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millenari · 1 month

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If you’re up to more bitching about the broadway revival, what are your feelings on Jennyanydots’s number? Personally I was surprised with how much I didn’t mind the new stuff at the end (though I wouldn’t say I PREFER it) but I thought the choreo during the verses was… it irritated me. I don’t remember which boot(s) I watched but it felt like Jenny did a lot more sitting, less moving than I remember her doing in the ‘98 and in the older boots I’ve seen. In general I thought the new choreo took her out of her own number a bit, which is a real shame. Just interested to know what you think, would be happy to disagree haha.

hohohoh you're in for it now, anon. I could talk about revival!Jenny for a long, long time...

AND I WILL!

I hate it.

I don't love a lot of the revival changes, but with each song generally there's something I can be positive about? Yeah they removed the horndog parts of Tugger's song, but there's cute tuggoff and platoria dances. Yeah they made all those little changes to Macavity's song but at least they're small. Yeah they changed Misto's choreo, but at least it is admittedly exciting.

Jenny's song? Idk even the spots that aren't bad, I don't think I can point at any element of her new song and say that it isn't a downgrade.

I rewatched it just now, and I'd like to list the parts I do actually like for the sake of being fair:

Andy Huntington Jones? a very cute Munk

That bit with Misto & the little light on the floor which leads to him opening the boot

The Gumbie trio interacting with the 'mice' kittens

you're right, the end is pretty cool

That's it.

Like... let's go over what the '''original''' Jenny song does. Gumbie Cat, like a considerable number of songs in Cats, doesn't really contribute to the plot at all. Some songs do, like Misto's, but many don't. They only thing Jenny's song really 'does', arguably, is tell the audience what Munkustrap's idea of a Jellicle Choice looks like (given his lyrics at the beginning of the song).

So otherwise, all this song does is characterize Jenny.

Which the classic version does very efficiently, I think! The poem gives us an idea of her personality: she's lazy during the day and active during the night. She teaches the local varmints how to be 'upstanding' members of society. It's specifically mentioned she started a 'Beetle's Tattoo' (A tattoo is a military performance of stuff like marching bands, dancing, drill team, etc) so she has this association with a military-esque discipline. The song also talks about her and crocheting and knitting and baking, so she also has this homestead motherly vibe to her as well.

Her nature is two-fold: she's lazy but also hard-working. She's motherly but also militant. The song capitalizes on this dynamic: it starts out with a slow lullaby, and then transitions to an upbeat tune, and then goes back and forth between those two vibes until the Tattoo (aka the tap section) starts. The feeling of the music matches her personality. So does her costume change: at first she has a big floppy coat, then she switches into a flapper-like bodysuit.

The style of the Tattoo is tap, (as we all know lmao). Most songs in Cats build upon ballet, but Jenny uses tap, probably because it's a more ''''aggressive'''' (obv I use that word lightly) style of dance, unlike the flowing and effortless impression ballet tends to give. It matches the military vibe, it seems like something that might actually be in a real Tattoo, and it gives the actress the opportunity to characterize Jenny further by having her act like a little drill sergeant.

(And sometimes the tap battle is included here, which is also nice characterization. It's usually either Misto or a kitten who challenges Jenny, and I think it's hilarious that either A) Misto feels the need to clown on an old lady's tapping skills or B) Jenny rises to the occasion when a literal child tries to clown on her tapping skills. Either way, funny and defining.)

Despite ping-ponging back and forth, the song is well contained. Most of the props are made of garbage: the cockroaches are made from garbage bags, the mice masks are piping bags, the cockroaches hold spoons and forks, etc. The song also builds well: it goes as such.

Munk, alone, introduces Jenny

the Gumbie trio join in, we start ping-ponging

Jenny comes on stage

Jenny stumbles around stage a little as she wakes up

Music builds

Costume change from day Jenny to night Jenny, tone immediately changes.

Cockroaches start coming out

Cockroaches + Jenny dance together

(maybe insert tap battle here)

Music builds up, the Gumbie trio and Munk join in, big happy finale

Tugger interrupts

The revival... sort of follows this pattern. The way the Revival Gumbie was choreographed makes me think of this Blankenbuehler quote that annoyed me.

'mm yes in this play about a tribe theres a lot of tribal energy. in this play about Cats Dancing Together there's a lot of dancing in unison. lets get rid of some of that'

The Revival Gumbie takes forever to get everyone dancing together, and instead of growing momentum-- where characters keep joining the dance and it gets bigger and bigger (starting with just Munk, ending with everyone)-- it feels like a bunch of disjointed nonsense.

The beginning is mostly the same, except you're right, Jenny does do a lot of sitting there. (Also the Gumbie trio has that same thing that the Macavity song has, where they fiddled with their choreo and the changes don't do anything but also aren't that important either)

But the Revival starts to divert after that first section-- instead of the (nearly) full cast wearing cockroach costumes, three (3) characters are given 'beetle' costumes. (Which yeah, the poem mentions beetles, and yeah, the beetle costumes are made of hubcaps so it matches the garbage theme. But they look so unwieldy that the dancers can barely move, and honestly I didn't even realize they were supposed to be beetles until I saw someone on here mention it.)

But yeah, Jenny and the beetles dance together for like 3 seconds, [I just went back to check how long it is exactly? 10 fuckin seconds.] and Jenny changes costumes. It's actually a pretty smooth costume change, because I'm always so busy looking at the hubcap beetles and being annoyed by them I forget to look at Jenny, but honestly classic Cats never really sought to hide/distract from the costume change here, and tbh I feel like that showy deliberate change is relevant to her dual nature? Whatever. Not a big deal.

