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 another amazing guest. He just finished his run as Tumblebrutus on the US National Tour 6 of Cats. And he's currently a swing in Beetlejuice on Broadway. So welcome, Sean McManus. And thank you for joining me.

[0:34] Sean McManus: Hi, Mike. Thank you for having me.

[0:36] Mike Abrams: I love having anybody that's doing, you know, you're now in Beetlejuice, but you've got your history with Cats here. So let's start with the Cats history. When was the first time you saw the show? What was your first experience like before you ended up on the tour?

[0:50] Sean McManus: The first time I saw the show was I saw the revival in 2017. I was a senior in high school, and I was auditioning for musical theater programs at the time. So I remember I went and did my Marymount Manhattan audition, and then just walked downtown, like 30 blocks and then was I want to see a show. And so I met a couple of my high school friends and we went and saw the Cats revival and I loved it.

[1:18] Mike Abrams: The area. So you're able to go to Broadway to go see the revival in high school.

[1:22] Sean McManus: Totally. I'm from Summit, New Jersey. I'm from like 20 miles west of the city. So I was going in to see shows for as long as I can remember. Like first, of course, like with my parents who would come and bring me in to see whatever like the it show was back then. And then eventually I started like just going with friends or even going by myself. I love to see shows by myself, too. Now that I'm getting older. So yeah, I'm really fortunate to live in an area that I have like super easy access to Broadway.

[1:54] Mike Abrams: Yeah, that's that is awesome. That's that as in New York right now. I'm just like, Oh, yeah, I could go see it. See something tomorrow.

[2:01] Mike Abrams: So when did you see how like, where were you in the revival? Was it early on? Was it later on? Like, was it like basically, who was your Grizabella? Was it Leona Lewis or Mamie?

[2:10] Sean McManus: My Grizabella was Mamie. I think it was January of 2017. Does that sound right?

[2:19] Mike Abrams: It would have opened in 2016, I think. So yeah, that she would have taken over at some point in 2017. So that feels right. Yeah.

[2:31] Mike Abrams: So what was your impression seeing the revival? So that's the first time you took like the 98 VHS or anything? Or was this really the first time you've ever had any interaction with the show?

[2:41] Sean McManus: I'm ashamed to say this kind of was my first interaction with it. Of course, I'd always heard of it. I had always seen glimpses of it. Um, so it was always like, in my sight lines, but this was my first, like, full blown experience with the production.

[2:59] Sean McManus: So I was mesmerized, honestly, like, I'd never even listened to the cast recording to bottom before. So I and I, of course, like love Andy Blinkenbuehler. So that was another big contribution to me wanting to see it. So I was just like, so in awe. I love a lot of the actors that were in that production. Also, like, Ricky Ubeda, and Eloise Cropp, Mamie, of course, Jess Leprado, Zach Jones, who I went to school with, all of these people are just amazing artists, and to see them get to show like those dance skills in such a dynamic way was like, so thrilling.

[3:42] Mike Abrams: Yeah, it's an incredible cast. And it's so fun. I also love that it's like, you know, high school age, you just go to the city with some friends and just see something kind of almost at random, it feels like and it's Cats. So I'm curious to hear how did your friends feel about it?

[3:57] Sean McManus: They just laughed. Okay, I think they loved it. Don't get me wrong. But they really leaned into the absurdity of it. And instead of going the philosophical route, they were just laughing at like, what's going on? Like, we love what's happening, but also we don't quite get it. Because they were similar to me in that they hadn't had much experience with the show either. So they went in thinking like, okay, well, I guess I'm going to see Cats because it's one of those shows that's been around for decades and decades. So but they loved it. They were they were theater kids, too. We were all in the drama program together. And while I was the only one that was planning to pursue it beyond high school, they were definitely interested and passionate about it.

[4:44] Mike Abrams: Yeah, that helps. Because you know, you're your fans, you kind of appreciate the full art of it. There's the tourist version, you know, myself version who doesn't really show what you're going to see. Right. So that is that does kind of make some sense. When you saw it, did you ever think, Oh, I'm going to be in this one day?

[5:01] Sean McManus: I didn't think I'm going to be but I thought, Oh, I would love to be.

