Cats Cast

Joseph Scott (Old Deuteronomy) – After 10 years in Atlanta, GA, he is excited to be making his return to the metro and the Workshop Theatre stage where it all began many years ago in the production of Bubbling Brown Sugar. He is native of Sumter; SC and a graduate of the University of South Carolina – Columbia. Prior to leaving the metro, he was seen in various productions across the city such as Bubbling Brown Sugar, The Life, Seussical, Smokey Joe’s Café, A Chorus Line, Ragtime, Assassins and A Wild Party just to name a few. He too was an apprentice with the Vibrations Dance Company where he performed in Sista Girl and the Soldier: The Urban Nutcracker. While in Atlanta; he performed with gospel recording artist Kevin Lemons and Higher Calling and sung back-up for various gospel artist. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., and various other civic organizations. He thanks his family and friends for their continued support. He dedications this show in loving memory of his father and sister.

Jessica Roth is an experienced musician with an extensive background performing in both musical theater and with bands of various genres throughout her career. Jessica began her musical journey performing in various high school musicals. After high school she moved to New York and began auditioning/performing in off-Broadway shows. In 2007, Jessica began performing with corporate entertainment bands traveling the east coast. After the birth of her second child, her family moved back to SC. In 2019, she started Girl Interrupted, a 90's and 2000's cover band that performs regularly around Columbia. In 2022 Jessica returned to the stage performing in Workshop Theatre’s productions of The Wedding Singer as “Linda” and Kinky Boots as “Lauren”. In addition to her music career, Jessica also is an accomplished hairstylist in Columbia. She is an international hair educator and frequently travels to teach other hair stylists around the country. Jessica spends her free time with her husband, 2 children, 3 dogs, and bunny.

Bobby L. Rogers was birthed in a small dark burrow in Jonesville SC where his Mother, Marjorie Rogers and father, Bobby Rogers raise him and his Gumby cat sister, Lashon Rogers. After using 6 lives before the age of 2, Bobby decided to attend the school of THE Tigers, Benedict College in Columbia South Carolina where he received his BA in Educating ferals, then decided to receive his masters in the EDUCATION of catnip and Purrring studies. Bobby began his career as a first grade teacher of kittens, then transitioned into Public Health for 13 years with SC DHEC (no rabies) and recently relocated from Baltimore MD, where he was Deputy Chief of Program Improvement, Infectious Disease Unit. Bobby has been seen on our mainstage in shows such as, “The Color Purple”, “She Loves Me”, “Wild Party”, “Young Frankenstein", and a host of other productions. He’s been seen around town in other productions such as “Ragtime”, “Westside Story”, “Sister Act”, and Kris Kringle in “A Miracle on 34th Street”. I am excited about working with such a diverse group of actors, it’s the PURRRRfect cast to retell this classic story.

As a former professional dancer with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines serving as Dance Captain and Production Principal, Katherine’s notable performances include the Broadway National Tour of Saturday Night Fever and numerous regional theatre credits spanning the United States. Katherine’s academic achievements are equally impressive, with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BS in Public Health from Coastal Carolina University. She is pursuing her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of South Carolina while also serving as a member of The Dance Department’s teaching faculty in Irmo, SC. Katherine was last seen on Workshop Theatre’s stage as Cassie in A Chorus Line.

Carly Siegel (Demeter) is super excited to be a part of this fun and catty musical! She is thankful to her director Julian Deleon for this opportunity. She also wants to thank Jeni McCaughan, Taylor Diveley, and Erin Bailey for the support they've provided throughout this process. And a big thank you to the cast and crew for making this incredible show as amazing as it is. Carly graduated from USC with a Bachelor's in Theatre. Her credits at the university include Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), Metamorphoses, Romeo and Juliet, Small Mouth Sounds, and Little Shop of Horrors. She previously appeared on Workshop's stage as Laura from The Glass Menagerie. Now sit back and put your paws together for Workshop Theatre's production of Cats!

