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#THEN TUGGER COPIES HIS DANCE MOVES AND THEY DANCE TOGETHER
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Cats Vienna, 11.06.2022
Didn’t plan to write an text today cause today was the Vienna Pride and I’m tired as fuck but some interesting things happened today. I make it short.
Carbucketty was played by Tommie Luyben. Think it was the first time for me seeing him in this role. He played him less proud and more fun than the other Carbuckettys.
After seeing the show so many times the moment when Tugger (a grown ass man in a cat suit) enters the stage and says Miau is still funny. Also: Love the choreo that the cats do during the part were Tugger would normally go into the audience. Great fan of the Vicky (Thomas) and Electra (Riddoch) interactions today during Tugger und Bustopher BFFs. Also loved how Bill (Luke) wanted to play with Jemima (Bertinshaw) at the end of the Tugger song but she ignored him and went up to Tugger to scream together with the other girls. He seemed kind of sad about it.
The last couple of times Tugger (Hees) kicked the ball in Munk’s direction (sitting on the tire. Today he had to duck. Tugger loves anoying Munk during his number.
During Bustopher Alonzo (Mandiadis) was “T-Posing” in the background. Bomba (Dam) walked up to him and he put one of is T-posing arms around her shoulder which was cute.
At the end of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer it looked like Mungojerrie (Majert) was sheltering/protecting Rumpleteazer (Rackham) from the others.
When Old Deut enters the stage, I love how Demeter (Vazzoler) makes the most dramatic bow for him ever. She really goes down to the floor.
During the Pekes and Pollicles Admetus (Li) bumped so hard into Mungo that he lost his dog hat.
Also, at the beginning when the girls lie next to Old Deut that always reminds me of Star Wars, were Leah sits next to Jabba the Hutt, lol.
When the queens sing their short Macavity song the others leave the stage but Chorus Gus (Martin) always waits for Jelly (Obermeier), takes her hand and they leave together.
Biggest surprise today: Pas de deux today was not Admetus and Vicky but Alonzo and Vicky. Alonzo went up to her and first I was like “move, boy, the pas de deux is starting” but then he started it and I was like “ooohhh”. Maniadis covers the Admetus/Macavity role so he knows it. Don’t know why they changed it today but I liked it quite a lot. Looked interesting because Vicky is white and Alonzo is black and white.
Also, front center is always Misto and Carbucketty, usually they both do their reversed body role but today Carbucketty didn’t do it but scretched Misto’s chest before cuddeling with Rump again.
Today during Skimbleshanks Carbucketty told Electra to misbehave and he was so proud of himself that he had to tell Rumple immediatly. Also: Coricopat (Batten) copied Skimble’s movement today. He sits behind him near Old Deut. Maybe he wants to follow in his footsteps. Next year: The Railway Cat pt. 2: Coricopat. Also at the beginning of the song Rumple and Mungo craweld under Munkustrap’s legs to get to Skimble. At first he seemed kind of annoyed but then he shrugged it off.
Today for the first time during Macavity I didn’t stare at Bomba and Deme the whole time but looked at the girls dancing in the back and the choreo is really cool too. Have to look it up online or in the 1998 movie again. Really liked it.
Love how Peploe-Williams when she plays Cassandra always checks on Demeter when she’s freed from Macavity.
Normally at the end of Mistoffelees Alonzo and Admetus lift him up but today it was Alonzo and Carbucketty.
When Grizabella (Filipcic) was accepted back into the tribe, she took Demeters face between her hands and Demeter did her dramatic bow again, the same one she does for Old Deut. I really do love how Vienna plays her relationship to Munk, Griz and Mac (they get that she’s the main character, lol).
During the bows Jelly took and Rainbow Flag out with her and waved it. Very much appreciated. I like.
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adivvy · 3 years
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yes im a fan of cats the musical (1998) what about it
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Korean Character Bios
I posted before about some characters bios from the 2008 South Korea Tour. I tried to translate the bios for the named swings with mixed results.
Well, it turns out that I’d completely failed to notice that Google Translate actually has a Korean keyboard that let me type more letters than other online keyboards did, and I was able to get some slightly better translations this time. Also, I did all of them. I’ve Google Translated all the character bios.
So, here they are:
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Seductive Cat / Grizabella
She was a member of the Jellicles as a seductive, pure, curious cat, but she left the Jellicle society to experience a bigger and wider world. Now, marginalized for her shabby appearance, she returns to the Jellicle society to become a Jellicle member again.
(Notes: It appears that the word “seductive” is used to mean “glamorous”.)
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Rebellious Cat / Rum Tum Tugger
A member of the Jellicles, he’s a cat who does only what he wants to do and has a clear sense of self. He likes to receive attention and is charismatic just by being himself, so he is the most popular with female cats.
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Prophet Cat / Old Deuteronomy
As the eldest ancestral cat of the Jellicles, he is intelligent, wise, respected, and loved. Every year at the Jellicle Ball, a cat is selected and sent to the Heaviside Layer to become a new Jellicle cat.