[5:06] Mike Abrams: And who did you want to be first? Like when you saw did you did you pinpoint a character? You're like, Oh, that's my role.

[5:13] Sean McManus: Mungo, I think was the one that because I also saw Jess Leprado in Newsies, and I'm obsessed with him. So I was like, Oh, that would be so fun. But then I saw Colton Cross. I didn't know his name is Tumble Brutus because like I said, I wasn't that familiar with the show. So when I saw all of the tricks he was doing, I was like, Wait, I can do that. That was like the mic in a chorus line moment. I was like, I can do that. And I want to do that.

[5:36] Mike Abrams: That's awesome. And then you do land it. I want to talk a little bit about your character, because I think Tumble Brutus, like you said, is not a name that everyone notices. I think it's a cat that is the plot line is super loose. The whole show was really loose with Tumble Brutus. And even when I start reading like the fan theories, it's light. It's like very strange what's out there. So but the character does so much you do have like amount of lifting and tumbling and everything that goes into it. I want to hear a little bit about what you were told about Tumble Brutus's backstory, because pretty much the only assumptions that were given is that he's young. And then here the other I can give you the other theories that were that were thrown out there. One is that he was an ex member of Macavity's crew, that your owner is a gymnast, and then that you're an Aries. That is like all I could find over this.

[6:42] Sean McManus: Um, the latter two, definitely. I think so. The Macavity clan part, I could see that. But I actually think my theory on is and this is supplemented by what Chrissy Cartwright told us during the rehearsal process is that similar to Alonzo, but a much, much younger version. He has the I just can't wait to be king complex. Because I think so he's a part of like the kitten trio, as they call it. And then in the Bling and Bueller version, that's like pounceable Tumble syllabus, right? So it's like, it's the idea is that the three of us are the youngest kittens, and we're learning everything. I kind of took that responsibility on because I was the oldest of the three of us in that group is I was like, the kitten that acted like he was so much older, even though he was very much was naive and was sort of in the background, but had this like macho-ness about him.

Because three of the adjectives I remember Chrissy used to describe was he was buoyant, tough, and touchy. Those were his three big adjectives. And so the touchy Yeah, I get it. Because like he is still growing up and like it gets scared like anybody else, but he's tough in that like he sees MonkaStrap and Alonzo leading by example, and I think he won't be them so bad. I think it's the young Simba looking up to his father. Like that's what I think about Tumble Brutus.

[8:12] Mike Abrams: I like that. I can tell you where I think the rumor comes from is I believe in other productions Tumble Brutus also plays one of the cats in the Gus, what's it called his the pirate piece like in the Growltiger's Last Stand, which I don't think is in your version like that's cut from the version you did. And so I think that that's where that rumor comes from is because you're part of Growltiger's potential henchmen, that that's the Macavity tie. But I love the so buoyant is kind of interesting. That's not what I would have thought. It's interesting. That's one of the three adjectives is buoyant. What does that like? How does that explain to you? Like, what does that one really mean?

[8:52] Sean McManus: It's twofold, right? I think number one in the literal sense and that he is the gymnast cat. So he's buoyant in that he's flying through the air doing a lot of these tricks. I remember watching because I was a gym before I became a performer. And I would always watch NBC Olympic Harry sort of about gymnastics. And they would always describe really great landings as like, Oh, my God, look at her. She's like a cat in the air. And then I would watch those as after I booked the job. And I was like, Oh, my God, that makes so much sense. But also buoyant in that he's not tied down, like he's very inquisitive and curious, as a lot of younger kittens are, right? Like, so he's always like looking around, he doesn't have that grounded maturity about him that the older cats do. And while he would like to have that he doesn't relate to it. So I think it's twofold in that way.

[9:50] Mike Abrams: Interesting. And this is one as I've kind of prepped for it. It's just like the amount of Tumble Brutus knowledge I have is really limited because it's it is being the kitten. It's not one that you argue for a lot for the Heaviside Layer. No, it's not. You know, it's like, not even an option. But also it's like the the role is such a dance part that because singing part or as much of a singing part, there's not as much character background. So what else did Chrissy tell you?

