Odds & Ends: Grumpy Cat to Join Cats Cast, Idina Menzel on Frozen 2 & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Grumpy Cat to Join Cats Cast
What's next, Hello Kitty being named the Gumbie Cat standby? Grumpy Cat, the media personality, performer and New York Times best-selling author, will make her Great White Way debut alongside the Cats cast on stage at the Neil Simon Theatre on September 30. “Being selected as the first real cat to perform in Cats on Broadway is an honor. I hate it,” Grumpy Cat meowed in a statement. “If I’m really being honest, I’d prefer to play the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera.”

Shirley Jones Bio-Show Eyeing New York
The Partridge Family legend and Great White Way vet Shirley Jones and her son, Broadway and television actor Patrick Cassidy, are headlining the world premiere of Have You Met Miss Jones. Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. and featuring stories, memories and songs from the Oscar-winning Jones’ career, the show is currently playing a limited ten-week engagement through November 27 at the New Theatre in Overland, Kansas. Co-written by Shaun Cassidy and Maltby, and developed by Patrick Cassidy, there are plans to subsequently take the production on a national tour prior to heading to New York. We will keep you posted!

Lydia Wilson & Rafe Spall Return to London Stage
Some news from across the pond. Former Broadway.com fresh face Lydia Wilson (King Charles III) has been tapped to star in Sam Shepard’s Fool For Love, alongside Adam Rothenberg. Directed by Simon Evans, the Ripper Street co-stars will play a limited eight-week engagement from October 26 at London’s Found111. Meanwhile, Broadway alum Rafe Spall (Betrayal) will join the Ruth Wilson-led Hedda Gabler. Helmed by Tony winner Ivo van Hove, the previously announced production will begin previews on December 5 at the National’s Lyttleton Theatre. Opening night is set for December 12. We're keeping an eye on this one, it could have legs...

Idina Menzel on Frozen 2
The newly engaged Idina Menzel recently stopped by The Ellen Show, hosted by Miley Cyrus, to talk tales of her son Walker, performing the National Anthem next to the President and an Easter bunny, as well as whether Elsa will be a lesbian in Frozen 2. "I, Idina Menzel, says I am all for it. I think it's a wonderful idea. I think it's a wonderful conversation." Check out the interview below.


P.S. The West End's Wicked (which Menzel originally headlined after her Tony-winning Broadway turn as Elphie) celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 27. We're loving this sneak peek of the celebrations.

Watch SPELLBINDING video highlights from our 10th Birthday celebrations feat. fabulocious guests & cast members, past & present! #Wicked10 pic.twitter.com/he3ant7ByX

— Wicked UK (@WickedUK) September 29, 2016