Known for one of the most iconic songs in musical theatre and its incredible, demanding performances, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS remains a theatrical experience unlike any other. Celebrating its 40th Australian anniversary, the musical has been touring across the country and will soon make its way to Perth, where WAAPA alumni Jarrod Draper returns to the city that helped shape him into the versatile performer he is today. Playing the role of Munkustrap, Jarrod took some time between performances in Adelaide to rest his paws and chat with us about his connection to the show and what it’s like to step into such a challenging yet rewarding role.
Are you excited to be back in Perth? You studied here and you also toured through with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Do you have any fond memories of your time in Perth, either as a student or performer? Anything you especially enjoy about Perth audiences?
It’s always exciting to come back to Perth. It was a place that was very good to me while I was studying at WAAPA. My fondest memories of Perth are always to do with the beaches. They are second to none. In terms of performing, I got to play my dream role of George in Sunday in the Park With George while I was studying, so for that, Perth always holds a special place in my heart. Coming back for Moulin Rouge! The Musical really made me see that audiences in Perth really love a night out at the theatre. They fully envelop the idea of escapism and are so appreciative of the art they are witnessing in front of them.
Stepping into CATS, what was your connection to the show before being cast?
My connection to CATS actually came from my parents. It was the first ever musical that they both saw, so to be a part of the show is a really full circle moment. It wasn’t necessarily a show that was initially on my radar. To be quite honest, it looked so difficult to do from the outset that I probably steered clear, but now here we are and it’s the most fulfilled I have felt in terms of using my entire skill set. But yes, to share these moments with my parents because the show is so special to them, is a gift.
Jarrod Draper, Leigh Archer in CATS. Credit Daniel Boud.
What drew you to audition for this production?
I wanted to be challenged. I was at a point in my career where I wanted to really earn that day off at the end of the week. I knew I was going to be pushed to marry all facets of my skills, and it was going to force me to really invest into myself and my recovery. It’s an iconic piece to begin with, so to be a small part of such a huge legacy is also a huge draw card. It’s almost like a rite of passage to do CATS if the opportunity should arise. And pushing me, it certainly is. I love it.
Can you introduce us to your character? Who is Munkustrap?
Munkustrap is essentially the narrator of the piece. He is the leader of the Jellicle Tribe when Old Deuteronomy is absent. It’s his job to keep things in order. He has a real journey throughout the piece as he has to learn to relinquish control, and learn to forgive.
What do you most enjoy about playing him, especially given his unique role as the narrator of the story?
I really enjoy the evolution he undertakes. It’s a fulfilling journey. You can see the change in him from beginning to end. It’s fun to play with his presence and stature as well. As you said, being the narrator is a unique role because there is also a relationship that I get to develop personally with the audience as I lead them through the show. That’s a gift in and of itself because he is the one that really sets the tone for what the audience is to expect. It allows the other ‘cats’ to follow along as well. I mean those are only a few things I love about him. He’s not too dissimilar from myself, apart from the obvious…of being a cat!
Gabriyel Thomas and the cast of CATS. Credit Daniel Boud.
CATS is known to be very physically demanding. Did this role require any particular preparation before rehearsals?
Honestly, my preparation was more mental than it was physical. It was more about getting myself into the correct mindset to know that this wasn’t going to be easy, but that I was more than capable of achieving it. The physical demands are naturally so daunting, and there’s many moments where you are unsure how you’re going to make it to the next day with the toll it takes on your body; but having a strong mind really changed the game for me. I knew I was meant to be there, and it was all a process of getting that feeling into the body.
How do you keep your stamina up across so many performances?
This show requires a lot of discipline and diligence with recovery and making time for yourself. It requires a lot of you. Stamina is something that is built over time so the repetition of doing the show, you naturally build your stamina. But it’s largely to do with your recovery as well. And that varies person to person. For me, I really invest in remedial massage and dry needling to set my body up for the week ahead. Also making sure you’re fuelling your body correctly is more important than ever on this show.
Cast of CATS. Credit Daniel Boud.
You’ve been with this cast for a while now. Have you developed any rituals, traditions, or pre-show warmups together?
You work in such close proximity to one another on this show so it’s only natural that certain traditions happen. One thing that has remained consistent from the beginning of our time together is that we gather in a circle before every show. Here, we are able to connect and give some words of encouragement and motivation to set ourselves up for what’s to come. It’s a real ensemble show and requires a team to make it work, so it’s a good way to centre ourselves as one before we embark on the feline journey of CATS.
Looking back so far, what have been some of your tour highlights?
Opening Night in Sydney has been my ultimate highlight. It felt like years of hard work and determination had come together in that one moment. It’s a true triple threat show, and I was fulfilled knowing that I was exercising all of my skills that I had worked so hard at. To be greeted with such admiration by your loved ones and peers, after knowing all the work you put in, was really special. Another highlight for me has been the people I’m working with. I’ve made some incredible friendships that I truly treasure. And to be able to walk away from this with that, will always feel like a highlight.
You can see Jarrod Draper in the cast of CATS at Crown Theatre in Perth from November 8.