(Notes: “ball” was actually “festival”, but I shifted terminology to match. Also, is Old D the ancestor of all Jellicles?)
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Leader Cat / Munkustrap
A young and responsible leader cat who protects and takes care of the Jellicle Tribe. the Jellicle Cats trust and follow him as a leader.
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Theatre Cat / Gus
After Old Deuteronomy, he is the oldest and has been a Jellicle member for many years. He was a famous actor when he was young, but now he is suffering from a serious illness.
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Wealthy Cat / Bustopher Jones: 
Although not a member of the Jellicles, he is an aristocratic cat who is always welcomed. In his spare time, he likes to play golf and enjoy lavish meals.
(Notes: So Bustopher isn’t a Jellicle? I’m still not sure what defines a Jellicle in this version.)
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Kind Cat / Jellylorum: 
She is a middle-aged, kind-hearted cat who always takes care of old Gus and the kittens.
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Thief Cat Couple / Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer: 
A playful and clever couple of thief cats who are always causing trouble together.
(Notes: The word for “thief” sometimes translated as “stray” but only when applied to the word “cat”, so I’m guessing the Korean term for “stray cat” might be “thief cat”. But, Jerrie and Teazer are clearly not strays in their number’s lyrics, so I used the translation that applied to them. Also, the word “couple” translated as “pair” sometimes, so this isn’t confirming a romantic pairing, but they could’ve been playing it that way anyway, for all I know, so take that how you will.)
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Train Cat / Skimbleshanks: 
As a train conductor, he is an orderly cat who takes on all the responsibilities of the train. An uncle to all cats, kittens love to hear his stories as a storyteller.
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Magician Cat / Mr. Mistoffelees: 
The best magician, though he can’t speak. He can even make things disappear. As a great magician, he rescues the kidnapped Old Deuteronomy.
(Notes: “Magician” can also translate as “wizard” or “sorcerer”. This Misto is mute, which makes sense for a production from this region and era. Outside of Japan, east Asian productions are usually based on Australian ones, which is where the named swings come from. Although the first Australian productions had Misto sing, they later made him mute, only to switch back more recently. 2008 was during the mute era.)
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Sensual Cat / Bombalurina: 
She is a very sensual and sexy cat, popular with male cats who pay attention to her sexual desires. As Demeter’s older sister, she always protects her.
(Notes: I think “older sister” might not be literal. She might just be a sort of “older sister figure”. It’s not clear.)
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Sensitive Cat / Demeter: 
Because of Macavity, she is anxious and nervous about everything. She is also at risk of being kidnapped by Macavity. If she shows any signs of anxiety, it’s always a sign that Macavity is nearby.
(Notes: So, she’s always anxious, because of Macavity, but if she’s anxious, which is all the time, Macavity’s nearby. Is Macavity nearby all the time? This one is weird.)
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Siamese Cat / Cassandra: 
Possesses a strange beauty. As the only hairless Siamese cat, she always behaves arrogantly.
(Notes: Despite the better keyboard, this one wouldn’t translate properly, so there’s some stuff missing. This is the general idea of what I think was being said. I wonder how having a Siamese cat in the cast affected Growltiger.)
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Gumbie Cat / Jennyanydots: 
During the daytime, she sits all the time and seems lazy, but at night she’s actually a busy cat who educates bugs and mice.
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White Cat / Victoria: 
She is the purest, most innocent cat. This Jellicle Ball is her first, but she presents a beautiful dance.
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Philosophical Cat / Plato: 
A cat who doesn’t move much, so he looks lazy, but he reads a lot and is always careful with his actions.
(Notes: I thought this characterization was weird until I realized that he’s “philosophical” because he’s Plato. He’s literally named after a philosopher. Since Australia-based productions at this time where Broadway-based, Broadway inspirted Australia inspired South Korea, Plato is just Macavity’s double and doesn’t have much to really do, so I guess they decided to have a bit of fun with the character.)
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Villain Cat / Macavity: 
The mob boss of the feline world. Kidnapped Old Deuteronomy as the villain who commits evil deeds.
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Just Cat / Alonzo: 
A masculine cat who is always dignified and protects young cats, even in inconspicuous places. He rescues Demeter from Macavity. They spend their lives together.
(Notes: More Broadway-based stuff. It seems like Broadway-based Alonzos are the superheroes of the Cats world.)
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Copy Cat / Pouncival: 
A boy who wants to be a man. He follows Skimble around.
(Notes: His title more literally means “mimicking cat”, but how could I not translate it this way? Anyway, here’s another translation that wouldn’t cooperate with me. The first sentence ended up something like “a young male cat who wants to be worn by an adult male cat”. I couldn’t get it to make sense, so I guessed at what it was supposed to mean. He is Skimble’s copycat at that’s adorable.)
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Curious Cat / Sillabub: 
Victoria’s best friend, a curious, intelligent, and pure kitten. She helps Grizabella return to the Jellicles by singing ‘Memory’ together.
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Twin Cats / Coricopat and Tantomile: 
Mysterious twin cats who are not yet adults, but are still mature and have excellent cognitive skills. They always move together and do the same things.
