This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:16] Mike Abrams: Welcome to The Wrong Cat Died, the podcast breakdown of the cat's atrophy. I'm your host, Mike Abrams, and today we have another amazing guest. He is currently performing as the Rum Tum Tugger in the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre of Cats in London. So welcome, Jaydon Vijn, and thank you for joining me.

[0:29] Jaydon Vijn: Thank you very much.

[0:31] Mike Abrams: I am excited to have you. I know I got to see the show, but I missed you. You were out, but I loved it.

[0:39] Jaydon Vijn: Oh, yeah.

[0:41] Mike Abrams: And I have a lot of questions, because it is a slightly different production. It's a reimagined revival and a couple of things I hadn't seen before and a couple of things I'm excited to talk through with you. But we always have to start at the beginning. So tell me your cat's history. When did you first see it?

[0:59] Jaydon Vijn: So my cat's history is, I would say, when I was at dance college. I went to dance college pretty young. I was a 16-year-old. And I was, you know, a little dancer boy, little flexible youngster. And I just used to kind of try and act all cool at college and then just go home and watch Cats the musical on YouTube all the time. Because I was just like, this is it. This is the one. This is what I want to do. I want to be a dancer. I want to be in Cats. So, yeah, I used to pretend I was all this cool lad, you know what I mean? And then just watch the Jellicle Ball nonstop every day.

[1:40] Mike Abrams: I love it. So when you were watching the, I'm assuming the VHS, were you watching it with the idea of like, I want to be in this, like this is a dream show for me?

[1:50] Jaydon Vijn: Yeah, it was one of those. I told my college principal when I was at college that it was my dream show. And actually, when I got the job, she was one of the first person I messaged because I was like, I need to, you know, I need to let her know that it happened. And, you know, that 16-year-old leggy boy who wanted to be in Cats has done it.

[2:11] Mike Abrams: Did you have a particular character you were immediately drawn to? Like, were you Tugger from day one?

[2:17] Jaydon Vijn: Yeah, I was always Tugger, bro. Like, I love Tugger. I think, you know, I also the one I watched was obviously John Partridge, who is an absolute legend. And I yeah, I just loved I love the Rum Tum Tugger, but I didn't necessarily ever think that I would get to play the role. It was definitely something that I was like, oh, if I could, I would. But I was more focused on, you know, just trying to, you know, be one of the dancers and that. So the fact that I get to play the Tugger now is just is class.

[2:47] Mike Abrams: So walk me through when you learned about this particular production and like the audition process. And, you know, there's obviously Drew's directing. It's coming back to London for the first time in a while. There's a lot of like Cats lore going on with the Jellicle Ball in New York and all these other productions. There's the international tour. Like, what was this particular production's like? What was it like for you kind of when you learned about it and when you actually got cast?

[3:16] Jaydon Vijn: Firstly, the fact that the Jellicle Ball is closed, I'm gutted about because I would have loved to have watched that. I even said to Michael Harrison when I saw him a few weeks ago that I said to him, I was like, would you fly me out to go watch it? And he was like, no. So I said, OK, sorry. Fair enough. Fair enough. Don't argue with that, can you? So when we started auditions, like the first thing I could tell was just the choreography was just amazing. And I knew like when I heard that obviously Cats is coming back and it's Drew McOnie, I think every dancer in London was just like, oh my goodness, like this is going to be so mint. So, yeah, like it's it. And it was exactly just, I guess, what I assumed it would be like when we did the audition routine.

It was just amazing. Most of it is in a section of the Jellicle Ball. And it was just, yeah, it was just amazing. And I was just, oh my goodness, like he's such a genius. And I could see just just from that little, you know, 40-second audition routine, how amazing the show is going to be.

[4:18] Mike Abrams: So when you're doing this as someone who knows the like 1998 movie so well, like there are some changes. It's not like dramatic and massive. Like there's a lot of like the paying homage to the original choreography and the storytelling. But it is it is different. And there's a lot of like especially like the Mistoffelees number and other things. How was that like for you as such a fan of the show and then getting to do this reimagined version?

