BWW Interview - Special CATS Debut of the Month Series: Emily Tate

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.

First up, we speak with Emily Tate, a Juilliard graduate who makes her Broadway debut in the role of Tantomile!

[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 Ms. Tate throughout the feature!]

What was your first experience with Cats?

Cats was the very first Broadway show I saw. My family had traveled from Utah to New York City that day so as any sleepy, seven year old in a dark theater might do, I slept through most of it. So because I don't remember much of that show, I credit my familiarity with Cats to my boyfriend who has loved the movie since he was a kid.

Can you describe your character, Tantomile?

Tantomile is one of the twins. The twins are telepathic and have finely tuned intuitive senses. We sense the presence of other Cats before they arrive in the Junkyard and use our telepathy to share wisdom from Old Deuteronomy with the rest of the tribe.

How does one learn to move and dance like a cat? Do you actually study real-life felines?

It is such a fun daily challenge to make each moment in the show as feline as possible. [Associate director and choreographer] Chrissie Cartwright was instrumental in our transformation into Cats. I also grew up with Cats and my best friend has two Cats, so they have been great inspirations for me. I now find myself with paws for hands in my everyday life and wonder if I'll ever be able to be purely human again!

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

The music is exhilarating, both for the audience and the performers, and paired with nonstop dancing, it's a fantastic, timeless, otherworldly experience!

In what ways do you think the show revolutionized theater?

CATS is one of the most dance-heavy shows in musical theatre and is also incredibly demanding vocally. Everyone onstage truly needs to be a triple threat.

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

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.

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

Working with Andy is amazing! I've been so inspired by his commitment to storytelling through the movement. I do my best to stay true to the storytelling every night.

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

The Jellicle Ball, of course. There is one particular part of the ball that we did in all of the auditions and it reminds me every night how lucky I am to be up on that stage.

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

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.

Emily Tate's regional credits include The Bandstand at Paper Mill Playhouse and Oklahoma! at the MUNY. She is a Juilliard graduate.