This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Mike Abrams: There's a cat over here. There's a cat over there. And the wrong one died. And the wrong one died.

[0:18] Mike Abrams: Welcome to The Wrong Cat Died, the podcast breakdown of Catastrophe. I'm your host, Mike Abrams, and today we have a little bit of a different guest.

[0:24] Mike Abrams: She's a political cartoonist and satirist from Washington, D.C. She has written many CATS parodies and probably is the only person that I've seen write a positive review on the 2019 movie. So, welcome Alexandra Bowman. Thank you for joining me.

[0:39] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you so much, Mike. This is a massive honor. Like you said, I am not a cast member. I am a 22-year-old punk who has written some articles that I find entertaining. I hope others do as well. And I'm eager just to talk about, I guess, what the experience of writing those is like and being like a CATS evangelist in my friend circles. And frankly, it's really, it's relieving to speak with you because I fall into like a just hideous variant on the main character syndrome where I feel like I am the only CATS fan in the world. So, it's good to know there are other people.

[1:13] Mike Abrams: There are. So, it's interesting because there are a lot of CATS super fans, like extreme fans. And then there's like a group that enjoys the show. And then there's a bunch of people that hate it. But everyone that hates it has never, I've never met anybody that's given me a real reason. It's just like it's not their thing.

[1:31] Alexandra Bowman: Yeah. Yeah. From what I can tell from an unfortunate quantity of conversations I've had with friends is they hate this idea that it was so financially successful and so widely viewed despite having what they would call heavy air quotes, no plot. They're angry at the success. And I think hatred or dislike for something often comes from some kind of envy or it's like you're not even a playwright. You don't even write musicals. What are you envious about? But it's this hatred at this group of masses that they can't even name. It's something like that.

[2:07] Mike Abrams: That's an interesting piece because it's like I've never – I don't even know how to describe myself. I don't know if I call myself a fan. I don't hate it.

[2:15] Alexandra Bowman: You run a podcast.

[2:17] Mike Abrams: I feel like I know a lot about it. I've learned a lot about it. And I'm in the boat of where I think it was written wrong. I didn't like the fact that there was no plot. But I never really thought that that's a reason to hate it. Kudos. Make that money. Keep cashing those checks.

[2:35] Alexandra Bowman: Correct.

[2:36] Mike Abrams: But it is interesting because it's just like it is not everyone's cup of tea because it is a neat, tidy plot. And it's kind of strange. And that part is where I get like it's an easy punchline, hence a show like this. But let's start at the beginning. When did you first see it? Did you see it as a kid? Did you see it as an adult?

[2:55] Alexandra Bowman: Yeah. Actually, I was interning at the Library of Congress in 2019 in the summer. And I was one day just sent to do work in the main atrium room. So I had time to be free on Twitter and kind of go off task. And the trailer came out that day. And it was the day that the trailer came out that sucked me in.

[3:13] Alexandra Bowman: I had realized a couple months later that my grandpa had given me Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats years ago. And he had mentioned there was some larger pop culture attachment to it, but I didn't really know what he meant. And I've been taking piano lessons since like age five. And my teacher once mentioned there was a musical about cats. So I was aware of it. But the trailer was just so captivating.

[3:38] Alexandra Bowman: And I mean that as a joke, obviously, but I also was like, I can't believe there's a musical about fluffy animals. That's so cool.

[3:47] Mike Abrams: And you never saw a stage production. You didn't even know really, you had a loose idea that existed. And the 2019 trailer, the movie trailer is what, that is probably the only good news I've heard coming from the movie, is that it created a fan.

[4:04] Alexandra Bowman: Oh, very much. Yeah, I just, I learned very quickly what it was. I watched the trailer a couple times and did some research, kind of a rabbit hole that day. And then I realized very quickly that it was based on a book of whimsical, like, British American, but we'll just say British, you know, British children's poetry about cats.

[4:22] Alexandra Bowman: And I have loved Beatrix Potter since age five, you know, I, I guess my first crush was Geronimo Stilton, you know, I love the idea that anthropomorphic animals can be used to make like morality tales more accessible for a wide audience. And so the idea that there was this like juxtaposition of, this was something I wrote in one of the articles I did for the Broadway Beat, like this glorious juxtaposition of the formal and the stupid. And it was also wildly successful. And it was also something that I could use as a personality trait for years to come. So it was that a conglomeration of things that kind of drew me in.

[4:58] Mike Abrams: Wait, did you see the 2019 movie before you've ever seen, have you seen a stage production of it yet?

[5:03] Alexandra Bowman: A production actually I have a bulletin board behind my laptop and I have my ticket from the Kennedy Center. I saw it in October 2019 at the Kennedy Center. So I saw the stage production a month before. I think I had like I went on a trip to Germany with my family, my dad was on a business trip and like throughout that trip I listened to Beautiful Ghosts like over and over and over again.

[5:25] Alexandra Bowman: And that was I think early November. So yeah, I saw, I'm grateful that like God at least gave me the stage production so I had something to go off of and wasn't completely turned off by the movie.