But anyways so Jenny and the beetles start tapping. Oh, are we going to build on this momentum? Is someone else going to join in? No. That bigass broom prop comes flying in, the beetles go off stage (and probably rip off those huge costumes), and Jenny stops dancing. Then we spend like an honest thirty seconds playing with the broom and then playing with those basketball/soccerball props while pretty much 0 dancing happens on stage at all. Jenny mostly just wanders around during this section (& you're right, she definitely does less in this version).

Then there's the 'tick tock tap' section where that big clock prop in the background makes a bunch of tick-tock noises and Jenny dances to it. While everyone just kind of watches. Which is fine I guess.

The music BUILDS UP, EVERYONE COMES ON STAGE, OH BOY ARE WE FINALLY BUILDING SOME MOMENTUM?

No. Everyone dances for five seconds and then stands there and watches Jenny dance. Some cats are ? scrubbing the floor with brushes like cinderella ?

THE MUSIC BUILDS UP AGAIN EVERYONE IS GETTING IN A LINE OOH NOW THEY'RE SPREADING OUT ARE WE FINALLY GOING TO HAVE OUR BIG FINALE?

Nope pretty much everyone just stops dancing again to watch Jenny. Also Jerrie is breakdancing for some reason.

OKAY NOW EVERYONE IS DANCING TOGETHER! HOORAY! YAHOO!

Then like 15 seconds of dancing later the clock goes off, interrupting the finale, and the song ends.

Yay.

Where classic Gumbie builds up by adding more and more dancers over time, this one just kind of slaps everyone in there and then takes everyone out, a chunk of kittens will join, then leave, a prop will come in and then out, and the Tattoo element that the song was mostly made of is pretty much gone entirely. Instead of one unified piece of choreo, it feels like getting random crap shoved in your face over and over. 'Isn't this cool? Isn't THIS cool? How about this? Or this????'

Then you have the props: only a couple cats wear bug costumes and they don't translate well and look unwieldy. The clock, balls, (tooth?)brushes, and the broom are a disjointed assembly of props. Everything in the classic song characterizes Jenny. These items have nothing to do with her-- they're not even really things you'd find in a Junkyard. What does a clock have to do with Jenny's duality between her militant and motherly nature? What about the balls? With the cleaning stuff, you can at least say she makes the mice and bugs clean, but the poem doesn't mention her making them clean, it mentions 'music, crocheting and tatting', mentions turning them into boyscouts, mentions the Beetles' Tattoo, mentions baking for them, etc.

If the stuff like the balls and the broom were cool enough that I could forgive them being just slapped in there, that'd be one thing. But I got sick of the balls like 5 seconds after they came in, and the broom didn't really do anything for me. The clock wasn't that bad, but I don't know why they took out the Tattoo and instead added these elements. The Tattoo had to do with Jenny's nature, this shit doesn't.

I get why a lot of the tapping was removed, because they added a lot of hip hop and stuff in there and you can't really cast for people who can act, sing, dance ballet, dance tap, and dance hip hop, but regardless of how much tap they decided to use (which is a creative choice, I get it) it just doesn't feel good. It builds to nothing, most of the props say and do nothing interesting, there's big chunks of the song where no dancing happens at all, and there's even bigger chunks where Jenny is the only one dancing and everyone just watches her.

Right after that quote I mentioned earlier, Andy adds, "It’s like that circus in the second grade. It’s completely labor-intensive. You’re choreographing 20 numbers instead of one number."

And like. Yeah, Andy. You're right. This does kind of feel like a circus.

#cats fan on main #shall i make a bway revival negativity tag or smth #jelliclerants

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cassandra-has-moonlit-eyes · 2 years

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I will write a little bit about Vienna Tugger, esp. for @jelliclekay so that she may survive her shitty job or at least get some distraction.

Vienna Tugger is always fun. I’ve mostly seen Hees playing the role, occasionally Snova and one time Sinisi. They are all great and fun Tuggers. The writing will be a mix of things I noticed on different nights.

Vienna has Tugger as Chorus Tugger/Young Tugger at the beginning.

He vanishes for Gumbie’s number and comes back at the beginning of his number. His entrence starts with him saying Miau which makes the audience always laugh. During his own number Tugger is flirty, sexy and fun. Also: Vienna uses the Lynne choreo so lot of hips.

At the beginning there is the lyrics in German: “Hast du gerade keine Zeit, will ich unbedingt zu dir” which translates to: “Even if you don’t have time for me now, I want to be with you”. Sometimes during this sentence he points and walks towards Alonzo. Alonzo seems so offended and just shakes his head and walks away. But Jemima follows Tugger gladly (she is usually standing next to Alonzo).

Everybody loves Tugger,’s number except maybe for Munk and Skimble, and maybe Jenny. Demeter just doesn’t really care and leaves the stage for the number. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are his biggest fans, Cassandra is the cat fainting, Admetus, when played by Li, always nussels his head, when Tugger leans on him. Even Alonzo joins in after a while.

Before Bomba comes on Tugger is always interacting with Jemima, usually kissing her hand or touching her chin, but when Bomba enters the stage he turns around and she has his full attention.

During the dance break Tugger doesn’t go into the audience cause of Covid, so he interacts with the others. Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie usually. Sometimes they play his band together with Jelly, sometimes he has a battel of the bands with Misto. Oh yes Misto. Misto usuylla says his line and shoots a finger gun at Tugger, checks him out(?) and then leaves the dancing to the others.

One time he kissed Skimble during the dance break and he was kind of offended, similiar to Jelly in the 1998 movie.

The three girls screaming for Tugger are Victoria, Jemima and Electra. Electra is the one who faints (every Electra plays an amazing fingirl).

