This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:15] Mike Abrams: Welcome to The Wrong Cat Died, the podcast breakdown of Cats Astropheia. I'm your host, Mike Abrams, and today we have another amazing guest. We're working with the Fulton Theatre's Amusement Park production of CATS to bring you a series of episodes this summer with their cast and everyone that is involved in the production. We're kicking off the series with Katie Sina, who is playing Jellylorum. So thank you, Katie, and welcome to the podcast.

[0:35] Katie Sina: Thank you. Thank you for having me.

[0:37] Mike Abrams: Yeah, excited to have you. I love talking to Jellylorums, and I saw your production, so I got to see your performance, and it was amazing.

[0:44] Katie Sina: Aw, thanks.

[0:45] Mike Abrams: So let's start, though, with your history with CATS, because I always love, it's like, there's a lot of times when you get in a production, like a regional production, there's a mixed crowd. There's either like, you're super excited that CATS is your show for the season, or you're just like, uh, I got to do CATS. So where are you on that spectrum?

[1:04] Katie Sina: It's funny that you say it like that. I think I'm probably right in the middle, only because of my current age, because I'm in my 40s now, and this is my first experience performing CATS. It was the first show I ever saw on Broadway. I was in high school, and it changed my life. I mean, I knew from a very early age that, you know, music theater was what I was going to do. So I've always been in music theater. I'd always listen to the, you know, since it had come out, listen to the cast recording, and finally got to see it in New York. And then, you know, it was all I listened to and dreamed of being a part of. I auditioned when I finally moved to New York in 2002. I auditioned for the national tour every chance I could get.

And that was, you know, the original concept and choreo. And I finally did get cast in it. However, I didn't take it, which is wild. But I had had a bunch of other contracts lined up at different regional equity houses. And I knew at that point in my career, I was really trying to line that up. So whenever I became equity, I would have relationships with, you know, pre-existing relationships with theaters. So I didn't end up taking it. However, my best friend in college did get the tour, and he did take it. So when I was in between contracts in 2003, I went and stayed with the national tour for, and it was this was the American national tour that went into Canada, because I stayed with Vancouver, when the cast was in Vancouver.

I stayed with them for a full week, saw the show every single day with them. You know, and these, these kids were doing this show, they could go out after they could get up and do the show a couple times a day. Again, you know, they were young, and I was young. And I just loved really fell in love as an audience member with the experience of the show, because I truly describe it as an experience, rather than Oh, you're going to see a musical? Well, you're going to this immersive experience, you know? Yeah. And I knew a lot of the cats and kittens as people. So seeing them bring the story to life was so beautiful. And my best friend was Skimble Shanks at the time. So of course, I was love Skimble.

And I've always had a respect for the show. I know people seem to have very strong opinions of as audience members, you know, you know that, but I've always loved it. And then also growing up, my little sister and I would act out cats and make our family sit through our interpretation of cats many, many times. So the fact that I'm finally doing it in my 40s, which I never thought would be when I'd be dancing this show is kind of a dream come true, honestly. And I truly love our director and associate director very much as humans in my life. They're good friends, so that they've trusted me because I know how precious this show is to them. Very much. Yeah, with this show. And you know, Jelly was never a role I would have considered myself for in my younger years.

But now I feel so appropriately cast in this part and so connected with this mama cat. I am a mom in real life too, which is, I think does bring, you know, you bring a little bit of yourself into everything. But it does make me view this show so much differently than I used to. And I have a true urge to love and nurture and care through the show as a cat.

[4:44] Mike Abrams: Yeah. Okay. I have a couple follow-ups, so I'm gonna hit a couple of these. So, one was who did you get cast as for the tour?

[4:54] Katie Sina: So, I was cast as Jenny in the tour, because I'm a strong tapper as well. But I, you know, I really wanted Bom. I think everybody did.

[5:04] Mike Abrams: Okay. And then you said that you and your sister did productions growing up. What was that story?

[5:11] Katie Sina: Oh, what story was it when we acted out?

[5:12] Mike Abrams: Yeah.

[5:13] Katie Sina: We played every cat. So, we really took turns playing every single part of the show. So, we tried to follow. It's funny, because at that point, I hadn't actually seen the show. But you can listen to it. You know, it's a sung through show, a played through show. So, you can listen to it and envision your storyline. So, we would just take on whatever character was narrating what. And we just thought the Jellicle Ball was just this complete dance around off everywhere as a cat. But then we'd play Skimble. You know, we'd play the Gumby Cat. We'd play whoever they were describing. One of us would sing. The other would play the part, you know.

[5:52] Mike Abrams: Okay. Okay. So, you went through basically the album and covered it.