[5:36] Mike Abrams: Yeah, so you would have saw the touring cast from the touring cast six before because that was a group that went that got like abruptly ended by COVID and you saw it in DC. Okay, so you got to like you basically went all in in 2019. It's like stage production trailer to the movie.

[5:54] Alexandra Bowman: Correct. Correct.

[5:56] Mike Abrams: And it became your personality.

[5:59] Alexandra Bowman: I'm allowed to make that joke.

[6:04] Alexandra Bowman: It became it as I kind of wrote in one of those articles that I wrote it's just shocking how so much of the show's ethos matches up with my pre-existing personality and I, I know that's something that really centers me but I just love anthropomorphic animal stories I love musical music's music that is like bombastic and expressive that a variety of styles like it I love the article. Let's see if this doesn't take too long.

[6:35] Alexandra Bowman: So this is for everyone that's listening. This is the Broadway Beat article right this is correct. Yeah, which is which is a parody Broadway.

[6:44] Mike Abrams: Like, is it a website I mean I've always seen it on social media.

[6:55] Alexandra Bowman: Yeah, it's a like satire publication kind of reminds me the onion. It's the onion but for theater. And they. Yeah, we have a slack. We pitch headlines in the slack they tell us at the end of the week which ones get selected, and I wrote a headline basically we pitch headlines and then if the headlines are accepted they tell us to go write the articles.

[7:08] Alexandra Bowman: And so I pay you for this, they pay me, I want to not shame my boss I won't tell you how much or no no I literally pay me but I mean I say that because they barely pay us but we do get paid.

[7:21] Mike Abrams: Okay.

[7:23] Alexandra Bowman: I feel like this is my wheelhouse I feel like I should be writing for them.

[7:26] Mike Abrams: Oh gosh yes you should you absolutely should please and I know they've changed their system but I know that originally I need to check what it is now. You had to send in five pitches. Again, I don't know what it is now so I don't even know if this is helpful practical information, but you had to send in five pitches if they accepted one then you became a contributing writer and didn't have to send in five anymore.

[7:48] Alexandra Bowman: But to not drive my editor nuts I just always sent them in in groups of 10, and then like a month ago we moved to slack and so now we just send them all in slack and then at the end of the week, our editor will put up a doc based on like a editor leadership meeting and tell us which ones they want articles for.

[8:04] Alexandra Bowman: But I was in the old guard.

[8:07] Mike Abrams: As I'm like six months ago.

[8:10] Alexandra Bowman: Yeah, yeah.

[8:12] Alexandra Bowman: Headlines all day, please. I mean, they have a timely headline pitch section, and then like a normal ones. These will eternally be relevant.

[8:22] Mike Abrams: So, there's demand for all kinds of content, and I'm sure the cast content is, there's just so much.

[8:30] Alexandra Bowman: I've been able to write so much because there's just unlimited fodder it's a tragic amount of fodder for for punching down but if you're punching down at yourself, it's fine so yeah the the headline I wrote was local woman's personality just dripping with quote allowed to see cats too young.

[8:47] Alexandra Bowman: So, I'll just preface this by saying like I mentioned that I found out about it personally in November, summer 2019 when the trailer came out but I was just astounded as I was writing this just again, how much of my preset personality matched with that of the ethos of the show, if you will.

[9:05] Alexandra Bowman: I can read a little bit do I mean, is that okay.

[9:09] Alexandra Bowman: Just to give some, give some preface to is this I got sent this by multiple different people.

[9:14] Alexandra Bowman: And I'm in the, in the small little circle that I live in where I'm the main character I'm the cat's person. I got sent it and it was hilarious and I want you to read a little bit of it and then I realized, which is why we're talking today is that when I got to your website and some of the stuff you've done is I read some of the other things that also got sent to me a while before that no one piece together like even your, you have a cartoon with with Buster for Jones and James Corden.

[9:45] Alexandra Bowman: And even like that I was like, I remember seeing this someone sent this to me like when the movie came out. And so a lot of this stuff has come together to where it's like very clear that your satire is right in the same wheelhouse that I like to live.

[9:57] Mike Abrams: So it's perfect. So, so share a little bit because everyone that is listening to this is likely a cat's fan that will hopefully find a lot of this very humorous.

[10:08] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you. And also just very briefly like it is so wonderful to hear that because I post a lot on social media and many or most if not all of my biggest resume bullets that I'm most proud of and I'm again I'm like I'm a 22 year old I'm a Georgetown senior I'm graduating in a week, like literally a week to the day, and I spend a lot of time on social media and all a lot of my biggest jobs have come as a result of Twitter so I've been able to justify my continued over usage of social media. It means a lot to hear that I'm not just posting into the void and to be reassured that it's actually brightening people's lives.

[10:42] Alexandra Bowman: Oh Lord what a relief but yeah, subscribe.

[10:45] Mike Abrams: Exactly. So, um, uh, there's so much good stuff here I'm trying to figure out what to say it's not that long you just stopped me when you want me to stop.

[10:54] Alexandra Bowman: Fantastic. All right, I'll try to do this without laughing at my own jokes.