Gracen Cabiness (Jennyanydots) is over the moon to be back on the Workshop Stage after being last seen as Kristine in A Chorus Line. Other local credits include Anne of Green Gables and A Christmas Story. Before she heads to rehearsal, she can be found working as a librarian in rare books at UofSC. She’s so excited to be able to fulfill her childhood dream of performing in this show. She would not be here without the love, support, and early exposure to CATS by her very own wonderful Gennieanydots, her mom. To her talented, dedicated friends and those making this show possible, “thank you my dears”!

Nathan Jackson is so stoked to be making his Workshop Theatre debut in Cats! He has had a passion for Musical Theatre for the last 10 years and plans to major in this craft starting this fall. Some of his favorite roles include, Buddy (Elf), Benjamin (Joseph…), Rolf (The Sound of Music), Ryan Evans (High School Musical), Doody (Grease), and Tommy Djilas (The Music Man). Nathan was also recently named Best Supporting Performer in a Musical for the 2023 South Carolina BroadwayWorld Awards! He is so excited to be a part of bringing Cats to life in a new way! He would like to thank Julian, Erin, and Taylor for giving him this incredible opportunity. He would also like to thank Jeni for being so awesome! Meow!

Zanna Mills (Rumpleteazer) is so excited to finally be making her Workshop Theatre debut! She has been seen on many other local stages over the past 14 years, in roles such as Lucy (Bright Star), Annie (The Play That Goes Wrong), Mary Ann (Gilligan’s Island: The Musical), Amber Von Tussle (Hairspray), Eileen (Moon Over Buffalo) and one of her most recent favorites Izzy (Stilt Girl)! Zanna would like to thank the production team, and everyone involved for letting her do something she’s loved since she was a kid- act like a cat. Keep up with what shows she’s doing next on Instagram: @zanna.m

Tommy Braswell (Gus the Theatre Cat) is pleased and honored to make his Workshop Theatre debut. Less than a year ago, Tommy decided to give musical theater a shot. He auditioned for The Addams Family musical at Village Square Theatre and was invited to be a part of the ensemble cast. For this second venture, he is grateful and honored to be cast as Gus. Tommy has found his passion in musical theatre and is thankful to the Workshop Theatre crew for this opportunity to grow as a performer alongside so much local talent.

Davis Herndon (Skimbleshanks) is a native of Cayce, SC and this is his first show on the Workshop stage! Davis attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York before returning to Columbia during the pandemic and making the decision to pursue stage performing. Previous credits include: “Patience” (Archibald Grosvenor; Midlands Light Opera Society), “Wizard of Oz” (The Cowardly Lion; Town Theatre) “Young Frankenstein” (Dr. Fredrick Frankenstein; Village Square Theater); All Night Strut (Tenor; Town); "Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play" (Chief Piggum/Ensemble; Trustus); “The Music Man" (Oliver Hix; Town); "Into The Woods" (The Baker; Gatesingers Company Ltd). Davis also made his Music Director debut earlier this season with “White Christmas” (Town). He is grateful for the opportunity to work with this “purrfect” cast of friends, new and old, and would like to give special thanks to Workshop as well as his family and friends for their unending love and support.

Jack Thompson (Mistoffelees) is a South Carolina transplant raised in Pleasant Hope, Missouri. He fell in love with music in 4th grade when he started playing clarinet. It wasn’t until his junior year that he developed a passion for dance, which led him to receive his degree in Dance from Winthrop University. Jack currently serves as the dance teacher at Lower Richland High School. He loves all things dance and has worked with groups such as Crestwood High School show choir and cheer and served as a technician and co-choreographer for Benedict College Marching Band’s Sweet Sensations and Divine Silks. He has choreographed over 75 dance works and directed and/or managed over 15 shows in schools, studios, and communities. Jack is excited to take on the role of Mistoffelees as his first musical theatre role in over 10 years and hopes you LOVE the show.