[4:43] Jaydon Vijn: I just I love that it's been completely reimagined. The job I did just before this was with Starlight. And it's the same thing. It's just like this is my favorite thing to do in the industry is to like be in a show that's like it's been before, but it's getting reimagined and you get to play and you get to have fun and I do different things with different characters. And it's like I just love it. And I think it's I think the changes that, you know, that has been put into this production are fantastic. I think what's nice when you speak to Drew about it is how obsessed he is with the original. You know, he's he absolutely loves the original so much. And I think it's something so nice that he's gone a completely different way while, you know, kind of paying respect, I guess, to the original. But it's definitely different. And there's a loads of different little bits and bobs in our production. But I think the changes are fantastic.

[5:51] Mike Abrams: Yeah, I was I mean, I was saying before I went with a former Grizabella. So I was watching with someone who also knew the show fairly well, like I do. And we were kind of like, yeah, you know, like saying, hey, here are the moments that are what we notice is changes and the things that we loved. And, you know, things that I mean, I wasn't I wasn't ready for the Mungo Jerry Rumple teaser being the British first version, you know, like things like that. But when you're in the rehearsal room and you're going through this, are you how much are you talking about the changes being changes or just this is your production moving forward? Like, is there a discussion?

[6:10] Jaydon Vijn: Yeah, I like, you know, this. Yeah, it's less about like, oh, we're changing that number. It was never like a case of like it was never like a number would come in and we're like, OK, so we're changing this from there. It always felt like this was kind of a new production, I guess. You know, it was just being taught, you know, as a new kind of being like, which I think is the right way to do it. And, you know, you don't you don't want to be that thing where it's like, OK, well, this is different. This is different. Like it's it's nice that it felt fresh and it felt almost like we were doing a new show.

[6:44] Mike Abrams: What did you think of the Mungo Jerry Rumple teaser? Did you like the new? It's not new, is it? But did you like the different version?

[6:50] Jaydon Vijn: I did. I mean, so I loved everything about it. I am not a good purist cat's person that's like, oh, my God, you change choreography. It's like I love any interpretations. I have dreams for versions I'd like to see happen in the future. So I just I was more of just like I I wasn't I have only heard that version in a vinyl I have of the original. And then in the 2019 movie where I was also not expecting it to be that version. Yeah. And so it's kind of a little bit more of just like it's different. But the performers that were they were fantastic. And, you know, it's such a fun number.

[7:29] Jaydon Vijn: I know it's one of my favorite changes. I just think that number is class. It's like one of the best numbers in the show. And Brian and Danny, who do it like they are unbelievable. Like they're like together and even just separate. Like they're both just insane. And I think like I just love that number. And I think it's one of the I'm just so glad that I just love like it's kind of jazzy. And it's kind of class. So I want to go back to the rehearsal room. I want to hear a little bit about as you're going through this and you're rebuilding the show in a kind of a new way. There was a lot of storytelling elements that I noticed. I sat in the second row. So I was like very close. How much do you all talk about the like the relationships and the story and the stuff that you're going to be conveying in a theater? And, you know, you were right there with us the whole time, like you were in the audience and around so much.

[8:23] Jaydon Vijn: Yeah, it's it was there was so much to it, like there was this there was so much going on, you know, kind of behind what we do in terms of choreography and vocal, you know, blah, blah, blah. There was so much to like the relationships of the characters, the history of your cat, your kind of the way you move and the way you you feel and like the the emotion, you know, you're putting into that number of why it might be different to another cat. And that we did so much of that. And I think that is the main I think I think that's the main reason why this this show, in my opinion, is so beautiful is because there's so much going on behind the ice, I guess. Like it's it felt so like important, I think, to kind of step out on that stage and know your relationship with every other cat where you are in terms of like, you know, we have we have this system, which is essentially like that.

