“It’s a show unlike any other that has ever existed. I truly believe that. I think it broke all the rules of what made a successful hit Broadway or West End musical at the time.” This episode features international tour performer Nathan Taylor, who played Bustopher Jones and Gus on the International Tour. Nathan discusses his unexpected history with the show, its universal appeal, and how performers create new character moments nightly. Nathan recounts auditioning in an emotional time in his life, explains how he relates deeply to Gus, and defends Bustopher by clarifying the UK meaning of “gentleman’s club.” He shares his personal lore theory that the show can represent multiple Jellicle Ball nights and ages in Gus’s life, and describes friendships shaping onstage choices, especially with Jennyanydots. Nathan also shares the death of his mother during the tour, including how she heard his recorded performance as she passed.

00:53 Nathan’s CATS History

04:45 Why Cats Works

11:41 Defending Bustopher Jones

22:33 Gus Timeline Theory

26:26 Asparagus vs Peter vs Bustertopher

30:13 Jennyanydots Friendship Lore

42:02 Grief Onstage

44:53 Rapid Fire

• Check out Nathan on Instagram: @sockmatician

Produced by:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Broadway Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Social Media: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheWrongCatDied