Alan and Mike sit down to process a packed year of theater, trading hot takes and reviews on a massive slate of 2025 productions. From the cult popularity of Teeth and the star power of Audra McDonald in Gypsy to the technical marvel of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, they cover the shows that defined the last twelve months. They also dig into the unique experiences of immersive theater, the polarizing nature of certain plays, and the sheer stamina required to keep up with the New York theater scene.
The discussion moves beyond reviews into a look at the state of the industry, debating the potential for simple streaming solutions to build audiences outside of New York City. Mike recounts his year of Cats related travel, including a roller coaster version in Pennsylvania, and they speculate on what 2026 holds for Broadway with upcoming productions like Smash, Schmigadoon!, and the return of Cats: The Jellicle Ball.
Mike Abrams is the host and creator of The Wrong Cat Died, a podcast entirely dedicated to the musical Cats. Originally launched as a short comedic exploration of the show's plot holes, it has grown into a long running series featuring interviews with cast members and creatives from productions around the world.
Connect with Mike and listen to The Wrong Cat Died:
Connect with The Theatre Podcast:
- Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast
- Instagram: @theatre_podcast
- Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast
- TheTheatrePodcast.com
- Alan's personal Instagram: @alanseales
- Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think.