"Ours is set in a community garden and we thought this would be a really good setting that I’ve not seen done before where it focuses on how gardens can fade and then regrow and rebirth." Join host Mike Abrams as he welcomes the cast and creative team of the Westerville Civic Theatre's production of CATS. Director Michael Ruehrmund, Assistant Musical Director Michael Neary, and Jellylorum Meghan Noonan share their journey in bringing this unique rendition to life, set in a community garden with a 66-member cast. Discover how the team found inspiration from the podcast and used it for character development. They discuss the criteria for selecting the Jellicle choice, the challenges and excitement of producing such an iconic and complex show, and their innovative approach to making it family-friendly. Don't miss their insights on character dynamics, favorite musical numbers, and the moments they're most excited about as they prepare for their performances.

01:13 Discovering The Podcast

06:45 Production Challenges and Unique Approaches

10:45 Character Development and Cast Dynamics

27:30 Excitement and Preparations for the Show

33:05 Creative Freedom in the Show

34:39 Rapid Fire Questions

Check out Michael Ruehrmund on Instagram: @m.i.ch.ae.l

Check out Michael Neary on Instagram: @michael.neary

Check out Meghan Noonan on Instagram: @meghanknoonan

Check out the Westerville Civic Theatre's website: https://www.artscouncilofwesterville.com/calendar/2025/7/17/westerville-civic-theatre-persents-cats

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDiedLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices