After the Jellicle Ball, the cats are resting. Jellylorum helps Gus the Theater Cat, a frail, elderly tom, onstage, and he is welcomed and given a place to sit. Old Deuteronomy, who is still thinking about Grizabella, sings of "the moments of happiness" in sophisticated terms that no cat quite understands. Coricopat and Tantomile receive the message and pass it on to Jemima, who sings it more simply. As one, all the cats rise to their feet and stand in unity.
Gus goes to pay his respects to Old Deuteronomy, then returns to sit down. Jellylorum sings of his past as an actor, and Gus claims that no "modern production" is complete without him. "His grandest creation...was Fireforefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell", and he has a flashback of the dark cat. In some productions this flashback is a song in itself, "Growltiger's Last Stand", however since the movie came out it is more often cut short, replaced by Gus overwhelmed by emotion and taken offstage by Jellylorum.
Old Deuteronomy wishes to introduce Skimbleshanks, the railway cat, but the said Skimbleshanks is nowhere to be seen...he is fast asleep. Once found and woken, he talks through a train journey and describes all his various duties. Towards the end various materials are found to build a mock train.
As Skimbleshanks climbs up on the wheel to take his bow, a third crash sends the creation toppling to the ground. The evil Macavity leaps onto the highest point of the stage, laughing demonically, and hypnotizes the cats while his dark minions abduct Old Deuteronomy. The toms run after them, while the she-cats go into hiding...all but two, Demeter and Bombalurina, who share firsthand their experiences with Macavity and his frightening capabilities.
The toms return immediately before Macavity, who is disguised as Old Deuteronomy. Only Demeter and Bombalurina recognize him. Bombalurina tries to protect Demeter, but is thrown off. Demeter pushes the gathered cats away from Macavity and pulls his disguise off. Macavity chases the different cats and tries to abduct Demeter, but is stopped by Alonzo and fought by Munkustrap. Eventually all the Jellicles begin to gang up on Macavity, who creates an electrical explosion that cuts out the stage lights, and then escapes. The Jellicles shine a spotlight on where he was and repeat his signature line, "Macavity's not there!"
In the film version, Munkustrap and Demeter kiss after Macavity's disappearance, causing most fans to believe they are mates...however, this does not happen in most other productions. The cats return to the task at hand: "We have to find Old Deuteronomy!"
The Rum Tum Tugger suggests that they ask the magical Mr. Mistoffelees for help, and shares how clever the young cat is. Mr. Mistoffelees arrives, restores the lights, performs various magic tricks and dance moves, and with the help of Cassandra or (very occasionally) Demeter, brings back Old Deuteronomy.
Jemima announces that daylight is coming, and Munkustrap says that the time has come for Old Deuteronomy to choose which cat will go to the Heaviside Layer. Grizabella returns, and most cats go to the side of the stage, ignoring her or challenging her, still afraid. Victoria for a second time tries to approach her, but is again prevented by Jellylorum. With encouragement from Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella begins to sing and is ignored at first, but eventually the cats listen to her. Rarely, a flashback version of Grizabella dances while she sings. At one point she stumbles and falls, but Jemima encourages her not to give up. At the end of Grizabella's song, Victoria goes to her and touches her hand.
One by one, each cat accepts Grizabella and welcomes her back. It is unanimously decided that she should go to the Heaviside Layer. Old Deuteronomy takes her part of the way, and then she finishes her own journey with farewell and encouragement from all the Jellicles.
In concluding, Old Deuteronomy explains to the human audience that cats need to be "ad-dressed" with much respect.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Summary: Act 1
The moon rises over an out-of-the-way alley (presumably in the middle of London, although some people would probably argue with me, and even I changed it to fit the requirements of a Cats fanfiction I wrote). One by one, Jellicle cats enter the stage, and sing about their achievements. We meet most of the cast this way. Unusually aware of their human audience, the Jellicles take time to explain things, such as how cats are named, although they are scornful by how little humans know.
Once they have done this, they slip away into the shadows while Victoria, a white kitten, performs a solo dance. She is joined by Quaxo, who calls the cats back together. Munkustrap explains to the audience that "Jellicle cats meet once a year, at the Jellicle Ball" and that the Jellicle leader, Old Deuteronomy, "will soon appear to make what is known as the Jellicle choice". Just before dawn, he will choose one Jellicle to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and "come back to a different Jellicle life". What exactly this means is also up for interpretation, although many people assume it means dying, being reborn into a life without suffering, and it is clear that it is an honor to be chosen for this.
As the introduction ends, the cats begin to mingle and exchange news. Munkustrap introduces Jennyanydots, a middle-aged cat who "sits and sits and sits and sits" during the day, and at night keeps charge of the mice and the cockroaches that live in her human family's house. Demeter, Bombalurina and Jellylorum also help to introduce Jennyanydots, and the other cats present, especially the young ones, act out the roles of mice and cockroaches.
