I got to see Devon as Munkustrap in February of 2022 and I feel so lucky! He really understood the character. He was sweet and affectionate but he was stern when he needed to be. And most importantly he played with ALL of my favorite headcanons.
Munk and Tugger (Zach Bravo) were SO brothers! You could tell that Tugger really made it his whole life’s work to annoy his big brother. For Tugger’s entrance during his number he ran up to Munk, kicked him in the butt, and gave a resounding “BOOP.” Devon and Zach have also gone out to say that Macavity is also their brother. Because of the way the musical plays out, it’s hard to get any indication of that on stage but the fact that they said that is so important to me.
He and Lauren were so sweet together as Munk and Demeter. The love between them was so tangible. When Macavity attacked, it was heavy. There was so much weight. You could really get the feel that Munk’s life was on actually the line! He was giving his all. And let me tell you, he got his ass BEAT! When the lights went out and he collapsed, I legitimately thought, “DID MUNKUSTRAP JUST DIE?!?” That’s how heavy it was. Then to have Demeter rush over and comfort him was so heartwarming.
Last is little baby Sillabub! I’ll be honest I didn’t catch many moments between them on stage. But I think that’s mostly because that was my first ever time seeing the show live, and there was A LOT to take in. However, Devon and Bri were very close and sweet to each other off-stage, so I just KNOW that there must have been some cute moments on-stage. Devon and Lauren have also gone to say that Sillabub is their daughter so… WIN! (It’s so rare to actually get demestrap family representation 😭)
In the end I’m so grateful! I can’t remember much of what his voice sounded like, though. So if anyone has any sort of bootleg involving Devon, please let me know! 👀
I have seen Nick Davis (via bootleg) and he was phenomenal as well! And I hope to see the show again in April to see Kade Wright! But Devon will forever be special to me and he will always be my first (live) Munk!
Nick was brought in as the replacement Munkustrap after Devon McCleskey’s departure in March 2022. He took over the role full time on March 24th and remained with the tour until the end of its first season on June 26th, 2022.
Where is he now?
Nick is currently in the ensemble of Singin’ in the Rain at Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, ME. The production runs from 6/25 to 7/15/23.
Has he done anything else?
He was in the ensemble of Sound of Music at Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn, NJ from 12/2/22 to 1/1/23.
He is also a certified indoor rowing instructor with Xpontential+/Rowhouse.
All the actors I’ve drawn for the US touring cast! In order: Elana Valastro as Rumpleteazer with Brian Nelson as Mungojerrie Kelliann DeCarlo as Grizabella Chelsea N. Mitchell as Bombalurina Michelle E. Carter as Jennyanydots Brian Nelson (again) as Mungojerrie (he’s my favorite okay don’t look at me, do you understand the restraint I’m putting on myself to NOT draw him again???) Devon McCleskey as Munkustrap Aiden Pressel as Plato If anyone wants to see more of my art of the actors, I’m still drawing them and plan on drawing all of them! If you want to see a particular actor, send them in! (And if they’re a swing, send in the actor and one of the characters they’ve played)
OKAY EVERYONE so we lost our US tour Munk and Tugger in the space of two months. This means it's time to share your favourite Zach Bravo and/or Devon McCleskey gifs/photos/anecdotes/moments/links to art or clips!
Reblog and add to this post, or make your own post/thread!
I'll start with a couple of fun things:
Zach: Sunglasses with Hyla and Kelly. Very cool cats. This was a recurring theme but fortunately I have a tag dedicated to cats in glasses (look, it happens a lot and it's always cute) so there's many instances under there! Best moment, of course, has to be Zach turning the tables on the little thief and making off with her glasses.
Devon: Goofy/warm backstage moments with Kelly, Max, and Lauren.
Bonus for both: Shimmies and Munkuteazer abductions!
... okay, almost shimmies. shimmies are about to happen. essence of shimmying. kneeslides and mane-preening will do.
Devon played Munkustrap from the relaunch of the Cats National Tour in September 2021 until his departure on March 6th, 2022. He was also listed as an understudy for Rum Tum Tugger, though he didn't have the opportunity to go on for the role.
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Where did he go?
Devon left Cats in March last year to join the North American tour of Pretty Woman as a swing.
Where is he now?
He is still with the Pretty Woman tour, where in addition to swing he has taken on additional duties as assistant dance captain and understudying Alfredo, Giulio, and David Morse!