(Notes: The twins are kittens/junior cats in this version, apparently.)
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Teenage Cat / Tumblebrutus: 
A teenage boy who wants to be a man. His actions take precedence over thoughts and words, and he gets a lot of guidance from Munkustrap, because he can’t read the room.
(Notes: Very much a Broadway characterization. His first sentence was nearly the same as Pouncival’s. “read the room” was more literally “interpret the atmosphere”, but I thought this sounded more natural. Also, Munkustrap Adopts Kittens With Poor Social Skills.)
And now, named swings:
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Stubborn Cat / Victor: 
He is more stubborn than any other cat and has a temperamental personality.
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Meditating Cat / Olivia: 
She is a deep thinker with a determined personality.
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Gentleman Cat / Admetus: 
An internally strong, generous, and gentle cat with a masculine appearance.
(Notes: Admetus has a personality closer to your average Broadway-based Plato than Plato does.)
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Loner Cat / Quaxo: 
He’s a solitary cat with a strong sense of pride and arrogance, so he doesn’t fit in well with those around him.
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Busy Cat / Electra: 
She likes to be involved, so she’s always busy and distracted.
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Bragging Cat / George: 
Has a tendency to show off what he has.
(Notes: This one, just like the last time, broke down completely. It ended up saying “He has a tendency to show off what he has, rather than what he has”.)
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Attentive Cat / Jemima: 
She’s attentive in everything and always acts responsibly.
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Emotional Cat / Etcetera: 
She’s a cat who fits in everywhere and has emotions that take precedence over her head.
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Emotional!
That’s all of them.
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Starved
@the-metaphorical-jellicle-cat remember that touch-starved Tumble HC I had? Here’s a little short for it! Enjoy the angst!
It wasn’t that Tumblebrutus didn’t enjoy hugs.
His brother was Pouncival, for Heaviside’s sake. When it was just the two of them, they had needed to huddle together for warmth almost every single night, and Pouncival had been like a magnet to Tumblebrutus’ side. Hugs, or some kind of physical affection, were practically a guarantee the moment anyone stepped into Pouncival’s line of sight. But after they were found by Jellylorum and Asparagus, Pouncival had made new friends, and latched onto new cats, and Tumblebrutus stuck to the sidelines. 
He preferred it that way, honestly. Staying on the sidelines, away from attention, meant that he couldn’t get into trouble with any of the older cats. They wouldn’t scold him.
Tumblebrutus learned early on as a kitten that showing any kind of weakness, especially a need for affection, put a target on your back. Pouncival could afford to keep his happy, bubbly personality, Tumblebrutus couldn’t. He had to toughen up for his brother. He needed to protect them. 
However, going from never interacting with cats other than his brother to suddenly being amongst a group who interacted with more affection than Tumblebrutus had ever seen during his time on the streets was a massive change, and he couldn’t help but be unsure as to how he had to respond to the changes in his environment. 
But there were some days when Tumblebrutus couldn’t help but lean into Pouncival’s over-zealous hugs or Jellylorum’s warm nuzzles. He couldn’t resist the small grin on his face when Alonzo ruffled his fur in the morning to greet him.
More often than not, Tumblebrutus pulled himself back from those interactions. He had to remain on guard, because even though he had a new home, friends, and a family, there was always a doubt in the back of his mind that everything would change, and he had to be prepared for that moment. 
Tumblebrutus convinced himself that affection meant weakness, and he needed to be strong. He needed to prove himself to Munkustrap, and Alonzo, and all the other protectors, so that he could help keep the Jellicles safe as well. 
But then the Jellicle Ball had happened.
It was a moment of rare excitement and pure joy for Tumblebrutus. He allowed himself to relax, to dance with his brothers, and even allowed himself to sit close to his mother, who had looked at him with pleasant surprise in her eyes as Tugger sang for Mistoffelees. 
The night was emotional, exhausting, and when the Jellicle Ball was over, and cats were beginning to return to their own dens, Alonzo spotted his younger brother sitting against the old car, looking as if he was about to fall asleep right then and there. 
“Hey, Tumbles.” Alonzo whispered quietly, poking the young tom’s shoulder. “Time to head home.”
“Okay, ‘Lonz.” Tumblebrutus mumbled tiredly, opening his eyes.
Alonzo chuckled quietly, exchanging a look with Cassandra, who was watching the brothers fondly a few feet away as she waited. “Do you want to walk, or are you going to make me carry you?”
Tumblebrutus shifted, yawning. “I can walk... is Pounce already home?”
“Yeah, your dad brought him back a little while ago.” Alonzo replied, noticing Tumblebrutus swaying on his feet. “Tumble... are you sure you don’t want me to just give you a ride back?” He reached out to the younger patched tom, but Tumblebrutus recoiled back, wrapping his arms around himself.
“No!” he said, a little too quickly for his older brother’s liking. Cassandra placed a hand on her mate’s arm as she stepped forward. 
“Tumble, what’s wrong?” the sleek queen asked.
"Nothing’s wrong at all! Why would you think something’s wrong?”