When Griz comes it’s very clear that Tugger doesn’t like her. He leaves the stage and misses Bustopher Jones. He only comes back to sing the Old Deut song. In Vienna it’s very clear to me that he really loves Old Deut. He is always so happy to see him enter the stage, gives him a short hip dance (you don’t understand, his hips are his character trade here) and helps him to sit down.

When everybody is getting ready for the play he is usually on one side, shaking his hips again and distracting Misto who doesn’t mind much thou. Misto is just happy to be there (smiley, happy, boii). Everbody needs to know that Tugger can move his hips.

In the beginning of the Pekes and Pollicels he imitates Munkustrap. Jenny is not happy about it and usually tries to stop him (Jo Jenny is really offended) and Coricopat hisses at him before he leaves. He has his two Back Pipes Solos similiar to the 1998 version. The audience always loves him.

Jelly Ball Time: Tugger is usually somewhere in the background. He has his line and shoves his ass in Rumpleteazers face (she is not complaining thou, sometimes even hugging him). Then he tends to sit with Old Deut. and watches. He is very happy with the Bomba section and checks her out. Usually afterwards, he carries her to the back and they ... mate in the background (and no I’m not reading that into that, they really do that in Vienna. I went with a person who has never seen cats and knows nothing about it and even she read it that way).

After that Bomba had enough action from Tugger and during the cuddle pile she is with Alonzo, them being one of the less PG pairings (and yes Vienna does a cuddle pile and not an orgy, sue me). Tugger is between Demeter and Munkustrap on his one side and the twins on his other side. One time he touched Demeters leg but Munk shooed him away, another time he cuddled with one of the twins, I think it was Tantomile but I’m not sure. I think he also used to cuddle with Bomba but they changed it somewhere along the way.

Second section of the Ball: When the girls dance in the background to get ready for their V formation, Rumpleteazer sometimes dances right infront of Tugger/for Tugger: Sometimes Tugger dances this section behind Electra or Tantomile before getting ready for his own section.

At the beginning of the second act he storms the stage. He usually has a small interaction with Misto, who sits in the background next to Old Deut, before lying down. Sometimes he tries to flirt with Cassandra or to clean her but she is not having it.

Bomba, again, usually lies alone or with Alonzo here.

Tugger then leaves during Gus to get ready to be a pirate.

He is usually a very fun pirate, very in love with Griddlebone and always up to no good together with Munk.

During Skimbleshanks he is mostly in the background. But when Old Deut tries to join the dance he hurts his back and Tugger helps him to straighten up again, stays at his side and gestures him to take it easy.

When Macavity comes Tugger is usually the first one to react to him and in front line during the Old Deuts kidnapping but is stunned by Macavity’s magic.

He misses the whole Macavity and the fight thou.

He then returns to sing Misto’s song. Tugger during Mr. Mistoffelees in Vienna is so funny. Don’t get me wrong, I like the Mistoffelees and Tugger ship but Vienna seems to really play him as straight (at least they try lol). During like 90% of the Mistoffelees number he is flirting with the Ladys while hyping Misto up. He flirts with Victoria, during Misto’s solo he is usually cuddeling with Electra (sometimes she is with Bill and he is alone or trying to get Cassandra’s attention). After dancing with Misto he joins Bomba and cuddles with her (one time he cuddled with her and Skimble). And the second verse: He sings the second verse to the other Cats not to the audience while Misto keeps dancing. He mainly sings the verse to Rumpleteazer and Tantomile (sometimes to Jemima), usually giving Tantomile a small dance show. She likes it, Coricopat next to her seems kind of offended.

It seems like he wants to convience the others, especially the queens, of how great Mistoffelees is by telling them all about him.

At the end he really hypes Mistoffelees up and Mistoffelees is kind of shocked and tells him to calm down and present the finale.

Vienna Tugger loves everybody but Grizabella and Macavity, he likes to annoy Munkustrap, he takes care of Old Deut and he is clearly paired with Bomba but has usually some interactions with the other queens too, especially with Rumpleteazer and Tantomile and with his fanclub (Electra likes him a lot, and Victoria and Jemima like him too). Electra and Jemima seem to admire him which usually becomes quite clear during the Mistoffelees number, but of course also during his own number. Cassandra hypes him up during his song but after that doesn’t seem to be that interested. Hardly ever he has interactions with Demeter during the ball/the cuddle pile.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer admire Tugger and are his biggest fans. All in all they interact regually, Rumpleteazer more than Mungojerrie.

I personally don’t see the Mistoffelees and Tugger ship in Vienna thou they do have their moments. Mistoffelees, at least to me, just doesn’t seem to be romatically interested in anybody and is mostly here for the vibes and to hype the others up. He kind of does enjoy Tugger’s number and his shenanigans thou and smiles at him a lot (but all in all he is a smily boii). Also Vienna doesn’t use the terrible bore line, but a line with a more positive connotation. Misto kind of looks offended after Tugger ruffels his hair but then he starts smiling again.

Tugger is also an audience favourite, because he is a funny and some sort of troublemaker. All in all a wholesome, fun character (like most ot them in Vienna tbh).

#cats the musical #rum tum tugger #I hardly ever focus on him which is a shame cause he is fun #haha #i have to look more at him #his hips don't lie

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sevenkittensinatrenchcoat · 2 years

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hm if we can ask for specific versions, i love hearing you talk about zurich misto so, zurich misto opinion?

Baby:

He is the babiest Misto I've ever seen. Other baby Mistos have a bit of arrogance to them, and they're actively trying to be Big Boys, while Zurich Misto just seems to want Munkustrap and Bustopher and other Important Adults to like him, not because he's a Special Magic Boy, but because he otherwise feels like they don't like him.