[5:56] Katie Sina: I'm going to say we played every role.

[5:58] Mike Abrams: Yeah. Yeah, of course. I mean, it's range. You've got to be able to do it.

[6:02] Katie Sina: Exactly.

[6:02] Mike Abrams: Okay. So, the tour would have been the fifth national tour, at least by the markings that the Wikipedia pages deemed these. And this one went on for many years. And so, you jumped in and got to see it. You went every night. You got to experience it all. And besides that, you had seen it on Broadway, I assume, as a high schooler. And then was there basically a gap between then and, hey, I'm about to audition for it again and I get it now?

[6:32] Katie Sina: Yeah. So, I have not seen the show since I saw the national tour.

[6:37] Mike Abrams: Okay.

[6:38] Katie Sina: And then I was in high school in the late 90s. So, that's when I would have seen it on Broadway. I think it was 97. That's what it would have been. 96, 97.

[6:47] Mike Abrams: Okay. Okay. And then so, at the time, you knew that I'm going to be doing theater. Did you walk out of that show saying, like, this is a dream show? Or I want to do theater, but cats is cats.

[6:59] Katie Sina: Yeah. So, it was a dream show. But I think as a dancer, I've danced my entire life. I've also sang my entire life. And while my heart has been this given and gifted and driven dancer, technically, I've had to work very hard for all of my technique. And I've always been in class. But, you know, being on my spot on my leg didn't come easy to me. So, I've always worked very hard for my flexibility, for my technique. So, I don't know if I had the opportunity to go into many more Cats Calls, or since really, I just chose not to do it. I don't think I auditioned for it again. Oh, no, that's not true. There's one regional theater, I probably shouldn't name their name, that was doing Cats. And they ran their audition at the time.

It was when the Equity Building used to still be on 40. It was right there in Midtown. So, we'd go in there, and I went to the Equity Call for Ensemble. And it was the Cats Call. And they ran it, that they taught the original choreo. And they walked around as you were dancing and said, no, you can leave. Yes, you can stay. And I had a no, you can leave. It wasn't even like a give the dancer grace to absorb it, then come out and do it in small groups. You know, it was like an immediate, no, you're not it.

[8:26] Katie Sina: Yeah. So, I was told no again for that, but…

[8:32] Mike Abrams: That's a brutal process.

[8:34] Katie Sina: Yeah. So, I think I stopped seeking it out as much as I used to, because I thought, oh, well, there's other dancers that could just dance it better. And I couldn't do it justice. And when I saw it came up on the Fulton season, I just felt in my heart, I was like, oh, I'm Jelly now. Like, that's who I've matured into. I said, oh, no, that's mine. Like, I am Jelly. You know, I knew I could do it. So, I didn't know how much our director and choreographer, who you have both known and interviewed, would want to trust my mature self with that role, or were they looking for someone who was… because I'm not in class all the time anymore. I'm teaching and I'm performing a lot, but I'm raising my babies and doing what I can.

[9:24] Mike Abrams: Yeah, totally.

[9:25] Katie Sina: But I'm so honored. I knew vocally I could. Because it is one thing, when you get cast as Jelly, you've got to realize you're going to sustain a high C many, many times, not just the first solo, you know?

[9:40] Mike Abrams: Yeah. Yeah, you're singing a lot.

[9:42] Katie Sina: Andrew Lloyd Webber, right to soprano one line. I mean, we're rarely on the staff. We're up there. At one point, it's a high E. Luckily, Richard Carsey, our musical director, he gave us an opt-down option for that, an alternate note, because it's such a…

[9:59] Mike Abrams: Yeah, it's gorgeous.

[10:02] Katie Sina: Yeah, you definitely have a very challenging track, for sure. I want to talk about your production now, but I want to talk about… I want to start with the storyline, because I had Mark and Joey on, and they actually sent me a little bit of what they shared. But also, it's in the playbill, I noticed. It's in the program. It's their version, which I did hear people around me reading, which I thought was really great. It's great to kind of give a little bit of this. So, there's a couple of things fully called out, and there's a lot of lore that you can add to. So, I want to start with, I think, one thing that they called out directly for you is that Gus is your grandfather, and that you are presenting him as the choice, and very much presenting, even at the end, that there's only three options for the Angelical Choice in this production. And you are presenting Gus as one of them. But that's kind of all you have. So, what else did they tell you, or what else did you add? What is your version of Jellylorum beyond that?