Every cat in the show is on a different life and, you know, out of the nine lives, which I think is a really interesting way of thinking about it. You know, some cats are on their first life and some are on their sixth and eighth and why that is. And Drew likes to talk about the fact that it's it's not in terms of like age, it's more kind of like experience. So you might be kind of an older cat in cat years, but actually younger than some other people. But maybe you've been through some crazy stuff. So, you know, there's so much to it that was just and I love all that stuff. I love kind of like in the rehearsal room, like really getting into it and really like I love to do also a lot of work outside the room, like when I get home and stuff like that on like what bits I want to do for my character, you know, what what I kind of want to bring to the role and what I want to do differently to other people maybe that have done it or maybe similar.

[10:05] Jaydon Vijn: So, yeah, there was a lot of it. And I think it really is why it's so magical.

[10:10] Mike Abrams: Tell me some of those differences. What are those things that you are bringing to Tugger that maybe others haven't or that are, you know, for you different?

[10:19] Jaydon Vijn: I think one of the main things and I think this is probably a true thing, too. I think like what I liked about this production and when we were in rehearsals is that, you know, we weren't afraid to go into, I guess, a bit of a darker cats, you know what I mean? And not like not to, you know, just like happy all the time and blah, blah, blah, like, you know, not that the original was, but I think it's really nice to kind of delve into like darker emotion, maybe kind of more adult themes. And I think that was encouraged as well, which is really nice. And so there was definitely areas of the character that I thought, you know, hey, if you go further, like I think he's he's definitely he's a naughty cat. You know, we always know that like that's that there's nothing new there with with old tugs, but he's deaf. Yeah, I like to play in quite adult and yeah, quite, quite dark and mysterious. I guess quite sexual of a cat.

[11:15] Jaydon Vijn: I think the most exciting part about playing Rum Tum Tugger is that he has this incredible energy and charisma that just draws people in. It’s a dream role for me, and I’ve always wanted to portray him since I first saw the show in college.

[11:45] Jaydon Vijn: The audition process was really interesting because it revealed a lot about the choreography and how the production is being reimagined. The way Drew McOnie has approached the choreography feels fresh while still honoring the original material.

[12:15] Jaydon Vijn: One of the unique aspects of this production is the idea of each cat having a different life out of the nine lives, which adds depth to the storytelling. It’s a really interesting way of thinking about the characters and their journeys.

[12:45] Jaydon Vijn: I think Tugger’s character is quite complex. He has this playful side, but there’s also a darker, more adult interpretation that I’m excited to explore. It’s about finding that balance between the fun and the more serious elements of his personality.

[12:52] Jaydon Vijn: The outdoor theater experience at Regent's Park adds another layer to the performance. The atmosphere is magical, and it really enhances the connection between the audience and the performers.

[12:59] Jaydon Vijn: The costumes and makeup in this production are also quite striking. They’ve given Tugger a new look that reflects his personality while still being true to the character’s essence.

[13:06] Jaydon Vijn: Tugger’s relationships with other characters, like Bombalurina and Munkustrap, are really important to the story. There’s a dynamic there that I think will resonate with the audience, especially with the mentorship bond he has with Mistoffelees.

[13:12] Jaydon Vijn: I love the way this production focuses on the relationships between the characters. It adds a layer of depth to the narrative that I think audiences will really appreciate.

[13:19] Jaydon Vijn: My favorite moments in the show are when Tugger interacts with the other cats. Those scenes are filled with energy and really showcase the character’s charm.

[13:26] Jaydon Vijn: Overall, I think this revival is going to surprise a lot of people. It feels like a fresh take on a classic, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.

[13:33] Jaydon Vijn: The blend of storytelling and choreography in this production is something I’m really proud to be a part of. It’s a unique interpretation that honors the original while bringing something new to the table.

[14:09] Jaydon Vijn: I’m excited for everyone to see how we’ve reimagined the characters and their stories. It’s going to be a memorable experience for both the cast and the audience.

[14:16] Jaydon Vijn: The energy in the theater is palpable, and I think that’s going to translate into a fantastic performance.

[14:23] Jaydon Vijn: I believe that the audience will leave feeling a connection to the characters and the story, which is what we aim for in this production.

[14:30] Jaydon Vijn: It’s an honor to be part of such an iconic show, and I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with everyone.

[14:36] Jaydon Vijn: The journey of bringing Tugger to life has been incredible, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore this character in depth.

[14:43] Jaydon Vijn: I think audiences will appreciate the nuances we’ve added to the character dynamics, making them feel more relatable and real.

[14:50] Jaydon Vijn: The outdoor setting of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre really enhances the overall experience, creating a unique atmosphere for the performance.

[14:57] Jaydon Vijn: I’m looking forward to seeing how the audience reacts to the new interpretations of these beloved characters.

[15:03] Jaydon Vijn: It’s a thrilling experience to be part of a production that pushes boundaries while still respecting the original material.

[15:10] Jaydon Vijn: I think this revival will resonate with both longtime fans of CATS and newcomers alike.

[15:17] Jaydon Vijn: The collaboration with the creative team has been inspiring, and I believe it will reflect in our performances.

[15:24] Jaydon Vijn: I can’t wait for everyone to see the hard work we’ve put into this production.

[15:30] Jaydon Vijn: It’s going to be a show that people will talk about long after they’ve seen it.

[16:00] Jaydon Vijn: I’m excited to share this journey with the audience and hope they enjoy the show as much as we enjoy performing it.

[16:30] Jaydon Vijn: The character of Tugger is so multifaceted, and I’m thrilled to dive into those complexities.

[17:00] Jaydon Vijn: I believe that this production will bring a fresh perspective to the story while still honoring the legacy of CATS.

[17:30] Jaydon Vijn: The relationships between the characters are at the heart of the story, and I think we’ve done a great job of highlighting that.

[18:00] Jaydon Vijn: I’m looking forward to the audience experiencing the magic of this production in such a beautiful setting.

[18:30] Jaydon Vijn: It’s a unique opportunity to bring this classic to life in a new way, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

[19:00] Jaydon Vijn: I think the audience will leave with a renewed appreciation for the characters and their stories.

[19:30] Jaydon Vijn: This production is about connection, both between the characters and with the audience, and I can’t wait to share that.

[20:00] Jaydon Vijn: I hope everyone comes to see the show and experiences the magic of CATS in a whole new light.

[20:30] Jaydon Vijn: It’s going to be an unforgettable experience, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

[21:00] Jaydon Vijn: Thank you for having me on the podcast. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created.

[21:30] Jaydon Vijn: I hope to see you all at the theater!

[22:00] Jett: Thanks for sharing your insights, Jaydon. It’s been a pleasure having you on the show.

[22:30] Jaydon Vijn: Thank you!

[22:31] Jaydon Vijn: You know, I've always loved Rum Tum Tugger. I think he’s such a complex character, and getting to play him in this reimagined production has been a dream come true for me. The way Drew McOnie has approached the choreography really allows for a fresh take on Tugger while still honoring the original essence of the character.

[23:01] Jaydon Vijn: One of the most interesting aspects of this production is how we explore the "nine lives" concept for each cat. It adds depth to the characters and allows us to tell their stories in a more nuanced way. Tugger, in particular, has such a rich backstory that we get to delve into, which makes the performance even more engaging.

[23:31] Jaydon Vijn: The audition process was eye-opening as well. It revealed how much emphasis is placed on the choreography and the storytelling. I felt like I was part of something really special from the very beginning, and I knew this production was going to be different.

[24:01] Jaydon Vijn: Performing outdoors at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre adds another layer to the experience. The atmosphere is electric, and it feels like the audience is right there with us, experiencing the story in a unique way. It’s a different kind of energy compared to a traditional theater setting.

[24:31] Jaydon Vijn: The costumes and makeup have also been reimagined, which is exciting. Tugger’s look is more modern and edgy, which fits the darker interpretation we’re exploring. It’s important for the visual elements to reflect the character’s complexity and the themes of the show.