[11:25] Alexandra Bowman: I'm a furry in the way Beatrix Potter was a furry see, I think anthropomorphic animals are an ideal way for artists and writers to convey meaning through metaphors that are easy to comprehend in line with literary tradition, and utterly charming to children and adults alike. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish my paper on TS Eliot for my Georgetown masters in English. Now of course I didn't understand a word of The Wasteland, this paper is on.

[11:51] Alexandra Bowman: Oh, you know, paragraph right. According to local friend of Brownman Betty Carlton's as a friend on one of my friends names who's a hater, all of Brownman's deepest interest juxtapose the formal and the stupid quote she's simultaneously is interested in methods of literary critical theory as she is in videos of cute furry animals animals slamming into glass doors thinking they were windows said Carlton, holding her head in her hands and staring at a chessboard to communicate the image of a smart person engaging with perplexity.

[12:18] Alexandra Bowman: And also, I don't know why she feels the need to explain all the time she's not crazy and the cats is really mainstream, no one's critiquing it. Oh, and every time she texts me about cats I tell her she's insane need to stop before I block her.

[12:30] Alexandra Bowman: Brownman's piano teacher john Ferguson play on my Joan Ferguson, it was my teacher noted that much of bro. And I made a typo I wrote Bowman and then my editor didn't catch it so it says Bowman, and then much of the much of Brownman's artistic taste also seems to juxtapose the taste of the masses, as well as those with an eye for the classic and complex. She's fascinated by boldness and spectacle with a healthy sense of tradition and technical intricacy. She's fascinated by a vast eclectic variety of artistic styles all with this definitive sense of flashy spectacle and desire to shock through vivid characterization.

[13:03] Alexandra Bowman: Quote, she seems to be drawn towards media that are an acquired taste but simultaneously benefit from mainstream media.

[13:08] Alexandra Bowman: I think the first time I saw CATS was actually the 2019 movie. I had never seen the stage show before that, and I was just completely blown away by it. I loved the visuals, the music, and the overall vibe of it. It was just so whimsical and strange, and I really connected with that.

[13:38] Alexandra Bowman: After watching the movie, I dove into the world of CATS. I started reading about the characters, the history of the musical, and I even began writing parody articles about it. I found that there was so much to explore, and I loved how passionate the fanbase was. It felt like I had stumbled into this secret world that I never knew existed.

[14:08] Alexandra Bowman: One of the things that really struck me was how much of the show's ethos matched my personality. I’ve always been drawn to the quirky and the unconventional, and CATS embodies that in such a unique way. The characters are all so distinct and have their own stories, which I found really fascinating.

[14:38] Alexandra Bowman: I also started cosplaying as some of the characters. It was a fun way to express my love for the show and connect with other fans. I think Munkustrap is my favorite character to cosplay because he has such a strong presence and is a natural leader among the Jellicles. Plus, I love his design!

[15:08] Alexandra Bowman: When it comes to the 2019 movie, I know it received a lot of criticism, but I genuinely loved it. I think it brought a fresh perspective to the material and introduced CATS to a whole new audience. There’s something about the way the movie captured the essence of the characters that really resonated with me.

[15:38] Alexandra Bowman: I understand why some people might not have liked it, but I think it’s important to appreciate the creativity and effort that went into making it. The visuals were stunning, and the performances were so heartfelt. I think it’s a great entry point for new fans.

[16:08] Alexandra Bowman: I also love how the movie allowed for a deeper exploration of the characters' backstories. It gave us a chance to see them in a new light and understand their motivations better. For example, I think Munkustrap's role was expanded in a way that made him even more compelling.

[16:38] Alexandra Bowman: I’ve written several parody articles about the movie, and it’s been a fun way to engage with the material. I think humor is a great way to connect with something, especially when it’s as whimsical as CATS. It allows us to celebrate the absurdity of it all while also critiquing it.

[17:08] Alexandra Bowman: I think Munkustrap is my Jellicle choice because he embodies a lot of the qualities I admire. He’s brave, loyal, and has a strong sense of duty. He’s always looking out for the other Jellicles, and I think that’s such an admirable trait. Plus, he has some great moments in the musical that really showcase his character.

[17:13] Alexandra Bowman: I also appreciate how Munkustrap balances the chaos of the Jellicle Ball. He’s the one who keeps everything in line and makes sure that everyone is accounted for. It’s a tough job, but he handles it with grace and strength.

[17:18] Alexandra Bowman: I think there’s a lot to be said for the leadership qualities he exhibits. In a way, he’s like the glue that holds the group together. Without him, I think the Jellicles would be a lot more chaotic, and the story wouldn’t have the same impact.

[17:23] Alexandra Bowman: Overall, I just think Munkustrap is a fascinating character with a lot of depth. He’s not just a background character; he plays a crucial role in the narrative, and I love that about him.

[17:28] Alexandra Bowman: I also think it’s interesting how different fans connect with different characters. Everyone has their own favorites, and that diversity of opinion is what makes the CATS community so vibrant. It’s great to see people passionately defending their choices and sharing their interpretations.