What really fascinates me is comparing Zurich Misto to the footage that exists of Lindsay Chambers playing Misto on Broadway, where he's nearly identical to 1998 Misto. I'm pretty sure Misto made some of these same facial expressions in 1998:

This makes me wonder if the fact that Zurich is bootleg with very few close-ups might affect our perception of Misto. We can rarely ever see his facial expressions, so when there are moments like this:

Compared to this:

SMisto could be having the same "bitch you stole my spotlight" reaction, but his face is a white blank, so we can't tell.

If Zurich Misto and 1994 Broadway Misto really are THAT different, I wonder why. Is it just the "mood" of Broadway? Is it because Broadway Misto isn't mute?

Also, even if Zurich Misto is less baby up close, we still have moments where, even without facial expressions, body language implies very different characterization.

Consider the classic "Misto thinks Munk's gonna sing about him but it's actually Gumbie Cat". Zurich and 1994 Misto both look to Munk, confused, but they have completely different posture:

1994 Misto stays where he's standing and turns to face Munk. His chest is puffed out. He's confident. This implies that he's kind of offended that Munk's not singing about him. It's very "Hey! What gives?"

Zurich Misto, on the other hand:

He crawls over to Munk and looks up at him from half his height, pointing at himself to say "what about me?", because he's mute and can't directly ask. Zurich Misto doesn't kitten crawl everywhere, so he chose to address Munk like this. He's not confronting him. It's more like he's pleading with him. Due to crawling being associated with kittens and Misto kneeling at half of Munk's height, he looks very childlike, and Munk's "no, it's not your turn", comes across as a harsh rejection, when it usually doesn't. He's towering over Misto, looking down on him while being directly in the spotlight. Munk's authority over Misto is emphasized in the staging. This is the only version of Gumbie Cat Misto I've seen that plays it like this. Usually it's a joke that Misto's a bit full of himself, but it's not funny here. It all comes down to the posture.

So, yeah, I have a lot to say about Zurich Misto. He's a very interesting take on the character and one of my favorites, though the fact that he doesn't seem very confident might be a bit out of character.

Also, Baby:

#mr mistoffelees #cats zurich #cats broadway #lindsay chambers

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jelliclewhiskers · 2 years

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Part one of me liveblogging this recording of the Mexico 1991 production of Cats !

It gives us the overture, but the recording skips Jellicle Songs. Sad to miss that but this Munk could totally grow on me. I think he will. His headfur is so fluffy!!!! His voice is also very good.

No Misto gag for the start of Gumbie Cat

All of the Gumbie Trio have such fluffy headfur too. Munk again didn't flinch when Jenny plucked some of his fur.

Look at this rascal beetle— cute ! I'm lovong this production already. Ooooh, and its the older instrumental vesion of Gumbie Cat. Should've expected this as a given but I like it.

For she's a jolly good fe-eellow!

IT JUST CUT TO TUGGER TARAZAN SWINGING INTO THE SCENE THIS IS WILD

Several cats, including Quaxo/Misto sung the Terrible Bore line

RIP Bomba taking that fall. Tugger has entered the crowd and is dancing with some poor audience member, but they seem happy so. Who could blame them?

Loving how he struts his stuff. That little chuckle was quite something.

He has entered the crowd to antagonize another member real quick

Here comes Grizabella to ruin his show again 🙄 Munk is instantly doing the Stance at her. Vic is shooed off from touching her, and other Jellicles play mean little tricks as Griz reaches for them. Her voice is strong though

Demeter looks cool, and so does this Griz. This production is unlike the usual with the designs because of the headfur especially.

Bomba lightly grooms Demeter's shoulder before signing with her.

Quaxoffelees is excited to see Bustopher, who is wearing an interesting hat and twirling a cane. He sits on the side of a guitar.

Okay, this Misto? Really cute. I've decided to switch between using Quaxo, Misto, and Quaxoffelees to refer to him. He's so excited !

Bustopher just bapped a cat trying to touch him with his cane.

Cats are scrabbling over him to the side before lining up for him

Bustopher kissed some happy queen's paw, who in return purred in delight. I think it was Jellylorum.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer!!!! Rumple's laugh

Oh they're devious rascals. Not the older and more sister version of the song as I was expecting. A mix of some interesting pauses in the song though

THEY HAVE ENTERED THE AUDIENCE AND ARE BEING RASCALS

Back to the stage for them. I think they're a couple in this production? Hard to tell. Rumple shoved him down to say her name after him, LOL

And there's nothing at all to be done about that!

They're being chased off by the cats, but their bags of loot were thrown to them this time, which they caught.

Munk sings the "I believe it is Old Deuteronomy" line, I think, and sends off some Jelllicle (Skimble?) to get him instead of Misto.

I'm sold on this Munk.

Tugger is being gentle when signing about Deut. They're getting along well it seems. Love seeing them work together.

In comes Deuteronomy! I think they're using a different name for him. Tugger did a very respectful bow to his fluffy highness.

Happy kitties running about! Before there's a loud crash and it all goes dark. First Macavity Scare. I think they're skipping Pekes and Pollicles to put it in Act II.

Sillabub/Jemima and Victoria are so pretty, especially Jemima.

I want more Misto shots.

Jellilcle Ball time. My favorite part, alongside all other songs in the musical. Munk is dancing woth turm a bit.

Misto does his leg thing and gets some spotlight :] I love that

Demeter has come to spice things up with some queens before Misto and Pouncival (?) mellow things out again. Apparently Deut was in the audience for a minute, lots of audience interaction, and I'm living for it.

