BWW Interview - Special CATS Debut of the Month Series: Ahmad Simmons

This month, BWW's Debut of the Month column features four of the talented actors who are making their Broadway debuts in the exciting revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical CATS, now playing at the Neil Simon Theater. Based on T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," 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.

Today we speak with Ahmad Simmons, who makes his Broadway debut in the role of Alonzo!

[NOTE: BroadwayWorld's fabulous photographer Walter McBride captures images of the Broadway stars profiled in our monthly column in a special photo shoot. Check out the pics of Mr. Simmons throughout the feature!]

What was your first experience with Cats?

My first experience ever was way back in high school when my dance studio did the opening number in our recital. Much later in life I actually got my equity card doing a production of CATS at the Pittsburgh CLO. I was Alonzo there too!

Can you describe your character, Alonso?

Alonzo is a black and white tomcat that has one black paw and one white paw. He's definitely one of the more experienced cats in the tribe who tends to stick close to Munkustrap and loves to show off whenever he gets the chance. I see him as the self-proclaimed "second in command" but he has some courage issues. He's not one for conflict until he's forced to fight Macavity in order to save Demeter from his clutches. It's the first time his vanity doesn't get the best of him.

How does one learn to move and dance like a cat?

My "felinity" definitely developed while working with our director and associate choreographer Chrissie Cartwright. They were incredibly helpful with images and exercises that really put your mind and body into the animal. I never owned a cat so I tend to study any stray cat I see wandering around the city.

What do you think it is about CATS which makes it stand the test of time?

It's a universal message that is so accessible to people. It's playful, spectacular, and full of truth - even though we're humans dressed as cats, sometimes pretending to be dogs...

In what ways do you think the show revolutionized theater?

It 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.

What message do you hope audiences take away from the show?

I would say the message is one of forgiveness. Acceptance. Laughter. Awe.

What has it been like to work with Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler?

Andy is pure genius and the most appreciative choreographer I've ever worked with. He continues to teach me commitment to story and focus , on stage. Oh - and you get to dance your butt off in this show!

CATS features so many beloved songs. Do you have a favorite number from the show?

So hard to pick! I would say Tugger is my favorite. I used to have that number on repeat as a kid when I watched the VHS. The orchestra of this iteration hits so hard.

What was it like to make your Broadway debut in Cats?

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.

Ahmad Simmons will appear in ABC's upcoming "Dirty Dancing" remake. He recently appeared in River North Dance Chicago and Parsons Dance in NY and has appeared in a dozen shows with the Pittsburgh CLO.