Chris J. Kruzner (Bustopher Jones) I'm not kitten! Chris is fur-tunate to be part of this purrfect and fur-midible cast as the fat cat about town. He has previously been seen in Workshop's Christmas Cabaret and The Wedding Singer (Ronald Reagan). In his 25+ years of acting his favorite roles include Frank Butler (Annie Get Your Gun), Roy (Lonestar), Wilbur Turnblad (Hairspray), Boolie Werthan (Driving Miss Daisy) and Nicely Nicely Johnson (Guys and Dolls) among many others. Chris thanks Jeni, Julian, Taylor and everyone involved in bringing this magic to the stage. Now sit back and enjoy the Mew-sic in this Furry good show.

Lisa Baker is so grateful to Julian, Taylor, Erin & the rest of the CATS crew for this opportunity to learn & grow under their direction of another great character, one she has wanted to play since singing Memory back in her high school jazz band. She is excited to be returning to the stage where she spent her Columbia College career as a vocal performance major under Lanny Palmer, & to Workshop, where she had her first community theatre experience almost 34 years ago! A 30-year veteran music teacher/director in Lexington, some of Lisa’s other favorite roles the last few years have been the Witch in Into the Woods & Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Town Theatre), Mrs. Fleming in Heathers: The Musical (Trustus), Alice in The Addams Family & Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast (VST), and Velma in Hairspray (OnStage). Lisa would like to thank her family for always supporting her in all the time she spends on her theatrical endeavors.

Blythe Long (Jellylorum) is thrilled to be back on the Workshop Theatre stage. Blythe has previously appeared in productions such as A Chorus Line (Judy Turner), Kinky Boots (Angel), and Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), and she is excited to bring her talents to this incredible show. She holds a BA in Communications and Media Studies with a minor in Theatre from DePaul University. When she isn’t up on stage, she is the Marketing Specialist at POUT Cosmetics and Skin Studio. Blythe would like to thank the creative team and crew for their dedication and support throughout this process. She gives a big round of applause to her family, friends, and especially Taylor, Jeni, Dean, Andie, and the rest of her Workshop Theatre family for always being in her fan club!

Abigail Mathias is super excited to pounce back onto Workshop Theater’s stage for Cats! She last was on this stage as Jafar in Aladdin Jr. Some of her other favorite roles consist of: the Grinch (Seussical Jr.), Queen Agravain (Once Upon a Mattress), Louie (Captain Louie Jr.), Sloane Akers (Murder at the Art Show), Cinderella (Into the Woods Jr.), Amber (Audition for a Murder), Lady Capulet (Romeo and Juliet), Ms. Teavee (Willy Wonka), Librarian (Kodachrome), and Ariel (The Little Mermaid). Currently, Abby is a freshman over at USC, double majoring in chemistry and theater. When she isn’t busy running around with her plate full of activities and school work, she loves to paint, be home with the family, and to stay indoors enjoying the company of her cat and friends. She thanks her family, apologizes to her roommate for returning to the dorm so late, and sends the biggest of hugs to the amazing directing team of Cats.

Dakota Walker broke through the fourth wall at 3 years old, waving and greeting the audience during a ballet recital. Since then, Dakota has dedicated her life to art in all forms. She returns to the Workshop Theatre stage as a feline felon after singing and dancing her way through shows with Columbia Children’s Theatre, Town Theatre, Washington and Lee University, and the SC Shakespeare Company. By day, she performs as a Latin teacher in the hopes of bringing a love of Classical Studies to the next generation. Dakota sends love and good vibes to everyone who supports her!

I performed in the Chorus Line playing the role of Laura at Workshop Theatre. I am a student at Columbia College majoring in Dance Education and in the Dance Company. I am currently teaching at Artistic Dance Academy. I have been dancing for 17 years and danced at the following studios: Contempo School of Dance, Americas Ballet School, All that Dance, Burns Dance Studio and acGATEWAY (a program for children gifted and talented in arts). I am a competition dancer and have performed at many halftime performances. My favorite dance memory is winning nationals and performing with the Moscow Ballet. I have also cheered at South Aiken High, SC Border Bowl Cheerleader and a UCA All-American Cheerleader.