Victoria being the pretty Spirit of Cats right before the Pas de Deux stsrts. She's paired with Plato I think? Can't tell, but it's beautiful. I can't make out who's with who, but Munk is watching at Deut's side as always.

Second half of the Ball begins :D Griz is watching from a corner

Butt wiggles

Camera gives us a nice shot of the Jellicle Moon before panning out again. Very cool. Thank you

This part of the musical always gets me hyped up, it's my favorite @##@

Guitar going at it for the instrumentals, really liking them here. As well as the brass. I love how memorable this part always is. This production is really worth watching.

When people talk about the spectacle of Cats, this has to be one of those examples.

Final pounce towards the audience!

Recording cuts to Gus being brought in. I'll continue this in a second post.

@eh-dot-dot-dot

#abrax rambles #liveblogging #Part one

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jelliclesunsandmoons · 3 years

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1998 Munk vs 2016 Munk part 1

Welp, here’s something I promised a long while ago, 1998 Munk vs 2016 Munk! When I first made that post asking if anyone would be interested in a post like this, I thought it’d be something that i’d just write up in like an afternoon and then be done with. I was wrong. I was so very wrong. In fact, I ended up having SO MUCH to say about these two, that I decided to split this analysis into parts just to get this thing out! This post is part one, and the others will be coming in the future. I know that probably sounds like bullshit, but trust me, I have got a LOT to say about Munkustrap! And I have every intention of forcing you all to listen to it!

Anyways, here we go!

Munkustrap is really the story-teller. He's entrusted with giving the information to the other, maybe younger cats who have not been to the Jellicle Ball before. He gets up and says exactly what they're here to do. He's also the caretaker of the kittens. He wants to make sure everybody's safe; in all the Macavity scares, he's there to protect the tribe. So he is the protector.

-Michael Gruber, 1998

Munkustrap is Old Deuteronomy's son and is next in line for the throne. So his leadership was inevitable, but over the course of the show he learns that true leadership is about understanding and forgiveness, and not just a right of birth. In trying to clarify relationships with everyone onstage, Tyler Hanes and I decided to commit to the idea of Munk and Tugger being half brothers. I am the Rob Stark to Tyler's Jon Snow. Without the Red Wedding.

-Andy Huntington Jones, 2016

I’ll be starting the analysis off with Invitation to the Jellicle Ball, which means skipping over Jellicle Songs and The Naming of Cats. While these songs are fine, they’re more for the audience benefit than for the story, so they don’t have many individual character moments to analyze.

Invitation to the Jellicle Ball

This number comes right off the heels of The Naming of Cats and takes place right before the ball officially begins. Victoria, the pure white kitten, is alone onstage, and begins to perform what’s known as The White Cat Solo, one of the shows most famous moments of choreography. Quaxo soon rushes back onstage and calls all the jellicles to ball! This acts as both the invitation, and official opening to the ball, as everyone rushes back onstage. Once the twins are finished with the opening, Munkustrap takes over and explains to the jellicles what they’re here to do, in a manner similar to a sermon!

-In the 1998 version, Munkustrap is one of the first cats to come back, but he doesn’t actually take center-stage until Quaxo is done with his solo! This is because his main priority is the other jellicles, whom he can be seen checking up on in the background. It’s only once he’s confirmed to himself that all the others are present, that he makes his way center-stage. And when begins his part, the jellicles immediately turn their attention to him. He’s such a strong presence that all the others react to even the slightest shift in his tone! He may be singing about Old Deuteronomy in this scene, but he is the absolute authority here. As soon as he’s done with his sermon, he’s swarmed with attention! Electra and Sillabub paw at him for attention, Mistoffelees gives him a respectful nod, Jellylorum quickly checks up on him, Skimbleshanks gives him the most honorable of bows, Demeter gives him a loving nuzzle, Etcetera practically jumps on him for play, and Alonzo shares another quick nuzzle with him before the ball. And despite the fact that he has a lot to do, Munk acknowledges every cat that comes his way and is sure to give them his full attention, even if it’s just for a moment. This quick, twenty-second scene establishes Munk as a calm, genial, and caring presence within the tribe. For the kittens he’s an affectionate father-figure, for the elders he’s a leader they both respect and love, and for the cats his own age he’s a close, caring friend.

-2016 Munk takes a moment or so to come back onstage, and when he does, he’s not terribly concerned with the others. In fact, he’s far more concerned with the fact that Victoria and Quaxo are opening up the ball here. The way he runs up to him- before he’s even finished with his solo-implies that opening up the ball is typically his job and he doesn’t appreciate Quaxo taking over. Once he’s back in the spotlight, though, he revels in it! He delivers his part less like a sermon and more like a solo, keeping an air of power and prestige about him throughout the entire thing. Regardless, Munk here can’t hide his excitement for the ball, nor his wonder at the thought of The Heaviside Layer. The other jellicles pick up on his energy, and react in turn. His verse soon ends and the jellicles all scramble. A few cats run up to Munk afterwards, namely Quaxo, Mungojerrie, and Rumpleteazer. While the twins apparently just want to annoy him, Quaxo seems to genuinely want his attention. He does a rather impressive little dance number, before standing at-attention to show respect. However, Munk shoos them all off, he’s got important grown-up things to be doing! This seems to be a rather common occurrence, as no one else really comes up to him afterwards, they all stay with their own cliques rather than bothering the leader. The only exception is Alonzo, whom Munk takes aside to give some quick, last-minute directions as they set-up for the next number.