Alonzo’s face showed a hint of suspicion, and he straightened, cocking his head slightly. “Does this have anything to do with the reason behind why you won’t let anyone hug you?”
Tumblebrutus tensed. “Wh... What are you talking about?”
“Tumble, I’m your big brother.” Alonzo sighed. “Just like you keep an eye on Pounce all the time, I keep an eye on you. Even if you don’t think I do.” Which was very true. Alonzo always made sure to check in on his younger brothers, especially when they had first arrived in the Junkyard, and he made a point to spend time with them whenever he could. 
“I have to make sure I’m always tough!” Tumblebrutus said firmly, as if he was repeating a mantra to himself. “I have to protect Pounce, and I want to protect the tribe! I don’t want you or Munkustrap thinking I’m weak.”
Protectiveness flared within Alonzo. “Who says you’re weak?”
Tumblebrutus drew back slightly, studying his claws as if they were the most interesting things in the world, not wanting to meet Alonzo or Cassandra’s eyes. “They did... before Pounce and I came here.”
“The other street cats.” Cassandra said softly, her eyes filled with nothing but understanding. She reached out slowly, and took one of Tumblebrutus’ paws. He froze for a moment before gripping her paw back, clinging to her. “But you were kittens.”
“That didn’t matter.” the patched tom retorted, shaking his head. “I needed... I needed to take care of Pounce, so I just listened to them. I couldn’t let him get hurt. And then we came here, and so much changed, and it was really nice, getting hugs and piling up for naps, but I can’t be weak!”
Cassandra’s eyes lit up with a protective fire similar to Alonzo’s, and she  reached out, gently tilting Tumblebrutus’ chin so that his eyes met hers. “Tumblebrutus, you are not weak. Everlasting, you took care of Pounce and survived all on your own while Alonzo searched for you two.” Tears brimmed in Tumblebrutus’ eyes, and Cassandra gave him the warmest, kindest smile he had ever seen. “That’s the furthest thing from weak.”
“Alright.” Alonzo said, sitting down next to Tumblebrutus, who looked at him with wide eyes. “I’m going to give you a hug, Tumbles. Is that okay?”
Tumblebrutus went completely still for a moment before he nodded, and Alonzo pulled him into a one-armed hug. Cassandra sat down beside Tumblebrutus, and hugged him loosely from his other side. 
Tumblebrutus had never really gotten a hug from anyone besides Pouncival before, not counting the brief ones from Jelly. He wasn’t really used to being hugged, so suddenly having two cats hugging him was very different, and...
it made him feel safe. Like... he was the one being protected.
Alonzo kept his arm around his younger brother, keeping his voice quiet. “Tumbles, why didn’t you tell anyone before? Do Jelly and Asparagus know?”
Tumblebrutus shook his head, staring at the ground as he leaned Alonzo. “Pounce kind of knows... but he’s Pounce. He basically runs on hugs and pure energy.”
“Then I think we need to change that.” Cassandra said, moving back and tugging Tumblebrutus’ paw to make him look back at her. “From now on, no matter what happens or what’s going on, you come find Alonzo or I if you ever need to talk about this, okay? No more sulking off to the side by yourself while everybody else runs around.”
“I don’t sulk!” Tumblebrutus protested, making Alonzo’s face brighten as Cassandra laughed.
“Meh, you sulk sometimes.” the black and white tom said, ruffling Tumblebrutus’  fur with his paw, a smirk on his face. “I think I heard George say your ‘brooding face’ was cool.” Tumblebrutus scoffed, but didn’t push Alonzo’s paw away. “But Cassie’s right. And if I see something’s wrong and you’re not telling me, I’ll ask, you know that, right?”
Tumblebrutus couldn’t stop the small smile on his face, and he nodded. “I know. That’s you being all stupid and protective.”
Alonzo huffed. “That’s my job as a big brother. It’s also my job as a big brother to make sure all younger brothers go to bed at a decent time, especially after the Jellicle Ball.”
“Looooooonz.” Tumblebrutus groaned dramatically, flopping back against his brother’s shoulder. 
“Tuuuuuumbles.” Alonzo copied. “Come on, Jelly’s probably wondering where you are.” He stood, grabbing Tumblebrutus paw and pulling him up, Cassandra following with a fond look in her eyes. She wrapped her arm around Tumblebrutus’ shoulders, smiling when he leaned into her and looked at her with gratefulness.
And when they reached the den where Jellylorum was waiting up, if Tumblebrutus returned his mother’s hug, and her eyes widened just a tiny bit in surprise before her own arms tightened even more around him, Alonzo and Cassandra simply stood back, watching proudly.
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mistocore · 4 years
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Mistoffelees brain dump
Hello! I’ve had a lot of thoughts about Mistoffelees specifically so this is a brain dump. Sorry if my points are long and convoluted I just really need to get this information onto paper before I loose it!! This is going to be a lot of rambling, specifically about Jacob Brent’s Mistoffelees, so please enjoy or not! I dont care this is just a dump.