As her song ends Jennyanydots is praised and welcomed by the other cats, but is cut off by the arrival of the wild and seductive Rum Tum Tugger, who announces proudly that his "disobliging ways are a matter of habit" and that "he will do as he do do and there's no doing anything about it". He gets the young cats very excited, especially the kitten Etcetera and the red queen Bombalurina. The older cats are more disturbed by his antics, Demeter physically clawing him when he comes too close. His number ends abruptly as Grizabella, an old, outcast cat, enters.
Although the younger cats are interested in Grizabella and want to welcome her, they are constantly blocked by the older cats. Demeter shares that Grizabella "haunted many a low resort" and was once beautiful, known as "the glamour cat", but is now old and close to death. Hurt by the cats' treatment of her, Grizabella leaves.
Jennyanydots introduces Bustopher Jones, the "Brummel of cats". He is well-known at London's most elitist clubs, and is very popular among the older cats, although the kittens seem turned off by the fact that he is "the twenty-five pounder" and "putting on weight every day". As Bustopher presents Jennyanydots with a rose, a loud crashing and flashing red lights interrupt the gathering. Demeter identifies the cause as Macavity. Although it is not known who he is until later, his presence seems to upset her very much. All the cats run for shelter.
A high-pitched giggle signals the entrance of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, a "notorious couple of cats". They "have an extensive reputation", with knowledge of many different trades, although their favorite is burgling or breaking things. As they celebrate their cleverness, the cats run on from different sides and throw their illegal bundles offstage, taunting, "And there's nothing at all to be done about that!"
While the cats rest, Munkustrap and the Rum Tum Tugger share the story of Old Deuteronomy, the wise Jellicle leader, who arrives at the end of the song and is much welcomed by everyone. Immediately following this, the cats act out a story of dogs fighting in the street and being scared away by the Great Rumpus Cat. Old Deuteronomy begins to speak about Jellicle Cats and Pollicle Dogs, but is cut off by another crashing. This time a glimpse is caught of Macavity in the shadows of the stage.
Again all the cats run for shelter, but once Munkustrap has checked that all is safe are slowly brought back to join in the "Song of the Jellicles", where again the Jellicles speak of what they can do and what they are like. This is followed by the official Jellicle Ball, an extended, many-parted dance number that includes territory-marking, a large mating dance led by Bombalurina and the Rum Tum Tugger, whirling and acrobatics, and a solo mating dance performed by Victoria and one of the toms--who it is varies, but usually Plato, Admetus, Alonzo or occasionally Quaxo.
At one point during the Jellicle Ball, Grizabella attempts to return, but is chased away. She returns again at the end of the Jellicle Ball, and is hissed at or pushed around by the other cats, who eventually leave her onstage. Jemima tries to speak on Grizabella's behalf, but is ignored. Alone with the exception of Old Deuteronomy, she tries to dance, but is too old to do so without causing herself pain. Feeling lonely and hurt, she gives vent to these emotions by singing, and adds that she remembers the old days, when she was beautiful and loved and happy, but that she cannot change what has already happened. She exits again, leaving Old Deuteronomy in tears and confusion, longing to help her but not sure how.
Once they have done this, they slip away into the shadows while Victoria, a white kitten, performs a solo dance. She is joined by Quaxo, who calls the cats back together. Munkustrap explains to the audience that "Jellicle cats meet once a year, at the Jellicle Ball" and that the Jellicle leader, Old Deuteronomy, "will soon appear to make what is known as the Jellicle choice". Just before dawn, he will choose one Jellicle to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and "come back to a different Jellicle life". What exactly this means is also up for interpretation, although many people assume it means dying, being reborn into a life without suffering, and it is clear that it is an honor to be chosen for this.
As the introduction ends, the cats begin to mingle and exchange news. Munkustrap introduces Jennyanydots, a middle-aged cat who "sits and sits and sits and sits" during the day, and at night keeps charge of the mice and the cockroaches that live in her human family's house. Demeter, Bombalurina and Jellylorum also help to introduce Jennyanydots, and the other cats present, especially the young ones, act out the roles of mice and cockroaches.
As her song ends Jennyanydots is praised and welcomed by the other cats, but is cut off by the arrival of the wild and seductive Rum Tum Tugger, who announces proudly that his "disobliging ways are a matter of habit" and that "he will do as he do do and there's no doing anything about it". He gets the young cats very excited, especially the kitten Etcetera and the red queen Bombalurina. The older cats are more disturbed by his antics, Demeter physically clawing him when he comes too close. His number ends abruptly as Grizabella, an old, outcast cat, enters.
Although the younger cats are interested in Grizabella and want to welcome her, they are constantly blocked by the older cats. Demeter shares that Grizabella "haunted many a low resort" and was once beautiful, known as "the glamour cat", but is now old and close to death. Hurt by the cats' treatment of her, Grizabella leaves.