[25:01] Jaydon Vijn: Tugger’s relationships with other characters are pivotal to the story. His dynamic with Bombalurina is particularly interesting, as there’s a flirtatious tension that adds to the narrative. Then you have Munkustrap, who serves as a sort of anchor for Tugger, and Old Deuteronomy, who represents wisdom and guidance.

[25:31] Jaydon Vijn: I also love the mentorship-style bond Tugger has with Mistoffelees. It’s a different take on their relationship, and it adds depth to both characters. Tugger is often seen as the confident, carefree cat, but there’s a vulnerability that comes through in these interactions.

[26:01] Jaydon Vijn: I think this darker, more adult interpretation of Tugger allows the audience to see a different side of him. He’s not just the playful, mischievous cat; there’s a complexity that makes him relatable and real. It’s been a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding to explore that.

[26:31] Jaydon Vijn: One of my favorite moments in the show is when Tugger really connects with the audience. It’s that moment of breaking the fourth wall and inviting them into his world. It’s exhilarating to see their reactions and feel that connection.

[27:01] Jaydon Vijn: I also enjoy the rapid-fire moments in the show where Tugger gets to showcase his charisma and charm. Those moments are fun to perform and really highlight the character’s personality.

[27:31] Jaydon Vijn: Overall, I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this production. It’s a unique experience that allows me to grow as a performer while bringing a beloved character to life in a new way. I can’t wait for audiences to see it.

[28:01] Jaydon Vijn: The feedback we’ve received so far has been amazing. People are really responding to the fresh take on the story and the characters. It’s exciting to be part of something that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

[28:31] Jaydon Vijn: I think the key to this production is that it honors the original while also pushing boundaries. It’s a delicate balance, but I believe we’ve found a way to do that successfully.

[29:01] Jaydon Vijn: I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences continue to react as we perform throughout the season. Each show feels like a new adventure, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with such a talented cast and crew.

[29:31] Jaydon Vijn: It’s also been great to connect with fans of CATS who come to see the show. Their enthusiasm and passion for the characters and the story are infectious, and it reminds me why I fell in love with this musical in the first place.

[30:01] Jaydon Vijn: I think that’s what makes theater so special—the ability to connect with people through storytelling. It’s a shared experience that can evoke a wide range of emotions, and I’m proud to be part of that.

[30:21] Jaydon Vijn: As we continue to perform, I hope to keep discovering new layers to Tugger and the other characters. There’s always something new to explore, and that’s what keeps it exciting for me as a performer.

[30:41] Jaydon Vijn: I’m also excited about the potential for future projects and collaborations. The world of theater is ever-evolving, and I’m eager to see where it takes me next.

[31:01] Jaydon Vijn: Thank you for having me on the podcast. It’s been a pleasure sharing my experiences and thoughts about playing Rum Tum Tugger in this incredible production.

[31:21] Jaydon Vijn: I hope everyone gets a chance to see CATS at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. It’s a unique experience that I believe will leave a lasting impression.

[31:41] Jaydon Vijn: And remember, every cat has their own story, and I’m thrilled to be telling Tugger’s in this new light.

[32:01] Jaydon Vijn: Thanks again for the opportunity to chat about this amazing role and the production. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

[32:21] Jaydon Vijn: If you want to follow my journey, you can find me on Instagram at @jay.vijn. I’d love to connect with fellow CATS fans!

[32:41] Jaydon Vijn: And don’t forget to check out the show at openairtheatre.com. It’s going to be a fantastic season!

[33:01] Jaydon Vijn: Thanks for listening, everyone!

[33:47] Jaydon Vijn: I think Rum Tum Tugger is such a fascinating character because he embodies this duality of being both playful and a bit darker. He has this charm that draws everyone in, but there's also a complexity to him that I really want to explore in this production.

[34:17] Jaydon Vijn: My journey with CATS started back in dance college, where I first fell in love with the music and the choreography. I always dreamed of playing Rum Tum Tugger because he’s such a dynamic character, and I feel like I can bring my own interpretation to him.

[34:47] Jaydon Vijn: The audition process was really revealing. It showed me how the choreography in this reimagined production is not just about the movement but also about telling a story. Each cat has their own unique life, and that really adds depth to the performance.