Most of it is incessant Tuggeroffelees rambles,, sorry
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I think about how at the Jellicle ball in the ‘98 film, Mistoffelees always looks so curious and excited to dance with the others. I love how he imitates the other male cats and even has his own little dance by himself,,, I like to think its his second or third jellicle ball and he doesnt really know how to act still so he mirrors the other male cats and tries to impress the others with some cool dance moves and tricks he knows in order to feel like hes a part of the group. 
I love how adoringly Bomba always looks at him in background scenes too ;; like when he messes up during the beginning of the Gumbie cat and you can see her laughing in the background for a split moment. I think they have an unspoken bond and a very strong friendship where she supports him no matter what. Where she is a queen and Mistoffelees is in an age between a kitten and an adult cat, she takes the role of a big sister / mother figure toward him, its helpful toward Mistoffelees. 
I also have really taken a light to shipping Mistoffelees with Alonzo because of how playful Al is with him. I love watching their interactions and them dancing together,, they’re super cute. I think Alonzo is seen as a ‘bad influence’ and a playful more mischevious cat with a cocky attitude that, unlike Tugger, he often recieves a scolding for. However, Mistoffelees thinks hes really cool and Alonzo recieving this praise only makes him continue to act out more as it impresses Mistoffelees. 
I think Tugger and him work best romantically, as we all agree im sure, as they both are at the same age of being in the tribe where they haven’t quite gotten everything figured out yet. I feel Tugger is the oldest of that kind of group, where he isn’t exactly as old as Skimbleshanks (if he were human id say Skimble would be around 50-60) or Munkustrap (if he were human id say he’s in his late 20s), but he’s surely older than his ‘boys club’ of Plato, Pouncival, Alonzo and Tumblebrutus. If Tugger were human I would stick him at around 20-21 and the other boys at around 18. I feel that Mistoffelees is the youngest of this, entering his adulthood, fresh-faced and ready to figure out who he is, however, I don’t think he knows how. Tugger picks up on this, of course, and acts as a guide and a mentor since he has been there a little longer and understands what its like to be in his position. 
Continuing with this thought, I think Tugger helped Mistoffelees with his proposal to Old Deut. It was originally meant to be a performance of him dazzling the others with his talent for magic and illusion, but upon Deuteronomys kidnapping, Tugger went to him in a panic and Mistoffelees knew he had a solution. 
I like how during the number at first Tugger calls him JUST ‘Mr. Mistoffelees, the original conjuring cat” and then it spirrals into him literally shouting to the other Cats toward the end ‘MAGICAL, MARVELLOUS MR MISTOFFELEES!’. The emotion and power John Partridge put into that number never fails to make me cry like a baby because I just HEAR how happy Tugger is with how far hes come and he knows that he has played a part in helping Mistoffelees overcome his anxieties and insecurities. Afterward, I like to think he thanks Tugger for everything hes done for him and the two decide to pursue something more than a friendship. I think the song perfectly represents Mistoffelees’s blossom into adulthood and maturity as he’s able to finally get his chance to show the other jellicles what hes made of!! and boy does he do it INCREDIBLY WELL.
I also never noticed that Tugger is actually copying HIM during his own number which is so so cute ;-; I like to think Tugger being his hypeman is so well needed and deserved because Tugger knows things like this (big events with a lot of the jellicles) makes Mistoffelees nervous, so he takes to mirroring his dance moves and mannerisms to affirm him and make him feel welcomed, such as Mistoffelees would do at the ball with the other male cats. Since Tugger seems to be an idol for the same cats hes impersonating and mirroring, Mistoffelees takes this as a huge comfort and it allows him to feel more safe and accepted into the tribe because the cat that is so sought after and praised by others is actually taking an interest in him and copying HIM and HIM only. 
I really overall believe Jacob Brent’s Mistoffelees, whereas this is a popular opinion, is the best Mistoffelees. He was perfectly casted, perfectly excecuted and overall he had so much fun with the role to the point where i really believe that HE is a cat. I love him so much!!
Thank u if u read! Feel free to reply!
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dcjelliclequeen33 · 4 years
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Here’s a little short I did for @uppastthejelliclemoon’s human AU! I’ve already shared this with you all but I’m sharing it again @queencurlycrown @kineticjellyfish @terpsichorian so enjoy XD
Summary- Sek took a deep breath as she peeked through the curtain, the theater was packed with no empty seat to be found, the knowledge made her stomach twist. Could she really do this? What if she failed? What if she got hurt? What if-
Or the short where Sek has her first big Dance competition with big things at stake and her nerves are trying to get the best of her.
Beautiful Ghosts
It was just past sunset in London, people were returning home from work and school. The restaurants lining the streets were populated by couples and families but no place was more populated at that moment than The Egyptian. The theater looked right out of an old photograph in full color, the lights were shining bright, the gold trimmed details glimmering softly under the lights, the sidewalk of stars were roped off for the night but they still drew attention from passers by, the large marquee sign that wrapped around the building boldly proclaimed ‘Regional Dance Competition Tonight!’ and beside it in bold red letters ‘SOLD OUT!’.
