PODCAST · arts
The Wrong Cat Died
by Broadway Podcast Network
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
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Ep275 - Dominik Hees, Rum Tum Tugger in German Tent Tour
“Chrissie Cartwright asked me to do a pirouette and I didn’t know what it was.” This episode features Dominik Hees who played the Rum Tum Tugger on the German Tent Tour and later in the Vienna revival of CATS. Dominik shares how he was cast despite no formal training and initially not knowing…
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Ep274 - Mark van Beelen, Mungojerrie on 2006 Dutch Tour
“Gillian Lynne’’s version of CATS is very much a ballet. So if you really pay attention to her choreography, you see so many connections of why different cats respond differently to each other.” This episode features Mark van Beelen, who played Mungojerrie and covered Munkustrap in the 2006 Dutch...
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From The Vault: Emma Sofia, Skimbleshanks in Cats: The Jellicle Ball & Not Victoria in 2016 CATS
From The Vault: Originally released on February 10, 2021, this was episode 35 with Emma Sofia discussing her very fun audition story for the 2016 Broadway Revival of CATS which was long before her time as Skimbleshanks on Broadway in the Jellicle Ball. "My goal was not to be Victoria; it was just...
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Ep273 - John Anker Bow, Gus on US National Tour 6 & Mr. Van Daan in Slam Frank
“In a 4 show weekend, I did Peter, Bustopher, Deuteronomy, Gus, Deuteronomy.” This episode features John Anker Bow who played Gus on the US National Tour 6 of CATS and is returning in Slam Frank: The Musical, opening off-Broadway in October. John recounts first seeing CATS as a child on Broadway...
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Ep272 - Antoine L. Smith, Swing on US National Tour 5 & Berry Gordy in MJ The Musical
“CATS really showed me how important it was to be a team player and how to take care of each other on stage and off stage as much as you can.” This episode features Antoine L. Smith who was a swing on the US. National Tour 5 of CATS. Hear Antoine discuss his lifelong connection to the show after...
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Ep271 - Jaydon Vijn, Rum Tum Tugger in 2026 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
“We have this system that every cat in the show is on a different life out of the nine lives which is a really interesting way of thinking about it.” This episode features Jaydon Vijn who is currently performing as Rum Tum Tugger in Drew McOnie’s reimagined production of CATS at Regent’s Park…
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Ep270 - Xavier Reyes, Jennyanydots in CATS: The Jellicle Ball
“The Haus of Dots has the best table at the Ball.” This episode features Xavier Reyes who played Jennyanydots in the Broadway production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Hear Xavier discuss his CATS history, from watching the DVD in Puerto Rico to auditioning for Skimbleshanks and ultimately booking...
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Ep269 - Cast & Creative, 2026 Boom Theatre's Young Actors Edition of CATS, A Cornish Re-imagining
“We’re Bombalonzo.” This episode features the cast and creative team (Faith Stansfield and Matty Franklin from the cast and Kirsten Edwards and Marc Taylor from the creative team) from the Boom Theatre in Cornwall, who are performing a Young Actors Edition of CATS inspired by a “Cornish twist.”...
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Ep268 - Linedy Genao, Host of Entre Acts
“That organ sound was iconic. I felt like I was transported to a certain time in history.” This episode features Linedy Genao who is currently playing on Broadway as Myrtle Wilson in The Great Gatsby and hosting her new podcast Entre Acts, which is part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Linedy...
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Ep267 - Denise Jastraunig, Swing in German Tent Tour
“If you show it in your face, people don’t look at your feet.” This episode features Denise Jastraunig who was a swing in CATS on the German Tent Tour and then in the Vienna revival. Denise shares her CATS journey, from first seeing the DVD in school while training as a competitive tennis player…
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Ep266: The Jellicle Tribe: CATS US National Tour 4 Reunion Brunch Discusses Cats: The Jellicle Ball
We were honored to be invited to the reunion brunch for the Jellicle Tribe, a group of members from the US National Tour 4 of Cats. They got together before opening night of CATS: The Jellicle Ball to catch up and discuss all things CATS. Hear us discuss the excitement for the opening night,...
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Ep265 - Bebe Nicole Simpson, Demeter in CATS: The Jellicle Ball
“In ballroom, femininity in particular is embraced. It really shifted my perspective on things.” This episode features Bebe Nicole Simpson who is performing as Demeter in Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Bebe discusses the show’s early closing, her late introduction to CATS, and how she researched...