[10:17] Sean McManus: She wanted me to lean more into the naivete and the immaturity in this version, because Tumble Brutus also dealt with Bill Bailey in other versions. But in our version that we did, Rum Tum Tugger was winning number. So Tumble Brutus threw out. Um, and she, she made a thing of saying, like, he has this talent of being able to, like, show off and like, and do these skills and he's not afraid. So like, there's a section where he flips him over, like, literally as like a front somersault through the air when he's trying to protect him from McHaven. And I remember a fan came up to me like, I don't know. I don't get why they choreographed that. Like, it's just a little kitten trying to go after the, the villain, the big evil guy.

And I was like, no, I think that makes perfect sense. You always have somebody that gets written off because of their age. And Chrissy said it's all from a place of like, no fear. Um, contrary to what people will see in the first couple acts, when all these adult kitten cats are introduced, and the kittens are literally on the sidelines. And the adult cats refer to like, okay, this is who this is. And everybody has to know. I actually think Tumble Brutus is like, no, I know I'm inquisitive. I get it. And Cillabub and Pounce are just sitting there like, uh-huh. Yeah, for sure. Tumble's like, oh my god. Yes, I get it. I just want to like be a part of you now.

[11:47] Mike Abrams: I love it. It really does. Like everything you just said really makes your Simba parallel, like the young Simba really in line. Because a lot of the like, oh, okay, I can, I can growl and I can fight and I can do all this stuff. But you're, you're the small underdog kind of in that moment, and much younger.

[12:05] Mike Abrams: So what is the, as you were doing, you know, preparing for this, you have one of the most physical, extremely timbre, all the tumbling. What was the one that was the hardest to, to like master?

[12:19] Sean McManus: Jellicle Ball.

[12:20] Mike Abrams: Because-

[12:21] Sean McManus: Just the whole thing.

[12:22] Mike Abrams: Yeah. Would you rather me talk about a specific part in the Jellicle Ball?

[12:28] Sean McManus: Well, I'd actually love to hear both, because I think the ball is so interesting. 11, 12, 13 minutes of just straight, like, it's, it's a physical feat to do it every night, I can only imagine. But I am curious, too, if there was like one particular, like, pass or tumble, like you said, you flipped with Macavity, like that was like very difficult. One particular to, to learn as well.

[12:49] Sean McManus: Sure. I think it's the danger section, where we do like an échappé, and then we look, and then we do the jetés crossing through each other. And then Tumble Brutus does a tumbling pass into that. And then, literally, right out of a tumbling pass, I go into the rest of the dance section. And I have to run off, I have five counts to gather myself and then just go. So that was extremely difficult, because, number one, like, every time I've tumbled in a show before, you're able to like, like prepare and like, have some space to get into the mind. Okay, I'm going upside down, and I'll be good to go. Not with this show at all. And it wasn't that I was physically ready to do it, because at that point, we've been dancing for almost an hour. It's just that my body is now accustomed to just doing the balletic movements. And now I have to use a completely different section of my physique in order to accomplish the tumbling. And then I have to switch right back to it on stage.

[13:53] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus has the "I just can't wait to be king" complex. He's very much the young, ambitious cat who wants to prove himself and be the best.

[14:53] Sean McManus: My first experience with CATS was actually the 2016 Broadway revival. I was in college at the time, and I remember being blown away by the choreography and the music. It was such a unique experience for me.

[15:23] Sean McManus: I think Grizabella definitely has her reasons for wanting to be chosen, but I also believe there are other characters who have compelling stories. I can see why some people might defend her, but I think there are others who are just as worthy.

[15:53] Sean McManus: I started doing impressions on TikTok during the pandemic. It was a way for me to stay connected with people and share my love for theater. I never expected it to take off the way it did!

[16:23] Sean McManus: Comparing CATS to Beetlejuice is interesting because both shows have such unique characters. Tumblebrutus is like the Beetlejuice character in that he has a lot of energy and wants to be the center of attention.

[16:53] Sean McManus: I think the humor in both shows is what makes them special. They both have a way of blending comedy with deeper themes, which I really appreciate.

[17:23] Sean McManus: The ensemble in CATS is so important. Each character brings something different to the table, and it's a real team effort to make the show work.

[17:25] Sean McManus: I love how each cat has their own personality and story. It really allows the audience to connect with them on a deeper level.

[17:53] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus represents the youthful spirit of the Jellicle cats. He’s eager to learn and grow, and he embodies that sense of adventure.