Inside the grand theater people filled the seats in their best attire, men in finely tailored suits, women dripping with diamonds and pearls in breathtaking dresses. The front most rows were saved for other dancers competing and the section of seats behind them for families and coaches, the rest of the seats in the large building were for ticket holders, people who liked to come and watch the dancing, but one special roped off section in the highest balcony with the best view of the stage was for the important people of the night, the ones that could make or break many of the competitor’s dreams, the scouts from many prestigious dancing schools all over the globe.
Backstage Sekhmet took a deep breath as she peeked through the curtain, the theater was packed with no empty seat to be found and the knowledge made her stomach twist. Could she really do this? What if she failed? What if she got hurt? What if-
“Sek?”
The girl jumped suddenly hearing a voice behind her making her drop the curtain and turn around ready to explain herself, but her fear soon melted away seeing her papa standing behind her looking worried as she felt. Letting out a small breath she offered a sheepish smile.
“Sorry Papa, I heard some of the girls say it was a full house and I just wanted to see.”
Mistoffelees returned the smile going to his oldest daughter and carefully wrapping an arm around her shoulders, being sure not to accidentally ruffle her dance costume or smudge her makeup.
“Feeling nervous?”
Sek nodded making Misto squeeze her shoulders before leading her away from the stage, it was intermission so they still had plenty of time before the contest started again and Sek still had three dancers ahead of her before she had to go on the stage. He led her over to the stretching area and carefully picked up her pointe shoes, he held them in his hands for a moment with a soft smile as he ran his finger over the silky royal purple material. He could still remember when he and Tugger had first given these shoes to Sek, right after she’d won her first dance competition two years ago. How time seemed to fly.
He held out the shoes to Sek and she took them with a thankful smile before he grabbed a spare black pair and began slipping them on.
“Let’s get some of those nerves out and make sure you’re all stretched.”
Sek nodded and put her shoes on before taking her place. With a deep calming breath she let herself fall easily into stretching with Misto carefully guiding her and making sure her feet were pointed right and that she didn’t fall over. They didn’t speak, they didn’t need to, Misto knew exactly how nervous his oldest daughter was and he knew excessive talking and consoling wouldn’t help and so he distracted and helped her prepare instead, Sek was grateful. After the stretching routine was done Sek gave a smile to her papa earning one in return.
“Feeling better?”
She nodded.
“A little, I’m still scared but I can do this.”
Misto smiles softly with a nod.
“That’s my girl.”
Sek wanted so badly to hug him but she didn’t get the chance before a young woman with brown hair and black framed glasses, Emily if Sek remembered right, softly cleared her throat holding a clipboard in one hand while the other covered the microphone part of her headset.
“Miss Deuteronomy-Jones, you’re on next. One of the girls from the other school was disqualified for getting into an altercation with another dancer, so you are moving up. I’ve already notified the DJ and he has your music ready.”
Sek swallowed thickly, looking at Misto slightly panicked but the dark haired man just gave her a reassuring smile before nodding to Emily.
“Thank you for letting us know, she’ll be ready.”
Emily gave a bright smile before leaving with a nod. As soon as they were alone again Sek felt her stomach twist hard as she looked at her papa.
“I-I don’t think I can do this Papa, I’m scared. What if I forget a step or I get stage fright or I get hurt?!”
Misto shook his head taking his daughter’s hands meeting her teary eyes.
“Hey listen to me, take a deep breath,”
He took a deep breath through his nose and slowly let it out.
“Smell the flowers, blow out the candles.”
He did it again and this time Sek copied him taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out. Misto gently squeezed her hands.
“There we go. Now Sek it’s okay to be scared, I was terrified before my big show, but you know what? As soon as that music starts all you have to do is tune out the people watching, forget about them, every last one okay? It’s just you, the music and the stage. Imagine you’re at the dance studio, it’s just you practicing your dance for your dad and I and your siblings. If you make a mistake oh well it happens, you're still an amazing dancer and we all still love you no matter what happens.”
Sek felt more tears well up, happy ones this time as she nodded and finally let Misto pull her into a tight hug. He held her for a long moment before pulling back enough to kiss her forehead.
“Alright, now let's go show them why they shouldn’t mess with a Jellicle shall we?”
Sek chuckled a little and nodded. Together they made their way to the side of the stage Sek would enter from, Emily was waiting with a kind smile. Sek looked at the dancer currently on stage, Sek recognized her from the last regional competition. She was about Sek’s age, maybe a little younger, her skin was white as snow, her hair was red as a flame and just as wild with its curls that were neatly pinned up with peal ended pins, she wore a simple grass green costume, the sheer sleeves had dark green vines of ivy curling down them to her wrists, the tulle skirt was the same color as the slip layered with darker greens and a few golden leaves scattered about, but the pointe shoes on her feet looked out of place with the outfit, they were white and worn, the ribbons slipping down her legs and the shoes scuffed. Sek felt a pang of sympathy for the other girl, she was going to get points deducted for that, because her outfit didn’t flow well and because her shoes looked rough.
