The idea for this episode started when Chris Elliott retold a story of Bob Elliott's about how much he hated the musical "Cats".
The musical in this episode, "Zoo Animals on Wheels", is a spoof of the Broadway musicals "Cats" and "Starlight Express".
Chris Elliott's roller skates do not actually roll. This is because Elliott was unable to skate so he was given skates that he could walk with.
"Zoo Animals on Wheels" was chosen by TV Guide as one of the 50 funniest moments is television history.