[11:54] Katie Sina: For her scene, but then is sort of the grandchild of or the relative of for the rest of the time. Do you know this? No. Okay. Okay. So anyway, so that's how we've sort of said how she can, you know, she's in her big cat body. Yeah. And then she shows her, you know, how she's your headlining self. And then anyway, so I, I believe these women are very close. I knew Grizz. I knew her when her and Mr. were in the show. I know that she's had a child, you know, a baby kitten. And I know that Grizz has left and Jelly has had two litters and is currently pregnant with her third. That's what I've decided in the show. So I researched gestation. I researched all of this, you know, weaning, when can she be pregnant again?

How, you know, what is that her health? And, and I think Jelly is a very well taken care of cat. I do believe she has an owner who had was an opera singer and has passed away. And the owner passed away while she was in hospice care. And Jelly was very much a caretaker for her owner. And the hospice center has let Jelly stay on because she is such a loving caregiving presence like a therapy cat for the other people. She sneaks away to the Jellicle ball, she gets to visit, I see kittens from my first and second litter. I believe that Rumpelteazer and Mungo are from my first litter. And one thing, one thing that I do not stand for, and I Jelly is people misbehaving, like acting out of like, we're not, we're not following the Jellicle rules and respect.

And that is what Mungo and Teazer do all the time. So, you know, Mark and Joey asked us who we are after we'd had the show staged. So I am always around our Rumpelteazer. And I am around our Jerry all the time. And anytime they goof off, I give them a look. And both of them are like, and there's a couple dance combinations where they purposely like strut by me while I'm just sitting there cleaning myself and just shaking my head. And yet, when the cavity comes around, both of them cling to me, they're close to me, I'm immediate, I'm, you know, we talk about how does a cat feel by the way their spine is positioned? You know, she's a cat who's I'm doing so many, like cat and cow, I'm in cow a lot because I'm constantly protecting, you know, where the kittens will curl up, will contract, I will constantly make myself bigger.

So and I and then there's a couple kittens, we have a lot of kittens, but a couple of kittens who the costumes helped inform Oh, you're my baby, you know, and a lot of them are like, I think I'm your baby, you know, and so it's so cool. You know, in our Jellicle ball, when the king and queen get picked to the court, and all this is happening, the kittens really circle around me, they're always leaning on my legs touching me. So um, and I think that I chose jellies always wanted to be a mama, not necessarily have a partner. So I think I've chosen who I've mated with, and then you know, mated so that I could be pregnant and recreate and let them go on their way. Like I definitely believe Tugger is one of my partners.

And I like I have no feeling toward him. All the kittens are freaking out. I have no I'm like, Oh, he was wonderful to make my litter with but so Tugger's litter one or litter two, I think litter two. Who's litter one? Yeah. Well, I don't know. I can tell you the rumor mill was a rumor mill. Well, so the rumor mill is that there's a bus for Jones. Oh, Laura. Yeah, I'm totally like relationship that I Yes, let's do let's pick that the two biggest ones and I have all the theories because I played around. I've played around with some ways to pull all this stuff out. The two biggest for relationships are Buster for Jones. That's obviously been one that was shared. And then I've kind of created this love triangle that I think really exists between Buster for Joey and Grizabella.

And that's part of the animosity. And the other one is there's been some productions where there's skimble shanks. Oh, it's good. Potentially the relationship. So I, I thought that before I entered the show, but our skimble is quite young in age, in age, and he looks a lot like me too. So I thought, huh, I wonder he's a little too. Yeah. I wonder if you're a little one. I wonder if because him Mungo and teaser are very equal said a lot. So I was like, Oh, I wonder if they were part of the lit like that was my litter. Okay. So we're going to take a quick break and then we back for more of the wrong cat died. What about the new kittens? Cause I love that they I'm still waiting to get from, I've been promised from Joey that I'm going to get their stories or at least some version of it.

Cause I know that they created these from scratch. So Joey took notes and has all of those. You've got to get it. Their stories are wild, but, uh, I think about four of them picked to be before we even talked, they were like, jelly's my mom, you know? Yeah. Okay. But it, it makes sense to me, but they have some great, and a lot of them are team Gus. I'll tell you that much. All right. All right. You know? Um, yeah, but it's, you'll hear my opinion when you're ready for it, but yeah. I, okay. I love this. So you've got two, there's who's, who are the other kittens that are like, are, is it some of the new ones or are there any of the other ones that are okay. Yeah. They're, they're, I believe they're all new, all new in the second letter.

Yeah. That second letter is all the new ones that, that are specific to this show. Um, and this production. So, I mean, if you're not familiar with this production, there's, I think you said there's 36, right? And so there are a lot of, um, I think most of them are teens too. Like we call, we call them the teens, but, um, I think they're half upper teenagers and then, um, young college kids too. We've got, they're in their twenties, some are 2021. They might be equal. Okay. And so they have, they have different names. Some are names that are related to the cat's world. And some, I think like one of them is just like Joey's actual cat's name. And so like there's some kind of fun. Yeah. Yeah. And they got to create their own story.