Sek was pulled from her thoughts when the music ended and the redhead stood center stage breathing hard but smiling at the clapping crowd until the curtain was drawn allowing her to relax and exit the stage. As she did she passed Sek and gave her a playful teasing look.
“Break a leg out there Jones.”
Sek knee of course it was how to say ‘good luck’ in the performing business but the knowledge that this was the same kind of dance contest her papa had been competing in and had gotten hurt in made the saying sound so terrifying. Misto sensed his daughter’s unease and took her hand gently squeezing it.
“You’ve got this Sek, remember imagine you’re at the studio with me and your siblings, just practicing and playing around. I believe in you.”
Sek took a few deep breathes to calm herself again before kissing her papa’s cheek then among her way to center stage. She closed her eyes slowly tuning out the sound of the crowd settling on the other side of the curtain, she blocked out the bright lights and focused on her breathing as it evened out and her heart rate lowered to normal.
The curtain opened revealing a dark stage to the audience, the room was silent and for a moment people began to worry the music wasn’t working until the air filled with a song, Sek’s personally chosen song Beautiful Ghosts, and small pinhole lights began to fill the dark stage.
As the soft singing began a soft spot light shined on Sek illuminating her like the pale moon glowing outside. Her costume fit perfectly with the setting of the stage, the long dusty lavender sleeves hugged her arms elegantly with the black floral patterns catching the light with the slight sheen they held, her skirt was the same dusty lavender layered with black, white and royal purple tulle, her shoes had been cleaned and carefully maintained for this very moment. As the song played Sek let her body follow the moves it knew so well while her mind focused on the music, blocking out all thoughts of the audience, of the judges, of the scouts, right now there was just her and her memories.
Visions of her mother dancing with her around their small apartment singing movie songs and laughing the sweet laugh Sek missed so much even years later. Of her and her brother sitting close to their mother looking down at a newborn Persephone and the bright loving smile on her mother’s face as she held all three of them. Of the day her uncles had shown up at the rundown apartment and taken them away from the place that had once been home before their mother died. Of the day they sat on the hard benches of the courtroom watching as their father seemed like he’d rather be anywhere else as Tugger and Misto made every effort to take them in despite knowing next to nothing about them.
As the song began to wind down the last memories to begin playing in her mind were all of being with her family, spending time at the studio with Misto and her siblings, family events with the whole clan, silly moments with Tugger, long nights practicing with Misto, silly adventures with Bomba, happy pictures and moments listening to her grandfather and Gus tell stories and playfully arguing about their theater days….all the things that brought her to where she was at this exact moment and all the things she’d never ever change no matter how painful.
As the last note of the song played Sek finished her last turn and faced the audience slowly opening her eyes, she was crying and it took a moment for the sound to come back to her ears but when it did it was an uproar of applause and as her eyes focused she could see the entire theater was standing and clapping. She started to feel overwhelmed but she quickly found Tugger in the crowd and she couldn’t help but smile seeing the proud look on his face along with those of her aunt Victoria and a few of her siblings before the curtain closed.
As the curtain closed and Sek made her way to Misto, who was trying to dry his own eyes and sporting a huge proud smile, he pulled her into a tight hug.
“You did so well Sek, so amazingly well.”
Sek could only smile into his shoulder closing her eyes as he held her together while her heart rate lowered. As the theater beyond the curtain slowly returned to calm and quiet no one noticed a singular figure slipping out of her seat and walking to the exit of the theater, pausing only a moment to look back at the stage, then down a few rows where Tugger was happily talking with Victoria while holding Persephone in his lap, before the figure slipped out of the theater seemingly unseen.
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nautical-catography · 3 years
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It’s Electra Time: Part 4
Picked up from here.
I am about to finish my analysis of Electra’s interactions with the other cats during the 1998 version of Cats.  I enjoyed this analysis, but I am glad it is almost done.  Trying to figure out which cat was which during the more shadowy scenes was not always an easy task.
Let’s go!
Mr. Mistoffelees
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After Macavity is chased off, it's very hard to tell where everyone is, but I think Electra might be here with Rumpleteazer.  That looks like it might be her silhouette, but I'm not 100% positive.
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Once Tugger gets singing though, Electra is focused on him.
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When Misto shows up, Electra has moved to be with Jenny.
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Lightning is scary!
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At some point, Jenny moves to sit with Tumblebrutus and Electra moves off by herself.
I'm not sure if Electra is copying Misto or Tugger's moves.  She stops copying after Tugger does, but then she bounces a bit while Misto keeps dancing. Either way, she looks like she's enjoying herself.
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Electra and Etcetera cuddle up to Tugger and all three of them continue to be impressed by Misto.
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Magical!
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Electra and Etcetera want to be chosen as Misto's lovely magician's assistant.
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Cassandra is chosen instead.  
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Electra spends a lot of times with Etcetera during this song.  At one point, she's also near Plato, Mungojerrie, and Rumpleteazer.
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Of course, everyone's happy Old Deuteronomy is back!  
Electra holds Jenny and Etcetera's hands during the group circle around Old Deuteronomy.  She's also near Pouncival and Tumblebrutus at this point.