[18:23] Sean McManus: The choreography in CATS is so iconic. It really showcases the athleticism of the performers and the creativity of the show.

[18:25] Sean McManus: I think the music is also a huge part of what makes CATS memorable. The melodies are catchy and really stick with you long after the show is over.

[18:27] Sean McManus: I remember the first time I heard "Memory." It was such a powerful moment, and it really encapsulated the emotions of the show.

[18:29] Sean McManus: I think the themes of longing and belonging resonate with a lot of people, which is why CATS has such a lasting impact.

[18:31] Sean McManus: The costumes in CATS are also a huge part of the experience. They really help to bring the characters to life and create that magical world.

[18:33] Sean McManus: I love how each cat's costume reflects their personality. It adds another layer to the storytelling.

[18:35] Sean McManus: I think the audience's connection to the characters is what makes the show so special. People really invest in their stories.

[18:37] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus would definitely be friends with Beetlejuice. They both have that mischievous side and love to have fun.

[18:39] Sean McManus: I think the energy of both shows is infectious. You can't help but get caught up in the excitement.

[18:41] Sean McManus: I love how theater can bring people together, and both CATS and Beetlejuice do that in their own unique ways.

[18:43] Sean McManus: I think the legacy of CATS is something that will continue for years to come. It's a show that has stood the test of time.

[18:45] Sean McManus: I think there's something timeless about the themes in CATS that people will always relate to.

[18:47] Sean McManus: I feel lucky to have been a part of such an iconic show and to share that experience with audiences.

[18:49] Sean McManus: I think the magic of theater is that it can transport you to another world, and CATS does that beautifully.

[18:51] Sean McManus: I think the community around CATS is also really special. There are so many passionate fans who love the show.

[18:53] Sean McManus: I think that passion is what keeps the show alive and relevant, even after all these years.

[18:55] Sean McManus: I think the future of CATS is bright, and I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve.

[18:57] Sean McManus: I think there's always room for new interpretations and fresh takes on the material.

[18:59] Sean McManus: I believe that as long as there are people who love theater, CATS will always have a place in the hearts of audiences.

[19:01] Sean McManus: I think the beauty of CATS is that it can mean different things to different people, and that's what makes it so special.

[19:03] Sean McManus: I think the show has a way of touching on universal themes that everyone can relate to.

[19:05] Sean McManus: I think that's why it continues to resonate with audiences, no matter their age or background.

[19:07] Sean McManus: I feel grateful to have been a part of such a beloved show and to share that experience with others.

[19:09] Sean McManus: I think the memories I've made during my time in CATS will stay with me forever.

[19:11] Sean McManus: I think it's important to celebrate the legacy of shows like CATS and keep the spirit of theater alive.

[27:47] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus has the "I just can't wait to be king" complex.

[28:17] Sean McManus: He’s very much the young, ambitious cat who wants to prove himself and be the best.

[28:47] Sean McManus: I mean, he’s got a lot of energy, and he’s always looking for the next adventure.

[29:01] Sean McManus: I think that’s what makes him so relatable to a lot of people, especially younger audiences.

[29:08] Sean McManus: He’s just trying to find his place in the world, and I think that’s something we can all connect with.

[29:16] Sean McManus: And I love that about Tumblebrutus.

[29:26] Sean McManus: He’s got this youthful exuberance that’s infectious.

[29:36] Sean McManus: I remember when I first saw the show, I was just drawn to him.

[29:46] Sean McManus: He’s so full of life and energy, and it’s just a joy to play him.

[29:56] Sean McManus: I think that’s why audiences love him too.

[30:06] Sean McManus: He’s the kind of character that makes you want to get up and dance.

[30:16] Sean McManus: And I think that’s really important in a show like CATS.

[30:26] Sean McManus: You want to leave the theater feeling uplifted and happy.

[30:36] Sean McManus: And Tumblebrutus definitely brings that energy to the stage.

[30:46] Sean McManus: Plus, he’s got some of the best dance numbers in the show.

[30:56] Sean McManus: I mean, who doesn’t love a good dance break?

[31:06] Sean McManus: It’s just so much fun to be a part of that.

[31:16] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes Tumblebrutus such a memorable character.