[35:17] Jaydon Vijn: This revival feels fresh while still honoring the original. We’re focusing on storytelling in a way that connects the audience to the characters on a deeper level. It’s exciting to be part of something that feels both new and familiar.

[35:47] Jaydon Vijn: One of the interesting aspects of Tugger is his relationships with other characters. His dynamic with Bombalurina is particularly intriguing, as it adds layers to his personality. There’s a flirtation there, but also a sense of rivalry.

[36:18] Jaydon Vijn: Then there’s Munkustrap, who acts as a sort of leader among the cats. Tugger’s relationship with him is more complex, as they have a history together. It’s like Tugger is always testing boundaries, which creates tension and excitement.

[36:23] Jaydon Vijn: Old Deuteronomy is another key figure in Tugger’s life. There’s a respect there, but also a sense of Tugger wanting to break free from expectations. It’s a push and pull that I find really compelling.

[36:47] Jaydon Vijn: And then there’s Mistoffelees, who has this mentorship-style bond with Tugger. It’s interesting to explore how Tugger can be both a mentor and a bit of a troublemaker, which adds depth to their interactions.

[37:07] Jaydon Vijn: I’m also leaning into a darker, more adult interpretation of Tugger. I think it’s important to show that he’s not just a playful character; he has layers of complexity that can resonate with adult audiences.

[37:37] Jaydon Vijn: Performing in an outdoor theater like Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre adds another layer to the experience. The environment influences how we connect with the audience, and it creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the storytelling.

[37:57] Jaydon Vijn: The costumes and makeup in this production are also a big part of how we portray the characters. They help to establish the look and feel of each cat, and I think Tugger’s new look really reflects his personality.

[38:27] Jaydon Vijn: One of my favorite moments in the show is when Tugger interacts with the other cats. The energy shifts, and you can feel the audience’s reaction. It’s those moments that really make the performance special.

[38:57] Jaydon Vijn: I also love the rapid-fire exchanges between characters. They create a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps the audience engaged. It’s a fun challenge to keep up with the pace while still delivering the emotional depth.

[39:27] Jaydon Vijn: Overall, I think this production of CATS is going to surprise people. It’s not just a revival; it’s a reimagining that brings new life to the characters and their stories.

[39:57] Jaydon Vijn: I’m really excited for audiences to see how we’ve approached Tugger and the other characters. There’s so much to discover, and I think people will leave the theater with a fresh perspective on the show.

[40:16] Jaydon Vijn: I hope that by exploring these relationships and the darker aspects of Tugger, we can create a more nuanced portrayal that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers to CATS.

[40:46] Jaydon Vijn: It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I can’t wait to share this version of CATS with everyone. The energy in the rehearsal room is electric, and I think that will translate to the stage.

[41:16] Jaydon Vijn: I also want to highlight how important it is to connect with the audience. We’re not just performing for them; we’re inviting them into this world of cats and their stories.

[41:36] Jaydon Vijn: I think that’s what makes theater so special. It’s a shared experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences react to our interpretation of these beloved characters.

[42:06] Jaydon Vijn: As we continue to refine our performances, I’m excited to see how Tugger evolves. Each show is a new opportunity to explore and discover different facets of the character.

[42:36] Jaydon Vijn: Ultimately, I hope that people leave the theater feeling a connection to Tugger and the other cats. It’s about more than just the performance; it’s about the emotional journey we take together.

[43:06] Jaydon Vijn: I think that’s what makes this production stand out. We’re not just recreating a classic; we’re breathing new life into it and inviting audiences to experience it in a whole new way.

[43:36] Jaydon Vijn: I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on. It’s going to be a memorable experience, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

[44:06] Jaydon Vijn: Thank you for having me on the podcast. I’m really looking forward to sharing more about Tugger and the production as we get closer to opening night.

[44:36] Jaydon Vijn: Be sure to follow along on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes looks at the show. It’s going to be an exciting journey!