - Sara Sheperd, Grizabella in 2025 Fulton Theatre Coaster CATS

July 22, 2025 • 42 mins
Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. "Normally Grizabella does not start the show. We meet her about 20 minutes into it. I do think it’s really neat we see her right away." This episode features Sara Sheperd who plays Grizabella in this production. Sarah shares her journey with the musical...
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Ep217 - Brianna Abruzzo, Victoria in 2025 Fulton Theatre Coaster CATS

July 15, 2025 • 35 mins
Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. "At our Ball, Old Deuteronomy selects me as the homecoming queen and then I select my king. So I select Alonzo." This episode features Brianna Abruzzo who plays Victoria in this production. Brianna shares her unique journey into the musical, from her fi...
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BONUS: Coaster Kittens in 2025 Fulton Theatre Amusement Park CATS

July 13, 2025 • 35 mins
Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. This bonus episode is with the "Coaster Kittens" who are the teen ensemble in the 2025 Fulton Theatre production of CATS. Hear each of them share their character's backstory and discuss all of the fun parts of being part of this production. Featurin...
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Ep216 - James Patterson, Gus in 2025 Fulton Theatre Coaster CATS

July 8, 2025 • 49 mins
Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. " I'm having so much fun. It's silly. It's great. And I love the fact that he turned it into a Shakespearian moment." This episode features James Patterson who plays Bustopher Jones & Gus in this production. Hear James share his extensive history with t...
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Ep215 - Katie Sina, Jellylorum in 2025 Fulton Theatre Coaster CATS

July 1, 2025 • 38 mins
Throughout the summer, we are working with the Fulton Theatre to bring you a series of episodes with the cast and creative team from their new amusement park production of CATS. "I know that Grizz has left and Jelly has two litters and is currently pregnant with her third." This episode features Katie Sina who plays Jellylorum in this production. Katie shares her journey with the musical, from her first encounter with CATS on ...
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Ep214 - John Treacy Egan, Old Deuteronomy on US National Tour 4 & Just In Time on Broadway

June 24, 2025 • 47 mins
" 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 delightf...
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