The Old Gumbie Cat

Munkustrap opens up this number by introducing us to Jennyanydots, the titular Gumbie Cat. She’s very clearly his preferred candidate, outright saying that she’s the one he has in mind for the jellicle choice! The song outlines Jenny’s many good deeds, teaching the mice and beetles to be upstanding citizens of society, since we do in fact live in a society. The show accomplishes this by having the kittens dress up as mice and beetles to pantomime her students, before launching into a big dance number, allowing Jenny to show off her tap skills!

-The 1998 version opens with a quick, humorous scene of Misto assuming that Munk is going to be singing about him, and retreating in embarrassment when that doesn’t happen. While Munkustrap seems a bit embarrassed on Misto’s part, he keeps going nevertheless. As he’s addressing the younger cats here, he does his best to keep the slow opening exciting for them, enthusiastically pantomiming her “tiger stripes and leopard spots” as well as her favorite places to nap. As does this, Quaxo gets the idea to use his magic to open up the car that Jenny’s sleeping in. Munk quickly gives him permission to do this, indicating that he’s already aware of Misto’s magic on some level. Once Jenny arrives, he lets her take over. He’s still there narrating, but takes the lead from here on out. She can be seen pointing the kittens to their places, giving them directions, and is quick to assert her authority when they start messing around during the tap number. When Munk does come back into the number, it’s either to provide narration, or assist Jenny. He may be the leader, but he knows who the star is! As a result, his role in this number is rather minimal.

-The 2016 version opens this number with Munkustrap telling the others about Jennyanydots, much like the ‘98 version! However, Munk here is, once again, not terribly concerned with the others. He knows that they’re there and is clearly singing to them, but he’s paying more attention to how he’s coming off. He’s clearly directing the number here, and wants Jenny to look good, so he’s more focused on how the song is going than if the others are invested. Much like before, Quaxo uses his magic to reveal Jenny, however this goes entirely unnoticed and unremarked upon by Munk. It’s possible that he doesn’t even know that Quaxo was the one doing it. Jenny takes center-stage from here on, performing her famous tape number while the others pantomime her chores. No longer do they dress up as beetles, instead they use props like toothbrushes and balls! Munk takes on the director role, giving directions to the dancers and keeping things running smoothly, which lessens Jenny’s role in the song somewhat. While the song is about Jenny, Munk is very much running things behind the scenes. Even so, he’s nothing but admiring towards Jenny, and ensures the song shows her in the best possible light!

The Rum Tum Tugger

Just as the cats are congratulating Jenny on her number, who should burst in but Munk’s very own younger brother? The one, the only, The Rum Tum Tugger! He sets the entire ball off-course, by interrupting the night’s scheduled events with a big, self-aggrandizing number about his indecisive, rebellious nature. Reactions from the others vary, with the younger cats adoring him, while the older cats consider him a nuisance.

-’98 Tugger pops up just as Jenny has finished her number, and just as Munk was congratulating her on a job well done! As Tugger begins his own number, Munk helps Jenny offstage, effectively giving Tugger center-stage! His little brother wastes no time getting the kittens riled up and pissing off every adult he can! Of course, as the leader it falls to Munkustrap to fix this situation, right? Surely he can just step in and tell Tugger to cut it out, right? Well, I don’t know. Because he never does that. In fact, he never even comes close to doing that! He’s clearly not happy with his brother; if you look at him during any point in the song, it’s obvious he doesn’t approve! But he never actually moves to stop Tugger. The closest he comes to that is just trying to gesture to the other cats to come back, which obviously doesn’t work. It seems that Munk is, for whatever reason, not comfortable trying to discipline Tugger here. In fact, there’s a number of times that one of the older cats goes up to him and gestures that he should do something...but he still doesn’t. And this hesitation effectively gives Tugger free reign in this scene because, as the standing leader, Munk is the highest authority at this moment. So none of the other cats can stop him because the one person he might listen to, if only out of obligation, won’t step in. Thus, Munk doesn’t participate in this scene much. He mainly sticks to the back, tries to calm down his elders, and just waits for the whole thing to be over.

-After Jenny’s number is over, ‘16 Munk leads the jellicles in another chant of “jellicles ask because jellicles dare!” Presumably to remind them why they’re there. And it’s at that moment that Tugger pops up! He mockingly echoes Munk’s words, before strutting right over to him and laughing in his face! Munkustrap is immediately horrified, and joins up with Alonzo to try and get things under control. Irritated by his intrusion, they both mockingly call Tugger a “terrible bore,” causing him to take a swing at Alonzo. Munk can be spotted in the background several times during this song, pulling away the kittens, commiserating with the elders, and generally trying to put a stop to this whole thing! Though Munk’s disapproval is clear, Tugger in this scene essentially acts like an annoying younger sibling, absolutely reveling in his brother’s irritation! He even uses a dance with Mistoffelees as a chance to antagonize Munk! While every version of Tugger loves the spotlight, ‘16 Tugger is clearly at least partially-driven by a desire to get under Munk’s skin as much as possible. Of note in this scene is the character Demeter, who in both the ‘98 version and ‘16 version is implied to have a romantic relationship with Munk. In the 1998 version, Demeter is present for this scene, but doesn’t really participate in it. It’s implied that the loud party incited by Tugger’s entrance in some way triggered her PTSD, and she hisses at him when he comes near. But ‘16 Demeter is enthralled with Tugger’s entrance! While she never hits on him like characters such as Bomba or Cassie do, she’s clearly attracted to him, and Tugger singles her out for a dance early on. This seems to cause some additional stress for Munk, as the sight of her happily dancing along with the others visibly throws him off. If Demeter is aware of that, she seems entirely unconcerned by it, as she continues happily participating in the song. Even pulls out a camera to take pictures of Tugger with the audience! At that point, Munk seems to have reached the end of his patience, as he can be seen throwing up his hands in resignation.