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Ep264 - Jordan Stefanski, The Jellicle Patron
“All of them took concepts here and turned it into just this massive expression of queer joy in the time we are living in right now. It doesn’t deserve to be seen. It demands to be seen.” This episode features Jordan Stefanski, a devoted Cats: The Jellicle Ball fan who has seen the show over 50...
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Ep263 - Ryan Jackson, Mistoffelees on US National Tour 5
“You know when you walk into a conversation and two friends are laughing so hard you start to laugh? You have no idea what they are laughing about but the energy is infectious. I think that the fact this show is utter nonsense, it allows a freedom so then the joy on stage invites the audience…
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Ep262 - Leigh Archer, Jennyanydots on 2025 Australian Tour
“If you’d asked me if I’d be in CATS again, I would have absolutely laughed and said don’t be ridiculous.” This episode features Leigh Archer who played Demeter in Australia in 1994 and recently returned as Jennyanydots on the Australian tour. Leigh recounts first encountering CATS music while...
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Ep261 - Petra Ilse Dam, Bombalurina on Asia Tour
“That’s the fun part about the show because the connections are not set and you can change them all the time.” This episode features Petra Ilse Dam who performed as Tantomile in the 2019 Vienna Revival of CATS and then as Bombalurina on the International Tour in 2022. Hear about Petra’s path into...
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Ep260 - Nathan Taylor, Bustopher Jones & Gus on the International Tour
“It’s a show unlike any other that has ever existed. I truly believe that. I think it broke all the rules of what made a successful hit Broadway or West End musical at the time.” This episode features international tour performer Nathan Taylor, who played Bustopher Jones and Gus on the...
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Ep259 - Tommie Luyben, Mungojerrie in German Tent Tour
“I always think of CATS as a picture book. Like a children's picture book come to life.” This episode features CATS veteran Tommie Luyben who has performed in the show since 2006 and recently assisted Chrissie Cartwright on the 2025 Australian tour (and the 2022 Asia tour). Tommie traces his…
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Ep258 - Tannah Levick, Rumpleteazer in 2025 South Africa Tour
“ I believe that Jellylorum is our mother and she spends so much bloody time with Gus, trying to help Gus and fix Gus. We just wanna get her attention.” This episode features Tannah Levick who performed as Rumpleteazer in the South Africa production of CATS and will be on the continuation of the...
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Ep257 - Isabelle McCalla, Swing in McCalla's 1998 CATS & Emma Tate in Schmigadoon!
“My most treasured possession was that VHS. I played it every single day. And then I started teaching myself every single track.” This episode features Isabelle McCalla who is currently starring as Emma Tate in Schmigadoon! on Broadway. Hear Isabelle recount seeing CATS in 1998 at age five…
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Ep256 - Kendall Grayson Stroud, Swing in CATS: The Jellicle Ball
“Ballroom has been one of the most important pieces of my life so far.” This episode features Kendall Grayson Stroud who is a swing in Broadway’s Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Kendall joined the earliest 2022 workshop, performed as Electra at the Perelman Performing Arts Center, and is now a swing...
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Ep255 - Emma Sofia, Cassandra & Skimbleshanks in CATS: The Jellicle Ball
"I have a dream that Skimbleshanks, as a representative of the MTA, is able to have a sit down with Zohran Mamdani to talk about the MTA fares.” This episode welcomes back the wonderful Emma Sofia for her third appearance on the show to discuss transferring Cats: The Jellicle Ball from the…
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Ep254 - Victor Vazquez & Sujotta Pace, Casting Directors in CATS: The Jellicle Ball
“Junior does not have an agent or a manager. Junior has a community in front of him and we had to move through that in order to get the call.” This episode features the casting directors of Cats: “The Jellicle Ball” Victor Vazquez and Sujotta Pace of X Casting talking about casting the show from...
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Ep253 - Dudney Joseph Jr., Munkustrap in CATS: The Jellicle Ball
“I think that the magic that MCs create and where they're able to activate someone. I think that's a gift and it's really incredible.”” This episode features Dudney Joseph Jr. who is currently performing as Munkustrap in Cats: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre. Dudney shares his first...