Emily Jordan (Victoria) has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern and musical theatre dance for almost all of her life. She has worked with some of today's most renowned contemporary choreographers including Jason Parsons, Lauren Adams, Sonya Tayeh, Travis Wall, Kirsten Russell, & Andrew Winghart. After graduating she received her Associates degree in Dance in New York City at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. There she performed in many choreography workshops and studied acting and singing on top of her dance curriculum. Since then, Emily has taught and choreographed for schools in New York as well as in South Carolina. Recently being invited as a solo guest performer in Ignited Dance company’s annual “Uncensored YOU” performance. Emily is also a member of the Columbia Rep Dance Company.

Heather Hazel is excited to step back on to the Workshop stage after many years away to be a part of the cast of Cats. Her previous shows include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She performed in Once Upon a Mattress, Lil’ Abner and Grease at Village Square Theater the latter of which she was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for that season for her role as Patty Simcox. She is a graduate of Winthrop University’s Dance Education program and has been performing since she was 3 years old. She would like to thank her husband, Jeremy, for his encouragement and support and dedicates her performance to their daughters Mary Lou and Maggie.

Maggie Baker (Tantomile) is absolutely ecstatic to be making her debut at Workshop Theatre as Tantomile in Cats. Cats has always held a special place in her heart as one of her all-time favorite shows, and she feels incredibly privileged to be a part of bringing it to life on stage. She would like to extend her heartfelt gratitude to her family, friends, and the entire production team for their unwavering support and belief in her. Let the Jellicle Ball begin!

Roderick Haynes Jr, a native of Columbia SC is Carbucketty in the Musical Production CATS! He’s a husband and a father of two beautiful children. He’s a man of many talents and enjoys cooking, writing, photography and is currently in the process of starting his very own Wedding/Event Planning Business. Roderick has been doing Theater since middle school and continued to work and purrfect his craft even after college. He’s worked with Workshop Theater before in Death of a Salesman where he played two characters Howard and Stanley. He also wrote; directed and produced his own play “Ancestors ”. Roderick knows all his gifts and talents come from God, Philippians 4:13 says: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. He’s use’s this as an affirmation to continue striving for greatness and to never give up.

Jay is a 21-year-old college student. Jay is a current and active member of the Columbia College dance Company and has benne dancing for at least 17 years. Jay is a Dance Studies Major with a minor in Business with aspirations of becoming a Company owner after graduation. She made her first making her musical debut with A Chorus Line and is proud, and excited to be back in collaboration with Workshop Theater. Cast as Alonzo, Jay is excited for the new journey this role has taken her.

You may recognize Jason from his previous forays in theatres around Columbia, including Town Theatre, Village Square, and Workshop. If you do, you’re probably old. He hasn’t been seen on a stage in over 30 years. He’s come out of self-imposed retirement to nurture and guide the next generation of young thespians as they embark on their journeys toward the limelight. In actuality, he just wanted to co-star in a production with his oldest child, Harrison. A former photographer for the University of South Carolina, he now spends much of his time reading, piecing together insanely large jigsaw puzzles, and playing with his grandson, Issac. (Fun fact: His grandpa name is ‘Grumpy’.) He would like to thank the numerous cats in his life for training him to play Quaxo. Will this be his final performance on the boards or the first of many more? Only time will tell.

Harrison Ayer (Bill Bailey) Harrison Ayer (Bill Bailey) is a human, acting like a cat dressed like a human. Please enjoy.

Taylor is very excited to be back on stage for her second adult show at Workshop Theatre! Taylor plans on graduating in May with her bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences while continuing her graduate studies at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. She would like to thank her family, friends, & the production team for all of their love and support. Taylor also sends a special shoutout to her favorite kitties Katherine, Blythe, & Gracen for being so purrfect! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Kendal Turner - is a writer, performer, book slinger, and magic maker. She has been a theatre kid her whole life (including a stint as a fire performer) and joined the family at Workshop Theatre in 2019 as stage manager extraordinaire for "She Loves Me." Workshop has been like a second home ever since. While she's usually behind the scenes keeping chaos at bay, changing mic tape, and giving pep talks, you may have also caught her as Annette in "God of Carnage" and as a surprise swing actor in “Belles” as Aneece. She's thrilled to once again be swishing her tail onstage for CATS. A purrrfect way to return to the stage. Much love to all of you for supporting live theatre and a special thanks to her dear circus sister, Elizabeth Ferretti for reminding her how to fly. Enjoy the show!