Grizabella the Glamour Cat

Tugger’s song draws to a close, but he seems to have no intention of leaving, as he continues to bask in the glow of his fan’s adoration while they dance along to a musical reprise of his song. But all of that comes to a sudden stop with the appearance of a mangy, disheveled cat by the name of Grizabella. Her appearance immediately puts everyone on-edge, as they aren’t happy to see her and don’t want her around. Some of the younger cats try to reach out to her, but are quickly stopped by their elders, while Demeter and Bomba explain just who she is. Neither of them really say what it was that caused Griz to be hated by the tribe, but they say just enough to give the impression that she’s someone disgraceful to be avoided.

-98 Munk leaps into action the second he sees Grizabella, pushing away Mistoffelees before he can touch her, and assuming a protective stance. He hovers near her during the introduction, never once dropping his protective stance. Now, Grizabella’s not a villain. She’s not violent, nor malicious, nor physically intimidating. She’s just a sad, old queen who wants to come home. She’s not a threat, but Munkustrap sees her as one. It’s clear that she did something to upset not only the tribe, but him specifically. Enough for him to see her as something that he needs to protect the others from. While not as mean towards Griz as some of the others are, his actions hold far more weight than theirs, as he’s the standing leader. And while he doesn’t actively prevent the kittens from reaching out to her like the elders do, nor mock her like the younger toms, he makes it clear through his body language that Grizabella is NOT to be accepted! When Demeter attempts to reach out to her, Munk doesn’t stop her...he just stares intently at her while keeping his protective stance, silently making it clear that he doesn’t approve. Grizabella eventually grows frustrated with this, and angrily calls him out for looking down on her, causing him to look away in shame. Munk hesitates for a moment as Grizabella sings, briefly being forced to reconsider his attitude. But ultimately, he doesn't let up. With that, Grizabella finally gets the memo that she’s unwanted here, and begins to leave. Munk watches her intently as she does, keeping alert in case she tries anything, while Demeter begins her verse. Demeter clearly feels a great deal of sympathy for her and wants to do something, but doesn’t have the courage to go against the tribe like that. Bombalurina soon joins her, and the song takes on a far more venomous tone, especially as the other jellicles join in. Munk stands center stage amongst the rest of the tribe as Grizabella hobbles off. Of note here is that Electra, the kitten who adores Munk the most, can be seen cowering between his legs, but he doesn’t seem to notice her at all. Munk is shown to have a very affectionate relationship with her, as she often goes to him for comfort and attention, which he readily gives! The fact that he fails to notice her unhappiness here is actually quite out-of-character for him, and indicative of how much Grizabella’s appearance upsets him.

-16 Munk initially hesitates in reacting to Grizabella’s entrance, leaving Alonzo to pull away the kittens in his place. Munk is slow to react here, neither welcoming nor rebuking Griz as she comes in. While he’s clearly made uncomfortable by her presence, he’s uncertain what to do with her. He doesn’t see her as a threat nor someone he needs to protect the others from, rather, he’s more saddened by her presence than anything else. The others, however, very much see her as an intruder, and are quick to reject her as she comes near. And while Munk isn’t really sure what to do about Griz, he’s very quick to reprimand the younger toms who scratch at her, which is something his ‘98 fails to do. During her solo, Grizabella calls out Munk specifically, never once breaking eye-contact with him. Munk struggles under her gaze, clearly uncomfortable with being put on the spot, and looks for an out. That ‘out’ comes in the form of Demeter. It’s easy to miss, but you can see Munk noticing Demeter inching closer to begin her verse, giving him the chance to leave. Demeter here has absolutely no sympathy for Grizabella. She sings her verse with a sneer and a wicked smile, she seems to almost enjoy the sight of Grizabella’s shame. By mockingly recounting her story to the other jellicles, Demeter and Bomba reaffirm to the tribe that Grizabella is someone they should stay away from. In addition, this takes the pressure off Munk to make a decision. He’s clearly uncomfortable with the public shaming, to the point where you can still see him standing nervously off to the side during the duet, but he doesn’t want to go against the tribe. So, he gives Demeter and Bomba the spotlight, and doesn’t intervene. As the standing leader, Munk has the power to officially let Grizabella back in the tribe and end the shaming, so his inaction allows it to continue. Munk is tense, apprehensive, but also uncertain as he watches Grizabella leave. He’s ready to jump into action if she tries anything, but she doesn’t. And while he intently watches her leave, the other jellicles hang back in the yard, leaving Munkustrap as the only one who sees her off.

Bustopher Jones

Once Grizabella’s been shooed out, Bustopher Jones the cat-about-town comes in! His visit immediately livens up the atmosphere, as everyone scrambles to tidy things up to his liking. Bustopher is a cat who frequents several gentlemens clubs across London for fine dining, which the others take as a sign of wealth and status, and treat Bustopher accordingly. The majority of the song consists of Bustopher recounting the many clubs he frequents during this polite social visit.

