In Conversation with CATS’s Old Deuteronomy, King B

The highly anticipated return of the smash-hit musical CATS now on stage!

On one extraordinary moonlit night, the Jellicle Cats gather for their most sacred annual ritual — a celebration of identity, memory, and the transformative power of acceptance. Rooted in T.S. Eliot’s whimsical poetry and elevated by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable score, CATS The Musical transports audiences into the mysterious realm of the Jellicle tribe, where each cat steps forward to share their story in a dazzling tapestry of song and dance.

At the heart of this magical gathering stands Old Deuteronomy, the wise and revered elder whose presence commands both respect and deep affection from the Jellicle tribe. Despite being “old and tottery” it is Old Deuteronomy who must make the most profound choice of which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new Jellicle life. Bringing gravitas, wisdom, and profound emotional depth to this role is actor King B (Romeo & Juliet, Seussical Jr.,Wanda the Musical) who shared insights into his portrayal of Old Deuteronomy.

What drew you to audition for CATS?

As a theatre person, I knew CATS was a iconic show that every performer dreams of being a part of. It’s a rite of passage, a benchmark of excellence, and a testament to one’s skills. I auditioned with the heart of finally taking the leap and doing something big in my career, something that would challenge me physically, mentally, and musically.

What was your initial reaction when you found out you had been cast?

When my agent called me and said “Good morning, Old Deuteronomy!” I was completely overcome with emotion! I literally put the phone down, left the room, and screamed my lungs out outside. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, love, and just pure joy.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic score and T.S. Eliot’s timeless poetry offer audience’s glimpses into each cat’s backstory, yet so much remains beautifully open to interpretation. How are you building your character’s backstory during rehearsals? (What research or personal imagination did you draw upon? / What hidden details about your cat’s life have you imagined that informs your performance?)

For me, it’s about connecting with the character on a deep level, finding those personal connections and references that make Old Deuteronomy come alive. I’ve had the privilege of growing up around wise, loving, and grounded individuals who’ve taught me so much about leadership, love, and compassion. I see Old Deuteronomy as a gentle giant, a natural leader with a deep sense of authority and love. Our director shared with me that he’s revered to the point where, in the original poetry, it’s said that if he were to be sleeping on the road, the road would be closed just to accommodate him. That’s the level of reverence and respect he commands, and I’m truly humbled to bring him to life.

What has been the most rewarding (and challenging) part for you when it comes to building the chemistry and ensemble connection required for such an iconic, character-driven production?

Working with this cast has been an absolute honour. They’re dedicated, passionate, and incredibly talented individuals who inspire me every day. The bond we’ve formed is incredible, and it’s not just the cast – the entire team, directors, and creators are all striving for excellence. It’s been rewarding to see everyone come together and create something truly special. The physical and vocal demands are challenging, but it’s all worth it for the magic we create on stage. We’re all pushing each other to be our best, and it’s an electric and magical experience.

The choreography in CATS is famously athletic and feline-inspired. How do you prepare physically to embody the movements of your character, (from a twitch of an ear, to the way you interact with the stage floor), while maintaining stamina throughout rehearsals and performances?

I’ve been working on my flexibility and strength, and practicing those feline moves in my own time (although I’m still perfecting the ear twitch). It’s all about embodying the character’s energy and movement. Having said that, we’ve had an incredible team that’s helped us tap into our feline selves. We’ve been put through “cat school” where we’re taught how to embody the movements and essence of cats. It’s been an honour to see the transformation happen, and it’s truly incredible to be a part of.

The CATS score is iconic and demanding. What techniques or approaches have you used to balance the vocal requirements with the physicality of the show? Do you have a favourite(s)?

The team is absolutely amazing, and I’ve been fortunate to have their undivided attention and support throughout this process. As for the music, every piece is iconic, and I love every bit of it. My favourite song has to be “The Moments of Happiness” – it’s a gorgeous number, and I feel so privileged to get to sing it as Old Deuteronomy. The whole experience has been a dream come true, and I’m just grateful to be a part of it.

If your character could give one piece of wisdom (or playful life lesson) to the audience, what would it be, and why?

Old Deuteronomy would say, “Your life is not your own. To many, you belong. Give yourself, inspire, and live it well.” It’s about living life to the fullest, giving back to others, and making the most of the time we have. He’d want us to live life really well, with purpose, kindness, and joy.

‘For audiences who may be experiencing CATS for the first time, or returning after many years, what can they expect from this production?

It’s going to be FIREWORKS. Literally, your dreams happening before your eyes. It’ll feel like a dream, and you’ll probably be talking about it for the rest of your life. The show is an iconic moment, something you’ll hold dear forever. We’re honoured to be a part of it, and we hope you’ll be honoured to experience it too.