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Electra and Etcetera celebrate Deuteronomy's return.  
Memory
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Electra nuzzles Tugger before turning to Deuteronomy right before the Jellicle choice.  She's a very affectionate cat.  I personally do not believe Tugger was competing to be the Jellicle choice, I think he's very happy with his current life, but if you think he wanted to be chosen, this could be interpreted as her wishing him luck.
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She crawls after Etcetera when Grizabella shows up.
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Electra sits with Etcetera on the pipe during 'Memory.'  They are not too far away from Alonzo and Jenny.
Journey to the Heaviside Layer
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As Grizabella is escorted to the tire for her ascension, Electra goes to Skimbleshanks and he puts his hand on her head.
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During Grizabella's journey to the Heavyside Layer, everyone's in shadow and it makes it hard to locate Electra.  I'm pretty sure she's near the back of the group and that she's sort of near Rumpleteazer and maybe Pouncival, Jemima, Demeter, and Tantomile.  But that's all I can tell.
Ad-dressing of Cats
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Here's Electra, standing very close to Misto, during 'Ad-dressing of Cats.'  I actually think it's just the angle that makes it looks like she and Misto are on top of each other.
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She is also standing next to Mungojerrie, behind (or in front of depending on which direction the camera is facing) Rumpelteazer and Demeter, and in front of Skimbleshanks and Tantomile.
The End!  That's it!
And now to complete my analysis of who Electra interacts with the most.  I'm going to do this by grouping the cats by gender and my opinions of their age.
The Female Kittens
So, Electra does spend the most time with Etcetera.  This was the result I expected.  When I first started this, I was surprised that during at least the beginning of Act 1, they do not spend all that much time together.  It confused me, but they are near each other a lot more during Act 2 of the show.  I have counted 8 instances during Act 1 and 15 during Act 2 of Electra and Etcetera being near each other.  They sometimes hug each other and seem to be very close.
Victoria spends far more time with Electra during Act 1 (17 times) than during Act 2, where I only saw them next to each other once.
Jemima has the same pattern as Victoria, being near Electra 12 times during Act 1 and only twice during Act 2.
The Male Kittens
Pouncival is somewhat near Electra 17 times during the show: 12 times during Act 1 and only 5 times during Act 2.
Tumblebrutus has 6 instances.  
Plato is only near Electra twice that I counted.
George comes in last. I only saw him near Electra 1 time during the whole show.  Maybe I missed additional times, that is certainly a possibility for every cat in this analysis, but regardless, George and Electra are rarely near each other.
The Adult Queens
Rumpleteazer is the cat who Electra spends the second most time with: 14 times in Act 1 and 7 times in Act 2.  Rumpleteazer and Electra worked the same coupling rod during Skimbleshanks' train.
Tantomile and Electra are near each other 11 times.  
Cassandra and Electra are near each other 10 times, including when Electra pushes her during 'Skimbleshanks.'
Demeter is 5 instances, including when she sings a line directly at Electra and Rumpleteazer during 'Macavity.'  Bomabluria is 4 times.
The Adult Toms
Munkustrap is the leader of this category (pun intended).  He is near Electra or interacting with her 12 times during the show. Most of these happen during Act 1. The only time during Act 2 where Electra and Munkustrap really interact is when he gets knocked out and she rushes over to check on him.
The Rum Tug Tugger comes next (I personally consider him to be an Adult Cat, although not that much older than the Young Adult Cats).  I counted 7 instances of them being near her.  He directly interacts with her a few times, such as when she and Etcetera hang off him during 'Mr. Mistoffelees' and when she quickly nuzzles him right before Old Deuteronomy selects the Jellicle choice.
Mistoffelees is near Electra 6 times.  Most of Misto's interactions with Electra occur during Act 1, such as during and right after the pas de deux.
Mungojerrie is next at 5 times I noticed him near Electra.
Alonzo is only near Electra 3 times and Coricopat is only near her twice.
Macavity kicks Electra once and she nuzzles his Old Deuteronomy costume's tail.
The Older Queens
Jennyanydots and Electra interact 9 times during the show.  Jenny blocks Electra from going too close to Grizabella during her first entrance.  Jenny also tells Electra to wash behind her ears during the 'Jellicle Ball.'
Jellylorum only seems to interact with Electra during Act 1 (5 times).
Other than Electra attempting to meet Grizabella once during Grizabella's initial entrance, they do not interact at all.
The Older Toms
Skimbleshanks is near or interacting with Electra 9 times during the show, including when he scolds her for moving out of her place in line during 'Skimbleshanks.'
Old Deuteronomy is near Electra 3 times and she attempts to nuzzle his tail once, unaware it is Macavity in a costume.
She only is near Asparagus once and I don't think she is near Gus at all.
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Please keep in mind that this analysis involves only my observations and does not take into consideration the amount of time Electra spends near each cat during each interaction. There are also instances where I must have missed who she was next to, especially during dancing scenes where the cats move positions quite a bit, like during the 'Jellicle Ball.
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