Highlights from BWW's Debut of the Month Special CATS Series

This month, BWW's Debut of the Month column profiled four of the talented actors who are making their Broadway debuts in the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, CATS. Below, check out highlights from their interviews and be sure to read the articles in full to learn just how purrfectly special they are!

Based on T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," this wonderfully imaginative show features breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater - "Memory." Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, Cats tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of Cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Featuring a cast of beautiful dancers and singers and the original Tony-winning sets and costumes, this beloved hit is still Broadway's most unforgettable event. Experience Cats for the first time as it begins a new life for a new generation... or let it thrill you once again!

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Emily Tate (Tantomile): To say it's been a dream come true is an understatement. I've never wanted something so badly in my life. I felt more exhilarated dancing in those auditions than I had felt in a very long time. The process jump-started me back to life. It's been challenging and rewarding, and I couldn't be more grateful.

I hope that audiences see a community learning to listen and find empathy for the "outsider" and that they are inspired to carry that with them into their everyday lives.

Click here to read the interview in full.

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Daniel Gaymon (Plato/Macavity): I hope the audience takes away the message of forgiving yourself and in doing that you forgive other people. I think the message of treating people the way you want to be treated resonates brilliantly through the show and I think it's wise that people of all ages continue to pick that up for generations to come."

I did not think I'd be making my Broadway debut this early in my career so to do it in a production in which I was such a fan of when I was 10 years old was honestly a dream come true and a testament that God works in mysterious ways. So I'm very blessed to have gotten my start in this legendary and thought-provoking show.

Click here to read the interview in full.

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Ahmad Simmons (Alonzo): [CATS] was one of the first shows to really use dance as the driving tool for narrative. It also created a huge movement of dancers from all over that fell in love with musical theater and felt there was real opportunity for them to work in New York.

It's been a full circle dream come true. I've wanted this opportunity for so long and for it to happen so soon after moving here, with the most amazing creative team and cast, felt like the universe guiding me right into my destiny

Click here to read the interview in full.

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Christine Cornish Smith (Bombalurina): I just love Bomb. She is generous, sexy, authentic. She can be a bit wild and out there, and almost fell into a rough and hard life, but when it comes down to it, she is there for her tribe and knows when to step up in order to protect her family. She is also just no-nonsense. I think that's what I love about her the most. I strive more and more in my own life to strip away the excess and get down to the truth and delving into a character like this almost helps me notice chances to be very honest in my own life.

The messages of the show are simple and universal. Everyone on this planet can understand feeling lonely, proud, loved, shunned, and this show represents it in a way that crosses over language and cultural barriers. It's truly brilliant."

Click here to read the interview in full.

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About Cats: The record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages is back on Broadway! Three-time Grammy® nominee Leona Lewis makes her Broadway debut as Grizabella in the one and only Cats.

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