And I'll tell you what's, what's really cool about it is I knew that this was coming in terms of like a production and it is really amazing to see how like the use of the space with the roller coaster and all this stuff. There's like, there are cats everywhere. And it's one of the most immersive I've seen in the fact that like they're behind you at moments. They're like, you utilize the whole theater and having that many really makes it like really unique because it just feels like you are truly part of the experience. I could not agree with you more. I think you beautifully captured what, yes, I totally agree with that, what this is. And I think our set is so unique and there are so many places to crawl and play with people and.

Yeah. How is, how is Jelly using the amusement park, park pieces? Like, is there anything specific to that, that you are embracing more? I mean, obviously there's the Peaks and Policles as part of the show and like, that's like built into it, but is there any moments where you're kind of like really utilizing the, like the really cool set? I think where I utilize it is the, um, there are the funhouse heads, right? Those giant funhouse heads. Um, that's on our second level. So it's the funhouse is level two level with our mez and I crawl. It's the boxes, right? Yeah, of course. So they built out the boxes. Um, we still have box seating downstairs, which is extremely immersive because you're sitting next to, you know, an abandoned bumper car and a sky ride.

I noticed that there's two seats on each side that you are really like in the show. You were in it. Yeah. Yeah. Um, so Jelly uses just the funhouse on both sides. I crawl out, you know, the end of, um, the opening is that really, really high soprano line while our dancers are working their butts off. I'm up there just singing in people's faces and their ears and over their heads. So I crawl up there. I observe up there a lot in naming of cats, I, I crawl up there. I'm not on the carousel horses. Um, let me see what else you need to get in that car with Bustopher. I need to get it. I was, I opened the door for him. I know all the fun stuff. I, I get people in, but I don't ride on. Is there any other cat relationship that we didn't cover that you like you flushed out?

Um, I don't think so. I mean, my, we, you know, my love and for, for Gus and relationship with Gus, we talked about a little bit. Um, I think as a performer, just getting to be a caretaker for someone is so incredible on stage. And as a human, um, I love to do that in life anyway, um, to care for people and, and getting to care for Gus, I feel like is, I would just say is such an honor as an actor to be at this point, to be able to sing that song for him. Um, and I think if you've, if you're doing it right, I mean, it's true. I don't, I don't get any applause. It's a hundred percent. Like if, if I can channel all of my love and my support into a character, like this is a character that does that, you know, all jelly just lifts, holds, cares for guides that sweet Gus moment.

So I love that. Yeah. Is there any moment, like any part of you that's like, it's my turn? Like, you know, it's funny you say that because the other day I was listening to people. I, when we first got the music to peak some follicles, I was like, this is wild. Cause that wasn't on the national tour. You know, that's the first time I've ever seen it on stage. You can't even search it, you know? Cause I was like, Oh, let me listen to a recording to get this in my, you can't find it. Um, I love it. And it's funny because we've had so many people come to the show that are like, Oh my goodness, Gus, from the moment you introduce him through the, his whole story, you know, to the wrap up, Oh, he's so like, I just, I think I'm doing my job right.

That's what I'm saying. And no, I don't, I don't feel that it just is. It's funny that like, Oh, I'm also singing and also, but you'll never hear it. You'll never get, Oh, jelly is so great in that moment. Nope. It's if I'm doing it right, you'll only hear about Gus and that is all I'm hearing. So it's a good thing and it feels lovely to sing. And it's funny how much I love peaks and follicles too. He is so good in that number. Oh, it's incredible. And we're having James on. So we'll get to ask a little bit about this as well. I love and adore him so much as a human and getting to be, you know, two feet away from the moment where he goes back into his current body and his current age. And, um, and when his eyes for a moment, when he, he, he says the words, I remember it when, but you can see when he decides as an actor to go to the space where I don't remember, you know, and he's getting to be hands on him in that moment.

It's like, Oh, if I do nothing else as a performer, I'm honored to do that next to James. He's so great. Yeah. I do love that. I think it's such an important part of the persona of Jellylorum is to be this selfless caregiver. And I always kind of laugh because it's like, you do this, you do this, you do this. But by the, by like the sixth week, you're not gonna be like, all right, one, one time.

[23:48] Katie Sina: 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.

[24:18] Katie Sina: I know that Grizz has left and Jelly has two litters and is currently pregnant with her third.