[17:33] Alexandra Bowman: I think that’s one of the reasons why I love being a part of this community. There’s so much room for discussion and debate, and it’s always enlightening to hear other people’s perspectives. It really enriches the experience of being a fan.

[17:38] Alexandra Bowman: Plus, it’s just fun to get together with other fans and celebrate our love for CATS. Whether it’s through cosplay, fan art, or just chatting about our favorite moments, there’s a sense of camaraderie that makes it all the more enjoyable.

[17:43] Alexandra Bowman: I think the 2019 movie really opened the door for a new generation of fans, and I’m excited to see how the community continues to grow. There’s so much potential for creativity and collaboration, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

[17:48] Alexandra Bowman: I also think it’s important to acknowledge the impact that CATS has had on musical theatre as a whole. It’s such a unique piece of art that has inspired countless other works, and I think that legacy is something worth celebrating.

[17:53] Alexandra Bowman: Overall, I’m just really grateful to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to share my love for CATS with others. It’s been a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

[17:58] Alexandra Bowman: Whether it’s through writing, cosplaying, or just chatting with fellow fans, I’m excited to continue exploring the world of CATS and all the magic it has to offer.

[18:03] Alexandra Bowman: I think there’s something truly special about the way CATS brings people together. It’s a testament to the power of art and storytelling, and I’m proud to be a part of that narrative.

[18:08] Alexandra Bowman: So, if you’re a fan of CATS, I encourage you to dive in and explore all the different aspects of it. There’s so much to discover, and you never know what might resonate with you.

[18:13] Alexandra Bowman: Whether it’s the music, the characters, or the visuals, there’s something for everyone in CATS. It’s a world that’s just waiting to be explored, and I can’t wait to see what new fans will bring to the table.

[18:18] Alexandra Bowman: I think that’s what makes being a fan so exciting. There’s always something new to learn, and every perspective adds to the richness of the experience.

[18:23] Alexandra Bowman: So, here’s to CATS and all the joy it brings to our lives. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with all of you!

[18:28] Alexandra Bowman: And if you ever want to chat about CATS or share your own experiences, feel free to reach out! I love connecting with fellow fans and hearing your stories.

[18:58] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you for having me on the podcast! It’s been a pleasure sharing my thoughts and experiences with you.

[19:28] Alexandra Bowman: I hope everyone continues to enjoy CATS in all its forms, and remember to embrace the whimsy and creativity that it offers.

[19:58] Alexandra Bowman: Until next time, keep celebrating the magic of CATS!

[20:28] Alexandra Bowman: And don’t forget to check out my parody articles and cosplay on social media! I’d love to see your interpretations as well.

[20:58] Alexandra Bowman: Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to explore the wonderful world of CATS together!

[21:28] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you again for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us in the CATS community.

[21:58] Alexandra Bowman: Remember, there’s always room for more fans, so spread the word and let’s keep the love for CATS alive!

[22:28] Alexandra Bowman: Until next time, take care and keep celebrating the joy of musical theatre!

[22:58] Alexandra Bowman: I’m excited to see where this journey takes us all, and I hope to connect with even more fans along the way.

[23:28] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoyed our discussion today!

[23:58] Alexandra Bowman: Let’s keep the spirit of CATS alive and continue to share our love for this incredible musical!

[24:28] Alexandra Bowman: I’m looking forward to more conversations and collaborations in the future!

[24:58] Alexandra Bowman: And remember, there’s always something new to discover in the world of CATS!

[25:28] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you once again for having me, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for all of us!

[25:58] Alexandra Bowman: Until next time, keep embracing the magic of CATS!

[26:17] Alexandra Bowman: It's shocking how much of the show's ethos matches my personality.

[26:27] Mike Abrams: That's so interesting.

[26:37] Alexandra Bowman: I mean, I was introduced to CATS through the 2019 movie, and I loved it!

[26:47] Mike Abrams: Really?

[26:57] Alexandra Bowman: Yes! I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about it, but I found it to be a really fun experience.

[27:07] Mike Abrams: What do you think it was that drew you in?

[27:17] Alexandra Bowman: I think it was the visuals and the music. The way they brought the characters to life was just captivating.

[27:27] Mike Abrams: That's a great point.

[27:37] Alexandra Bowman: Plus, I love a good musical number, and CATS has so many iconic songs.

[27:47] Mike Abrams: Absolutely.

[27:57] Alexandra Bowman: I've even written multiple parody articles about both the movie and the musical.

[28:07] Mike Abrams: Oh, I would love to hear more about those!

[28:17] Alexandra Bowman: Sure! I enjoy taking a satirical look at the things I love, and CATS is no exception.

[28:27] Mike Abrams: That's fantastic.

[28:37] Alexandra Bowman: And I also do some CATS cosplay, which has been a lot of fun.

[28:47] Mike Abrams: What character do you usually go as?

[28:57] Alexandra Bowman: I typically go as Munkustrap.

[29:07] Mike Abrams: Great choice!

[29:17] Alexandra Bowman: I feel a strong connection to him, and I think he deserves more recognition.