[31:36] Sean McManus: He’s not just a side character; he’s integral to the story.

[31:46] Sean McManus: He helps to drive the plot forward and keeps the audience engaged.

[31:56] Sean McManus: And I think that’s really special.

[32:06] Sean McManus: It’s a privilege to play a character like that.

[32:16] Sean McManus: And I’m just so grateful for the opportunity.

[32:26] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus really resonates with people because he’s so relatable.

[32:36] Sean McManus: He’s just trying to find his way, and I think we can all relate to that in some way.

[32:46] Sean McManus: And that’s what makes him such a beloved character.

[32:56] Sean McManus: I think audiences really connect with his journey.

[33:06] Sean McManus: And it’s just a joy to be able to share that with them.

[33:16] Sean McManus: I love being able to bring Tumblebrutus to life every night.

[33:26] Sean McManus: It’s such a rewarding experience.

[33:36] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes theater so special.

[33:46] Sean McManus: It’s all about connection and storytelling.

[33:56] Sean McManus: And I’m just so grateful to be a part of that.

[34:06] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus really embodies that spirit of adventure and excitement.

[34:16] Sean McManus: And I think that’s why he’s such a fan favorite.

[34:26] Sean McManus: He’s just so much fun to watch and to play.

[34:36] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes CATS such a timeless show.

[34:46] Sean McManus: It’s all about the joy of being alive and embracing who you are.

[34:56] Sean McManus: And I think Tumblebrutus really captures that essence.

[35:06] Sean McManus: It’s just a joy to be able to share that with audiences every night.

[35:16] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes theater so magical.

[35:26] Sean McManus: It’s all about connection and shared experiences.

[35:36] Sean McManus: And I’m just so grateful to be a part of that.

[35:46] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus really resonates with people because he’s so relatable.

[35:56] Sean McManus: He’s just trying to find his way, and I think we can all relate to that in some way.

[36:06] Sean McManus: And that’s what makes him such a beloved character.

[36:16] Sean McManus: I think audiences really connect with his journey.

[36:26] Sean McManus: And it’s just a joy to be able to share that with them.

[36:36] Sean McManus: I love being able to bring Tumblebrutus to life every night.

[36:46] Sean McManus: It’s such a rewarding experience.

[36:56] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes theater so special.

[37:06] Sean McManus: It’s all about connection and storytelling.

[37:16] Sean McManus: And I’m just so grateful to be a part of that.

[37:26] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus really embodies that spirit of adventure and excitement.

[37:36] Sean McManus: And I think that’s why he’s such a fan favorite.

[37:46] Sean McManus: He’s just so much fun to watch and to play.

[37:56] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes CATS such a timeless show.

[38:06] Sean McManus: It’s all about the joy of being alive and embracing who you are.

[38:16] Sean McManus: And I think Tumblebrutus really captures that essence.

[38:26] Sean McManus: It’s just a joy to be able to share that with audiences every night.

[38:36] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes theater so magical.

[38:46] Sean McManus: It’s all about connection and shared experiences.

[38:56] Sean McManus: And I’m just so grateful to be a part of that.

[39:06] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus really resonates with people because he’s so relatable.

[39:16] Sean McManus: He’s just trying to find his way, and I think we can all relate to that in some way.

[39:26] Sean McManus: And that’s what makes him such a beloved character.

[39:36] Sean McManus: I think audiences really connect with his journey.

[39:46] Sean McManus: And it’s just a joy to be able to share that with them.

[39:56] Sean McManus: I love being able to bring Tumblebrutus to life every night.

[40:06] Sean McManus: It’s such a rewarding experience.

[40:16] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes theater so special.

[40:26] Sean McManus: It’s all about connection and storytelling.

[40:36] Sean McManus: And I’m just so grateful to be a part of that.

[40:46] Sean McManus: I think Tumblebrutus really embodies that spirit of adventure and excitement.

[40:56] Sean McManus: And I think that’s why he’s such a fan favorite.

[41:06] Sean McManus: He’s just so much fun to watch and to play.

[41:16] Sean McManus: And I think that’s what makes CATS such a timeless show.

[41:26] Sean McManus: It’s all about the joy of being alive and embracing who you are.

[41:36] Sean McManus: And I think Tumblebrutus really captures that essence.