[24:48] Katie Sina: CATS is such a unique show, and I feel like every time I dive into it, I discover something new about the characters and their relationships.

[25:18] Katie Sina: Jellylorum, in particular, has such a rich backstory that I’m excited to explore in this production.

[25:48] Katie Sina: The way she interacts with the other characters really highlights her nurturing side, which I think is so important for the audience to see.

[26:18] Katie Sina: I’ve always felt a personal connection to Jellylorum, and I think that comes through in my performance.

[26:48] Katie Sina: The immersive elements of this production really allow the audience to feel like they’re part of the world of CATS, which adds a whole new layer to the experience.

[26:58] Katie Sina: I love how we can break the fourth wall and engage with the audience directly.

[27:08] Katie Sina: It makes the show feel alive and dynamic, and I think that’s something really special about this production.

[27:18] Katie Sina: The character relationships are also so fascinating to explore, especially Jellylorum’s connections with the other cats.

[27:28] Katie Sina: There’s a lot of depth to her interactions, and I think it’s important to showcase that in our performances.

[27:38] Katie Sina: I’m really looking forward to bringing that to life on stage.

[27:48] Katie Sina: The fun of improvisation and interaction with the audience is something I cherish as a performer.

[27:58] Katie Sina: It keeps the energy high and allows for spontaneous moments that can make each performance unique.

[28:08] Katie Sina: I think that’s what makes live theater so magical.

[28:18] Katie Sina: The rapid-fire moments in the show really highlight the humor and playfulness of the characters.

[28:28] Katie Sina: It’s a joy to be part of that and to see how the audience reacts.

[28:38] Katie Sina: I think it’s going to be a memorable experience for everyone involved.

[28:48] Katie Sina: The Jellicle choice debate is always a hot topic among fans, and I love hearing different perspectives on it.

[28:58] Katie Sina: It’s interesting to see how each character’s story can resonate differently with people.

[29:08] Katie Sina: I think that’s part of the beauty of CATS; there’s something for everyone to connect with.

[29:18] Katie Sina: I’m excited to see how our production will spark those conversations among the audience.

[29:28] Katie Sina: It’s going to be a thrilling ride, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

[29:38] Katie Sina: The Fulton Theatre has such a rich history, and I’m honored to be part of this project.

[29:48] Katie Sina: I think audiences are going to be blown away by what we have in store.

[29:58] Katie Sina: It’s going to be a celebration of everything we love about CATS, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

[30:08] Katie Sina: I hope everyone comes out to see it and experiences the magic for themselves.

[30:18] Katie Sina: Thank you for having me on the podcast to share my journey and insights into this incredible production.

[30:28] Katie Sina: I can’t wait to see you all at the Fulton Theatre!

[30:38] Katie Sina: It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.

[30:48] Katie Sina: Let’s keep the conversation going about CATS and all the wonderful characters that make it so special.

[30:58] Katie Sina: I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow fans and sharing our love for this timeless musical.

[31:08] Katie Sina: Thank you again for this opportunity to discuss my role as Jellylorum and the exciting things happening at the Fulton Theatre.

[31:18] Katie Sina: I hope to see you all there!

[31:28] Katie Sina: Let’s make some memories together through the magic of theater.

[31:38] Katie Sina: CATS is truly a celebration of life, love, and the joy of performance.

[31:48] Katie Sina: I’m so grateful to be part of this journey.

[31:58] Katie Sina: Thank you!

[32:08] Katie Sina: I can’t wait to share this experience with everyone.

[32:18] Katie Sina: It’s going to be a fantastic summer at the Fulton Theatre!

[32:28] Katie Sina: Let’s make it a season to remember!

[32:38] Katie Sina: See you at the show!

[32:48] Katie Sina: Thank you for listening!

[32:58] Katie Sina: I appreciate your support and can’t wait to see you all at CATS!

[33:08] Katie Sina: It’s going to be a blast!

[33:18] Katie Sina: Let’s celebrate the magic of theater together!

[33:28] Katie Sina: Thank you!

[33:38] Katie Sina: I’m so excited for this production!

[33:48] Katie Sina: See you soon!

[33:58] Katie Sina: Bye!

[34:08] Katie Sina: Thank you!

[34:18] Katie Sina: I can’t wait!

[34:28] Katie Sina: Bye!

[34:38] Katie Sina: Thank you!

[34:48] Katie Sina: I’m looking forward to it!

[34:58] Katie Sina: Bye!

[35:08] Katie Sina: Thank you!

[35:18] Katie Sina: I can’t wait to see you all!

[35:28] Katie Sina: Bye!

[35:38] Katie Sina: Thank you!