[29:27] Mike Abrams: I agree!

[29:37] Alexandra Bowman: He has such a pivotal role in the story, and I think he often gets overshadowed.

[29:47] Mike Abrams: Definitely.

[29:57] Alexandra Bowman: I mean, he’s the protector of the Jellicles, and he has such depth to his character.

[30:07] Mike Abrams: That's a really good point.

[30:17] Alexandra Bowman: Plus, his songs are just so powerful.

[30:27] Mike Abrams: Yes!

[30:37] Alexandra Bowman: I think people often overlook how much he contributes to the overall narrative.

[30:47] Mike Abrams: For sure.

[30:57] Alexandra Bowman: And in the 2019 movie, I think they did a great job of showcasing him.

[31:07] Mike Abrams: I agree!

[31:17] Alexandra Bowman: It really brought a new dimension to his character that I appreciated.

[31:27] Mike Abrams: That's awesome to hear.

[31:37] Alexandra Bowman: I think the film sparked a lot of conversations about the characters and their roles.

[31:47] Mike Abrams: Absolutely.

[31:57] Alexandra Bowman: It’s interesting to see how different fans interpret the characters.

[32:07] Mike Abrams: Yes, there’s so much to unpack!

[32:17] Alexandra Bowman: And I love hearing everyone's perspectives on it.

[32:27] Mike Abrams: Me too!

[32:37] Alexandra Bowman: It really shows how diverse the fanbase is.

[32:47] Mike Abrams: Definitely.

[32:57] Alexandra Bowman: And it’s great to see people passionate about something like CATS.

[33:07] Mike Abrams: For sure!

[33:17] Alexandra Bowman: It’s such a unique show, and it resonates with so many people in different ways.

[33:27] Mike Abrams: That’s what makes it special.

[33:37] Alexandra Bowman: Exactly!

[33:47] Mike Abrams: So, what do you think about the music in the 2019 movie?

[33:57] Alexandra Bowman: I loved it!

[34:07] Mike Abrams: Really?

[34:17] Alexandra Bowman: Yes! I thought the arrangements were fresh and exciting.

[34:27] Mike Abrams: That’s a great take.

[34:37] Alexandra Bowman: And the performances were just phenomenal.

[34:47] Mike Abrams: I agree!

[34:57] Alexandra Bowman: It really brought a new life to the songs we all know and love.

[35:07] Mike Abrams: Absolutely.

[35:17] Alexandra Bowman: I think it’s important to keep the music evolving while still honoring the original.

[35:27] Mike Abrams: That’s a great point.

[35:37] Alexandra Bowman: And I think they did a good job of balancing that in the movie.

[35:47] Mike Abrams: I agree!

[35:57] Alexandra Bowman: It’s always a challenge, but I think they succeeded.

[36:07] Mike Abrams: Definitely.

[36:17] Alexandra Bowman: I’m excited to see how the conversation around CATS continues to evolve.

[36:27] Mike Abrams: Me too!

[36:37] Alexandra Bowman: It’s such a rich world to explore.

[36:47] Mike Abrams: Absolutely.

[36:57] Alexandra Bowman: And I think there’s so much more to discover about the characters and their stories.

[37:07] Mike Abrams: For sure!

[37:17] Alexandra Bowman: I can’t wait to see what other fans come up with.

[37:27] Mike Abrams: It’s going to be exciting!

[37:37] Alexandra Bowman: Yes!

[37:47] Mike Abrams: Thanks for sharing your insights, Alexandra.

[38:07] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you for having me!

[38:17] Mike Abrams: It’s been a pleasure.

[38:27] Alexandra Bowman: Likewise!

[38:47] Alexandra Bowman: I look forward to seeing where the conversation goes next.

[39:07] Mike Abrams: Me too!

[39:26] Alexandra Bowman: I'm really excited to be here and talk about CATS. It's such a unique experience, and I feel like every time I dive into it, I discover something new.

[39:56] Mike Abrams: Absolutely! So, let's start with your introduction to CATS. You mentioned that the 2019 movie was your first experience with it. What was that like for you?

[40:16] Alexandra Bowman: It was honestly a whirlwind of emotions. I went in expecting one thing and came out with a completely different perspective. The visuals, the music, everything just captivated me.

[40:46] Mike Abrams: That's interesting! A lot of people have mixed feelings about the movie. What do you think sets it apart from the stage version?

[41:06] Alexandra Bowman: I think the movie brought a different level of accessibility to the story. The CGI and the way they portrayed the characters made it feel more immersive, even if it was a bit jarring at times.

[41:26] Mike Abrams: Right, the visuals were definitely a talking point. Did you have a favorite character from the movie?

[41:36] Alexandra Bowman: I have to say, Munkustrap really stood out to me. His character has so much depth, and I felt a strong connection to him throughout the film.

[41:46] Mike Abrams: Munkustrap is a great choice! What do you think makes him a worthy Jellicle choice?

[41:56] Alexandra Bowman: I believe Munkustrap embodies leadership and loyalty. He’s always looking out for the other cats, and I think that kind of selflessness deserves recognition.

