CATS is one of the most famous musicals in the world … and yet so many people leave the theatre asking the same question: what did I just watch?

In this episode, I unpack CATS - one of the most iconic and divisive musicals of all time. From T.S Eliot’s poetry to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical vision, we explore how this show came to be and why it continues to spark debate decades later.

I dive into the world of Jellicle Cats, the unforgettable choreography by Gillian Lynne, the stage design thanks to John Napier and so much more.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the musical, a musical theatre student or just curious about what makes this Andrew Lloyd Webber classic so unique, this episode is for you!

Listen now and join me as we explore why CATS works, confuses and captivates - all at once.

Theatre school comes with a lot of expectations — whether you’ve experienced it before, dreamed of performing or just watched from a distance. But the reality? It’s deeper, harder, kinder and far more human than anyone prepares you for.

In this episode I share some of my own expectations as well as talk about rejection, comparison, growth and the moment I realized that not getting a role doesn’t mean you’re “not good enough”.

In this episode, we’re kicking off the brand-new “Let’s Talk” series — where I break down big theatre topics in a way that’s educational, easy to follow and still super fun! Today we’re diving into Musicals vs. Plays. Where I cover how they tell stories differently, why one costs more to produce than the other, licensing and rights and even the history of both art forms.

Whether you’re brand new to theatre, studying it or just curious, this episode is your friendly crash course into this big topic!

Stranger Things: The First Shadow dives deep into Henry Creel’s origin story - long before Vecna, and long before Hawkins fell apart.

In this episode I unpack the full timeline of the play, some familiar characters from the series and the connections that might shape the rest of Stranger Things Season 5 (plus some bonus thoughts and theories from myself)

If you’re curious about Patty Newby, the Creels, Doctor Brenner or how it all ties into the endgame … This one is for you!

If you’re getting ready for Wicked: For Good but don’t have time to rewatch Part One, this episode has you covered.

In this episode I break down everything we need to remember from the first movie. Whether you’re a longtime fan or stepping back into Oz for the first time in a while, this guide will catch you up on all the essential plot points, character arcs, twists and songs.

So sit back, get cozy and let’s return to Shiz, Emerald City and everywhere in between. The perfect refresher to catch you up before you watch For Good!

Welcome to the Backstage Pass podcast! I’m your host Caiti Holmes and in this episode I introduce myself a little bit (so you can get to know the voice behind the screen), I tell you why I chose theatre and performing arts as a career path and why I wanted to start this podcast.

Sit back and enjoy!