Ep270 - Xavier Reyes, Jennyanydots in CATS: The Jellicle Ball

“The Haus of Dots has the best table at the Ball.” This episode features Xavier Reyes who played Jennyanydots in the Broadway production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Hear Xavier discuss his CATS history, from watching the DVD in Puerto Rico to auditioning for Skimbleshanks and ultimately booking Jennyanydots as a drag mother role. Xavier explains how he blended the original “Gumbie Cat” with extensive ballroom research, vogue classes, and collaboration with castmates, directors, and dramaturgy to marry ballroom and theater while honoring Cats lore. He describes shaping the Haus of Dots as a trophy-winning “empire,” building relationships and developing tension with Macavity via shared house backstory. Xavier reflects on audience reception at the PAC, the transfer to Broadway, improvisational audience interaction, celebrity judges, performing for Andrew Lloyd Webber, and favorite memories from the run.

03:11 Auditioning for Skimbleshanks & Jennyanydots

05:08 Building Jennyanydots

06:49 Researching Ballroom Motherhood

17:29 Haus of Dots

29:08 Broadway Debut

31:19 Audience Improv

40:42 Rapid Fire

Check out Xavier on Instagram: @xavireyesactor

Check out CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Social Media: @catsjellicleball

Check out CATS: The Jellicle Ball: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠catsthejellicleball.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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