[42:06] Mike Abrams: That's a solid argument! Now, you've also written parody articles about CATS. What inspired you to take that route?

[42:16] Alexandra Bowman: I love satire, and CATS is such a rich source of material. The absurdity of the story and characters lends itself perfectly to parody, and I wanted to explore that in a fun way.

[42:36] Mike Abrams: That sounds like a blast! Can you share a bit about your favorite parody piece you've written?

[42:56] Alexandra Bowman: One of my favorites was a piece where I imagined what a day in the life of a Jellicle cat would be like, complete with all the ridiculousness that comes with it. It was a fun way to highlight the quirks of the characters.

[43:06] Mike Abrams: I love that! It sounds like a great way to engage with the material. Have you done any CATS cosplay as well?

[43:16] Alexandra Bowman: Yes! I actually created a Munkustrap costume for a convention. It was a labor of love, and I had so much fun bringing that character to life.

[43:36] Mike Abrams: That’s amazing! Cosplay can really enhance the experience of fandom. What was the reaction like from other fans?

[43:56] Alexandra Bowman: People were really supportive! It was great to connect with other fans who appreciated the effort and creativity that goes into cosplay.

[44:26] Mike Abrams: That’s wonderful to hear. Now, let’s dive deeper into the 2019 movie. What are some aspects that you think are underrated or overlooked?

[44:56] Alexandra Bowman: I think the choreography is often overshadowed by the CGI. The dancers brought so much energy and skill to their performances, and it deserves more recognition.

[45:16] Mike Abrams: Absolutely! The choreography is a vital part of the storytelling. Did any particular dance sequence stand out to you?

[45:36] Alexandra Bowman: The "Jellicle Ball" sequence was a highlight for me. The way the dancers moved together created such a magical atmosphere, and it really captured the essence of the Jellicle cats.

[46:06] Mike Abrams: That’s a great choice! The energy in that scene is palpable. How do you think the movie's reception compares to the stage show?

[46:26] Alexandra Bowman: The reception has been quite polarized. While some people love the movie for its bold choices, others feel it doesn't capture the magic of the stage. I think both have their merits, but they appeal to different audiences.

[46:36] Mike Abrams: That’s a fair point. It’s interesting how adaptations can evoke such varied responses. What do you hope people take away from the movie?

[47:06] Alexandra Bowman: I hope they see the joy and creativity that went into it. CATS is meant to be fun and whimsical, and I think the movie captures that spirit, even if it’s in a different way.

[47:16] Mike Abrams: Well said! It’s all about the experience. Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts on CATS or the movie?

[47:36] Alexandra Bowman: Just that I think it’s important to embrace the weirdness of CATS. It’s a unique piece of art that invites us to celebrate our quirks and individuality.

[48:06] Mike Abrams: I couldn’t agree more! Thank you so much for joining me today, Alexandra. It’s been a pleasure discussing CATS with you.

[48:16] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you for having me! I had a great time.

[48:26] Mike Abrams: And to our listeners, be sure to check out Alexandra's work and her social media. Until next time, keep celebrating the Jellicle spirit!

[52:36] Alexandra Bowman: You can go and find, I don't know if you'll be able to find it at a local bookstore, but the Gus was Stephen Hanna, I believe is how you say his name? He wrote a diary about his time, like he published his diary during the rehearsals of the Broadway production. And he talks about Griddlebone and Growltiger, because it's a part that was like a big part of him forming it. So it's a book you should, as a fan and English major and all this stuff.

[53:03] Mike Abrams: Growltiger enthusiast.

[53:05] Alexandra Bowman: Let's hear from you. It's like 100 pages. It's really not that long. I read it recently. And it's like his handwritten notes. So it reads like a diary.

[53:14] Mike Abrams: Oh, that's cool. I absolutely should read that. Yeah, hear that listeners? You should read that.

[53:18] Alexandra Bowman: It was hard to find. So I will emphasize that, that like, it's not a well published book anymore. You can find it on that big online retailer for books, but you might be able to find it at a local bookstore. I don't know.

[53:30] Mike Abrams: Yeah, no, definitely. I was on eBay the other day, and I came across, I forget what it's called, you probably know, but some original actor who played Bustopher Jones at a minimum, maybe among other roles, but definitely Bustopher Jones, because he was on the cover, like a cat story or a cat's diary.

[53:43] Alexandra Bowman: That's him. That's Stephen Hannon.

[53:45] Mike Abrams: Oh, that's the one. Because Bustopher Jones is Gus and Bustopher Jones. So the track is called Bus Gus.

[53:52] Alexandra Bowman: Oh, got it. Yeah, so that's the book.

[53:56] Mike Abrams: Yeah, there it is. Okay, great. If you haven't read it, you should. It's great. It was really interesting to read about like hearing it from Joanne Lynn and like what, creating the, because this is basically creating the show at this point. Like it was still early on where they were figuring it out.

[54:12] Alexandra Bowman: Wow. Oh, wonderful. Yeah. Once I get my Georgetown senior ball dress and know how much of a chunk that's taken out of my bank account, I will spend the $5 to buy my copy.