Brittnie is just happy to be here.

Elizabeth Graham is excited to join the Jellicle family in this Workshop Theatre production of Cats. Elizabeth is a senior at Columbia College working on her bachelor's in music. This is Elizabeth's first time in a theatrical performance, and she can't wait to don her ears, shake her tail, and sing her heart out.

Cayli Kauff is thrilled to be making her debut at Workshop Theatre in their production of Cats. She would like to thank her friends for supporting her theatre journey.

Ann McGaha (Ensemble) is beyond ecstatic to become a bold and confident Cat in this production of Cats the musical. This is her first ever show here at the Workshop Theatre. Ann is a student at the University of South Carolina and has always had a passion for theater. Throughout her high school experience, she was in shows that included The Addams Family and Bye Bye Birdie. She is fierce and is not afraid to work it on stage. Ann encourages everyone to leave the show feeling confident and ready to dance the night away. She wants to thank everyone for letting her be a part of this production and wishes everyone a fantastic job!

Brandi Mimbs is beyond excited to take the Workshop stage for the first time! She’s most recently been involved with Village Square Theater in ensemble roles in Young Frankenstein and The Addams Family, but she’s been on stage or stage-adjacent since childhood. Whilst the sun shines, she is a school-based mental health counselor serving elementary age clients. Evenings that don’t involve rehearsal often find her being as ridiculous as possible with her family.

Sarah Ramos I am excited to transform into the world of CATS. Thank you to Jeni McCaughan, Taylor Dively, Erin Bailey, and Julian Ryan for allowing me to be a part of this amazing show and amazing cast. I am a student here at Columbia College as a Double major in Dance studies and social work as well as two minors and two certificates. My biggest passions in life are theatre, dance, singing, and writing. I am a part of the Columbia College Dance Company and have been dancing since I was little. This is my first time with workshop theatre but not my first time performing. I love everyone who is a part of this cast and crew who has worked so hard to get to where we are. Lastly thank you to my mother, and family for supporting all of my crazy dreams.

Caroline Powell (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Workshop Theatre debut in CATS the Musical. Caroline's journey to the stage was ignited by a special moment at age 6, when her mother whisked her away to witness the magic of CATS, igniting her lifelong passion for musical theatre. With gratitude in her heart, Caroline extends a heartfelt thanks to her mother for the gift of that pivotal experience, which continues to inspire and shape her journey in the world of theatre. Recent credits include The Addams Family, Young Frankenstein, and Rock of Ages.

Frances Steele is beyond thrilled to be making her theatrical debut! She’d like to thank Jeni and Julian for inviting her to be part of this dream show, Olivia for being the greatest friend, sister, and co-star she could ask for, and her cat Mabel for being a sweet and cuddly muse for the past few months.

Olivia is extremely excited to be making her theatrical debut, especially in a show she’s always loved! She wants to thank all involved in the casting process for giving her this chance, Frances for being her forever partner-in-crime, her family for their support, and her cat Buddy, who, quite frankly, would rather she have spent her many hours in rehearsals at home feeding him instead.

Noah Poole is thrilled to be a member of this incredibly talented cast of Cats! This is her first musical in Columbia, and with 10+ years of classical dance and many past roles in pre-professional ballet performances under her belt, she is excited to be a performer at Workshop. She would like to thank her friends, castmates, and especially her mom for all the support and love, and she is dedicating her performance to her childhood cat, Tux, who crossed over to the Heavyside Layer in November of this past year.

Raven Washington (Ensemble) is beyond thrilled to be on Workshop's stage for this classic, incredible show! A Columbia College Forensic Psychology and Social Work major, Raven began her musical theatre passion at CC this is her first time ever in a musical however this is not her first time performing. Cheers to all the laughter, sweat, and hard work of this cast & crew. Taylor, just thank you. Jeni, you too. Julian and Erin as well such an amazing group of people to be around. Love my new family members!