Jennyanydots introduces Bustopher Jones, the "Brummel of cats". He is well-known at London's most elitist clubs, and is very popular among the older cats, although the kittens seem turned off by the fact that he is "the twenty-five pounder" and "putting on weight every day". As Bustopher presents Jennyanydots with a rose, a loud crashing and flashing red lights interrupt the gathering. Demeter identifies the cause as Macavity. Although it is not known who he is until later, his presence seems to upset her very much. All the cats run for shelter.
A high-pitched giggle signals the entrance of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, a "notorious couple of cats". They "have an extensive reputation", with knowledge of many different trades, although their favorite is burgling or breaking things. As they celebrate their cleverness, the cats run on from different sides and throw their illegal bundles offstage, taunting, "And there's nothing at all to be done about that!"
While the cats rest, Munkustrap and the Rum Tum Tugger share the story of Old Deuteronomy, the wise Jellicle leader, who arrives at the end of the song and is much welcomed by everyone. Immediately following this, the cats act out a story of dogs fighting in the street and being scared away by the Great Rumpus Cat. Old Deuteronomy begins to speak about Jellicle Cats and Pollicle Dogs, but is cut off by another crashing. This time a glimpse is caught of Macavity in the shadows of the stage.
Again all the cats run for shelter, but once Munkustrap has checked that all is safe are slowly brought back to join in the "Song of the Jellicles", where again the Jellicles speak of what they can do and what they are like. This is followed by the official Jellicle Ball, an extended, many-parted dance number that includes territory-marking, a large mating dance led by Bombalurina and the Rum Tum Tugger, whirling and acrobatics, and a solo mating dance performed by Victoria and one of the toms--who it is varies, but usually Plato, Admetus, Alonzo or occasionally Quaxo.
At one point during the Jellicle Ball, Grizabella attempts to return, but is chased away. She returns again at the end of the Jellicle Ball, and is hissed at or pushed around by the other cats, who eventually leave her onstage. Jemima tries to speak on Grizabella's behalf, but is ignored. Alone with the exception of Old Deuteronomy, she tries to dance, but is too old to do so without causing herself pain. Feeling lonely and hurt, she gives vent to these emotions by singing, and adds that she remembers the old days, when she was beautiful and loved and happy, but that she cannot change what has already happened. She exits again, leaving Old Deuteronomy in tears and confusion, longing to help her but not sure how.
Song List
Song List
Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats
The Naming of Cats
Invitation to the Jellicle Ball
The Old Gumbie Cat
The Rum Tum Tugger
Grizabella: The Glamour Cat
Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer
Old Deuteronomy
Of The Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles
Song of the Jellicles
The Jellicle Ball
Grizabella
The Moments of Happiness
Gus: The Theater Cat
Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
Macavity: The Mystery Cat
Macavity Battle
Mr. Mistoffelees
Memory
Journey to the Heaviside Layer
The Ad-Dressing of Cats
Unlike most musicals, there is no dialogue--although acting is very important, the entire story (well, such as it is, since it's almost all up for interpretation) is told through song and dance. Therefore, if you know Cats you'll be able to read the whole plot in this--however, I am going to write a summary anyway, for if you're confused, and because I want to.
Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats
The Naming of Cats
Invitation to the Jellicle Ball
The Old Gumbie Cat
The Rum Tum Tugger
Grizabella: The Glamour Cat
Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer
Old Deuteronomy
Of The Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles
Song of the Jellicles
The Jellicle Ball
Grizabella
The Moments of Happiness
Gus: The Theater Cat
Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat
Macavity: The Mystery Cat
Macavity Battle
Mr. Mistoffelees
Memory
Journey to the Heaviside Layer
The Ad-Dressing of Cats
Unlike most musicals, there is no dialogue--although acting is very important, the entire story (well, such as it is, since it's almost all up for interpretation) is told through song and dance. Therefore, if you know Cats you'll be able to read the whole plot in this--however, I am going to write a summary anyway, for if you're confused, and because I want to.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Cats (Movie) Cast
I love the Cats movie because it stays so true to the musical, unlike many other movie musicals I could mention. All the roles are played by stage actors. They all know how to act, sing and dance. It was even filmed in the original theater, with the original set. I really love the cast--it seems like they chose the best of the best, from all over the world.
That being said, here are pictures of the cast. I'll put character sketches up later.
That being said, here are pictures of the cast. I'll put character sketches up later.
Welcome
Hello.
I am Demeter (well, I want to be) and this is my Cats fansite. I know this is technically Blogspot, but I can't create a successful website anywhere else to save my life, so...I'm just pretending it's a website rather than a blog. And it will sort of be both...I'll write a lot of things about Cats as a musical, but I'll also share my personal life story in relation to Cats, and my new Cats experiences as they come.
I know this post is very short, just explaining what this blog/website is about, but longer and more interesting ones will come soon, I promise.
"Can you see in the dark?"
You'll have to.
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