[54:28] Mike Abrams: Thank you. I am frightened. Yeah.

[54:34] Alexandra Bowman: What about favorite song from the show?

[54:35] Mike Abrams: Oh, I love, I think Skimbleshanks. You can't really beat that.

[54:40] Alexandra Bowman: I actually did from an animation project and I know we're running low on time, so I'll keep this brief. But I, for an animation project for Georgetown class, two years ago, we were asked to make an animated music video for some piece of music. And so I chose the movie version of the Overture and I got it. So you might've heard of Copic or Copic markers. It's like alcohol markers. Yeah. So the ink, the idea is like the ink blends when it's on paper. I don't know if that made it different from other inks when put in water, who knows. But basically I took a pan of water and I squirted alcohol marker ink into the water pan, had a camera above it and just slammed the take picture button like as fast as I could.

And then made a stop motion video of the liquid of different colors moving around. And I had that line up with the Overture. And like, to be honest with that thing is one of the, one of my most prized personal pieces of artwork. It's one of the things I'm most proud of. But you know, in terms of, yeah, no, it's on my website. Yeah. It's really cool. It's also on my Instagram, but from a year or two ago, but, um, you know, I, in terms of the songs, I love just the energy of Skimbleshanks is awesome, but there's something just magical about the melodies that enjoyed whoever came up with. It sounds just psycho, but they work so well. If you listen to them enough times, they start to make sense. Raises eyebrows and like, it's a cult, but yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I love it.

[56:12] Mike Abrams: All right. Million dollar question. I've argued at length. I don't think Grizabella was the right jellicle choice. Do you agree with me? Or if you're defending Grizabella, whoever you're defending, I want to hear your rationale for who should go.

[56:28] Alexandra Bowman: Sure. I mean, I think it really depends on the answer to this question really depends on what you think death is and what you think the Heaviside Lair is and your belief in the religion that these cats have chosen to follow. If you think that the Heaviside Lair is in fact, heaven of some kind, like some kind of superior existence, then I think that it should have been monk who strapped simply because of what he did for the tribe and protecting them and guiding them through. I think in terms of having, um, accumulated the most like moral high ground and social capital, I think it should have been him. Uh, if you think it should be, if you think that it's hell or nothing, then the cavity probably, especially if you're going off of the abuse thing. So that, that would be my answer. Is that a reasonable answer?

[57:16] Mike Abrams: I think it's interesting. I've not actually taken that. I've never heard that version. Like, where, what is the, because I think the, the part that makes this so interesting is it's an annual thing. So if it's an annual thing, I always think about criteria of who gets chosen, like who was picked last year, who's picked next year. And so that's a different like interesting way to think about it. It's like, depending on what you think the Heaviside Lair is, because I think most people assume it's a cat being reborn. So it's like, you go and then you come back as something new. And there's some pieces that you could assume in there. Like I've heard assumptions that Victoria was last year's and that's why she's the new kind of young.

I've heard of some, I also think there's like a baby Grizz that dances in the opening number and the current show. I think they needed another ensemble character, but I'm like, is that foreshadowing her being choice? Because that's her reborn character. So there's like some stuff like that, that can go. But if you think about it that way, it does give a different question of like, who's worthy based on that. And that is, yeah, the Monkey Chef is probably your answer there.

[58:19] Alexandra Bowman: Yeah, he seems to have done the most for the common good. And in terms of deserving some reward for that, if the only available reward, besides food or a trip to the dumpster where Buster Jones gets his food, if that's the only available reward on the table, then yes, dying and being reborn would be the best option.

[58:43] Mike Abrams: Yeah, I love it. I think you got a different way to think about it, which I like.

[58:49] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you.

[58:51] Mike Abrams: Does that answer, is it you're still the same answer for the movie, for the 2019 movie? Is Monkey Chef still your choice there?

[58:57] Alexandra Bowman: He seems to play less of a role. Like in the movie, it seemed like he was just Victoria's guide as opposed to the audience's guide. I struggle to remember off the top of my head moments where, unlike old Deuteronomy, Monkey Chef actually looked into the camera and addressed the audience. So I feel like he did less for the group there.

[59:17] Mike Abrams: Yeah, Judi Dench talks to you.

[59:20] Alexandra Bowman: Right. I'd have to watch the scene on the boat again to figure out which one had the idea to rebel and mutiny and cut things loose. I feel like it, was it Jenny Anydots who did that on the barge?

[59:32] Mike Abrams: I've seen the movie the one time in the press and I didn't make it to the barge the second time because I tried to show my family when it came out on video or it was out to watch, wherever it was playing. And they got about halfway and they looked at me and they go, does this get any better? And I think it was Taylor Swift. And I go, not really. And they're like, we're done. And they turned it off. So I don't remember at all. I have to rewatch it.