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Ep252 - Dee Roscioli, Grizabella on US National Tour 5 & Standby in Death Becomes Her
“It was a compliment when someone was like, your felinity was really beautiful. They’re really good at being a cat. Your hands up in little paws, maybe wash your little face. Looking back it’s probably one of the more ridiculous things I’ve done in my life.” This episode features Dee Roscioli who...
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Ep251 - Ken Ard, DJ Griddlebone in CATS: The Jellicle Ball & Macavity in Original Broadway Cast
“You have to see it. It’s one of those things that if you miss it, you’ve missed a cultural moment in time.” This episode features the incredible Ken Ard who originated the roles of Macavity, Plato, and the Rumpus Cat in the original Broadway production of CATS and is currently performing as DJ...
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Ep250 - Gabrielle Parker, Jemima on the International Tour
“In my head I think Jemima is the daughter of Bombalurina and Macavity.” This episode features Gabrielle Parker who played Jemima on the 2025 International Tour of CATS. Hear Gabrielle share how a ballet background and seeing Cats around age 10 sparked her obsession with the show and her early…
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Ep249 - sis thee doll, "Sis Thee Jellicle Doll"
“I felt like it was finally something that came to fruition for me. I’m about to go to the theater and see a trans woman on stage and also in my favorite show.” This episode features actress and activist sis thee doll who is a longtime CATS fan. Hear sis share how her connection began with the…
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BONUS: CATS: The Jellicle Ball Opening Night Gold Carpet
We were honored to be invited to cover the Gold Carpet for the opening night of the highly anticipated production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball with VIPs from the film, TV, and Broadway industries along with the cast and creative team from the production. Hear us discuss the excitement for the…
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Ep248 - Katie Fairbourne, Bombalurina in 2015 Brigham Young University-Idaho Production
“ I went through all these pictures the other day and was crying my eyes out laughing.” This episode features Katie Fairborne who performed as Bombalurina in BYU–Idaho’s 2015 production of CATS, to answer questions sparked by Teresa Jack’s viral social media post. Katie explains how she was a...
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Ep247 - 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...
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Ep246 - 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...
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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...
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Ep244 - 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…
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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…
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Ep243 - 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...
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Ep242 - 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…
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Ep241 - 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...
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Ep240 - Savannah DeCrow, Grizabella on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Oasis of the Seas
“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...
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Ep239 - Sam Brown, Munkustrap on the International Tour
“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…
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Ep238 - Tyler Daddario, Director of 2025 Broadway Theatre of Pitman Production
“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...
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Ep237 - Adam Lendermon, Skimbleshanks on US National Tour 5
“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...
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Ep236 - Marco Venturini, Macavity on the International Tour
“I actually think there is something kind of cool about a bad guy who is pure evil, that there are no redeeming qualities whatsoever.” This episode features Marco Venturini who is currently performing as Macavity on the International Tour of CATS. Marco shares his unique journey from Italy to the...
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From The Vault: "Tempress" Chasity Moore, Grizabella in PAC's CATS: The Jellicle Ball
From The Vault: Originally released on June 25, 2024, this was episode 171 with "Tempress" Chasity Moore who was Grizabella in PAC's CATS: The Jellicle Ball. CATS: The Jellicle Ball will be transferring to Broadway in March of 2026 and Tempress will be Grizabella! "When we were building, the...
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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…
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Ep235 - Ginger Minj, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 Winner & Future Rum Tum Tugger
“ 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…
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Ep234 - Bryce Bayer, Munkustrap in 2025 Music Theater Heritage Production
“ 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...
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Ep233 - Cooper Howell, Associate Director in CATS: "The Jellicle Ball"
“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...
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From the Vault: CATS: The Jellicle Ball Creative Team ft. Zhailon Levingston, Bill Rauch, & William Waldrop
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…
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Ep232 - Adam Andrews & Jadyn Kelly, Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer in 2025 Broadway Theatre of Pitman Production
“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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Broadway Podcast Network
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Wrong Cat Died have?
The Wrong Cat Died currently has 307 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Wrong Cat Died 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...
How often does The Wrong Cat Died release new episodes?
The Wrong Cat Died publishes regularly with 307 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Wrong Cat Died?
You can listen to The Wrong Cat Died on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Wrong Cat Died?
The Wrong Cat Died is created and hosted by Broadway Podcast Network.
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