[59:56] Alexandra Bowman: It's funny. I was at a friend's house in October and we had actually really hyped it up. Like, we're going to watch Cats and it's for Alex, but we're also excited to see this monstrous movie. And then two of them left 20 minutes in and didn't come back until the following morning. Apparently they were walking around the National Mall for no reason. They would rather walk around the National Mall at 2 a.m. and put themselves in danger of being mugged or shot instead of watching this thing. So I've been there in a very precise way. I've been exactly there.

[1:00:32] Mike Abrams: They made a decision and I'm not sure. I might've been walking with them.

[1:00:39] Alexandra Bowman: I need to watch it again. I did watch the 1998 movie. The very first time I watched it was about halfway through me recording. I did monologues the first 10 episodes where I explained which cat was more worthy. And it was probably about halfway through that. And I watched it on a plane. This was pre-COVID. I was traveling a bunch for work. And let me tell you, watching Cats on an iPad on a plane gets a lot of really weird looks. So even that, I was distracted because everyone's looking at my shoulder. Everyone's looking at me. And I was dressed up for work. So I was like, I look pretty professional.

[1:01:08] Mike Abrams: You dressed up specifically just to watch Cats on an iPad.

[1:01:13] Alexandra Bowman: Yeah, to watch Cats on a plane. This is important. And so I got a lot of looks. And so I don't remember even that. I've seen that in pieces more. But the 2019 movie, it was one full viewing. And that was probably more than most people. You've made me want to buy a plane ticket for the pure singular purpose of just watching Cats on it, maybe in costume, just to get reactions. I live in New York. And I ride the subway all the time. And all the time, I'm always like, on the subway, I'm like, you could be in a cat's costume. It wouldn't be the weirdest thing you see on the subway.

[1:01:44] Mike Abrams: Yeah, I'm going to BroadwayCon this summer. And I'm already doing preliminary logistical plans. And I'm like, I'm probably going to have to stay somewhere. And I'm not going to want to do the whole 45-minute face thing in the bathroom at the con. I'm probably going to have to ride the subway. And I'm having to come to terms with that.

[1:02:08] Alexandra Bowman: I did a live episode, the last in-person one, which was to February, I think, of 2019. It was our 2020. It was right before. And I did have somebody in a Mustafa Lee's costume. It was awesome. So I should be there this year. So we'll be there. Hypothetically, I'm running an Angel Wade Webber cosplay panel, but I'm like a month late on giving them my logistical plan. It's not even a panel. I just said, hey, you should put on the schedule that everyone with an Angel Wade Webber costume should meet up somewhere. And so they asked, understandably, for PowerPoints explaining with the content of my presentation. And even with the reduced amount of work that my idea involves, I have been two months late. So hopefully, I still can do it, and I don't have to buy a $300 ticket as a result of my delay. But yeah, I'm running that if that happens.

[1:03:04] Mike Abrams: I will be there. I will probably not be in costume, but I'll be there.

[1:03:07] Alexandra Bowman: I can bring the tail. I have a shirt that's a cat lifting weights. It says training for the heavy sub layer. That's cute. So I can wear my cat stuff. But yeah, I love it.

[1:03:21] Mike Abrams: How can people stay in touch with you? Website, social media? How can we follow your political satire and everything else?

[1:03:27] Alexandra Bowman: Thank you. Yeah, please. I think Instagram's the platform I'm trying to build up the most at the moment. Just the algorithm is killing me. It's killing artists in general. I think it has since decades ago, or whenever it was founded. So Instagram, at Alexandra Bowman Art, spelled like it sounds. And then Twitter would be great, too. I did political cartoons for the Lincoln Project. So I'm lucky to have developed a significant following of like 21,000. It keeps alternating between 20.9 and 21k. So if you can just help me get over that, that would be nice. So that's scripta underscore bene. Because my email address is bene.scripta. Because when I was 12, my mom told me to pick an email address that I wouldn't have to change later on. So according to Google Translate, written well or good writing is bene.scripta, which I've been told is not correct. I was hoping to keep that private, but I think I've screwed myself over.

[1:04:44] Mike Abrams: Spell Twitter.

[1:04:44] Alexandra Bowman: I'll link it, too. But spell Twitter for anyone that's listening. Thank you. It's at scripta, S-C-R-I-P-T-A underscore bene, B-E-N-E, at scripta underscore bene.

[1:05:01] Mike Abrams: Perfect. We'll link it. We'll link it in the description, but just for anyone listening. This has been a joy. Thank you, Mike.

[1:05:07] Alexandra Bowman: Oh man, I wish I could do this all the time. I have all these takes that I can't tell anyone without them running from me. But anyway, I appreciate it. I love it. I have joined a cult. It's a cult about cults. It is a cult on a cult. You can use that in your thumbnail on your post about this episode.

[1:05:20] Mike Abrams: It's a cult about cults. It's a cult about cults. Yeah, you've had some great lines here. So we definitely got some toys to pull from that. Well, thank you for being an amazing guest, and thanks everyone else for listening to this episode of The Wrong Cat Died, the podcast breakdown of the Cats Ashby. To follow along, you can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at The Wrong Cat Died, or check out our website, therongcatdied.com.

[1:05:41] Alexandra Bowman: Bye.