-When Butstopher arrives in the ‘98 version, Munk very much still has his focus on Grizabella’s departure. He’s so focused on it that he fails to notice Bustopher’s entrance, as Jenny tries to give him a bit of reassurance as the kittens scramble to catch a glimpse of Griz as she leaves. Once they do notice Bustopher, they immediately change gears! Misto takes the lead in Munk’s absence, immediately directing all the toms in the area to stand at attention to greet Bustopher. While Jenny regroups with the other queens, Munk runs back to the tire where Misto is waiting. The tuxedo tom is clearly proud of himself for handling this so well and reaches out to Munk for approval, which he quickly receives. Though he’s trying to re-orient his focus back to the ball, he hasn’t failed to notice Misto’s efforts, and appreciates him. Possibly in an attempt to make-up for lost time, Munk puts himself right in front of Bustopher’s way, giving him a smile and a salute. This is the only cat he ever gives an outright salute to, implying that Bustopher is, in some way, of a higher status than he is. Not high enough to be revered as Old Deuteronomy is, but high enough that he needs to show proper respect. Once respect has been paid, Bustopher indicates that he wants to leave, to which Munk obliges. However, Misto rushes in to try and prevent him from leaving so early, which causes Munk to change gears completely! He urges Bustopher to stay for just a bit longer, prompting the other toms to ready a place for him to sit so they can gather around and hear about his clubs. Munk shifts back into his leader role as he guides the others, and acts as a calm foil to Misto’s eager-to-please self without undermining him. He recognizes that this is an important guest, but that Misto clearly has some emotional attachment to Bustopher, and so lets him take the lead here. Even lets Misto guide him and the others on standing at-attention, an indulgent smile on his face the entire time. As the song ends and Jones bids the audience “Toodle pip!” Munk can be seen in the background giving one final salute. (This analysis was helped in part by @sevenkittensinatrenchcoat‘s Bustopher Jones posts)

-Just as Grizabella the Glamour Cat fades out, the kittens all scramble to get a look at Griz as she leaves, and right as Bustopher Jones comes in! Munk, still shaken from the last number, is caught completely off-guard by the new arrival! At first his attention is split between the kittens and Jones, but Jenny and Jelly swoop in to gather the kittens, giving Munk a chance to greet their guest. Good thing too, as he’s able to pull away Mungo and Rumple before they did something to upset him! He and Alonzo immediately start tending to Bustopher, apologizing for the twins, and greeting him properly. While Jenny and Jelly handle the kittens, he and the other toms get into formation to salute their important guest, before heading off-stage to give Bustopher the spotlight. When Munk finally does come back on-stage, he and the others have prepared several dishes of food for Bustopher’s enjoyment! Unfortunately, I don’t really have as much to say about this version of the number as I did the ‘98 version. As Munk is off-stage for much of this number, there’s not much in the way of character moments that can really be analyzed. Munk ultimately leaves much of this number to Jennyanydots and Jellylorum, who are shown to be quite fond of Bustopher. When Munk does reappear, it’s mainly just to be part of the choreography.

Current Impressions

-2016 Munk on the whole seems younger than his 1998 counterpart. While they both occupy the position of standing leader, ‘16 Munk is more self-centered in his leadership. He’s not terribly attentive to the others, can micromanage at times, but is uncertain of himself in stressful situations. 1998 Munk, on the other hand, fits the leadership role near-perfectly! He’s attentive without being smothering, confident but not arrogant, and is quick to act whenever danger occurs! He’s clearly been acting as a leader for a while now, and has settled nicely into the role. ‘16 Munk is still finding his footing as a leader, and has that youthful self-centeredness holding him back somewhat.

-2016 Munk has fewer personal relationships in the tribe than 1998 Munk. While both of them are shown to be close with Alonzo and Demeter, ‘16 Munk lacks connection to younger cats like the kittens, while ‘98 Munk is quite close with them! While he’s still close with Alonzo, ‘16 Lonz is more deferential to Munk than his ‘98 counterpart, implying a more work-based relationship. And while he’s implied to be romantically involved with Demeter, they don’t share the same gentle affection with each other as ‘98 Deme and Munk. ‘98 Munk is quick to give and receive physical affection through nuzzles and pets, while ‘16 Munk has yet to do anything of the sort. One relationship that’s notably different between productions is his relationship with Misto. ‘98 Munk is very patient with and caring towards Mistoffelees, sensing his desire to prove himself, and giving him little opportunities to do so throughout the ball! But ‘16 Munk’s interactions with Misto is limited to shooing him away and briefly standing between him and Tugger. It’s hard to tell how he regards Mistoffelees here because their interactions up to this point have been pretty impersonal! While 1998 Munk serves as a mentor figure to Mistoffelees, the best that can be said about 2016 Munk is that he’s aware Misto exists.

-Something to note is that the 2016 revival has noticeably less kittens in the show than the 1998 version. The 1998 version had about eight kittens, four toms and four queens, with characters like Plato and Victoria being on the cusp of adulthood while still being taken care of by their elders. The revival had about three, with Victoria and Plato no longer being characterized as among them. This greatly reduces the number of kittens for Munk to interact with, and as such, reduces Munk’s protector/caretaker role. Bring back Etcetera you cowards.

-1998 Munk is defined by his role as a storyteller and a protector; his top priority in any scene is making sure his tribe is safe and happy. 2016 Munk is defined by his role as a leader and prince; his top priority in any scene is to uphold the traditions and keep things running smoothly.

#cats #cats the musical #cats 1998 #cats 2016 #munkustrap #analysis #demeter #alonzo #rum tum tugger #mr mistoffelees #victoria #jennyanydots #grizabella #bustopher jones #electra #etcetera #sillabub

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jellicle-jemmy · 3 years

Text

So I wrote this a little over two years ago. They are my first thoughts in watching CATS (2019)

This was written basically as soon as I got home from the theatre in 2019. I truly hope you enjoy these, as they have been gathering dust in my drafts. Now, without further ado:

These are just some of my thoughts I had while watching and my initial reaction to the film I have just watched.

Okay, first of all, me and my pals thought we were in the wrong cinema for a couple minutes because there were faaaaar too many people in the cinema

Overture:

As we all know, the music slaps and me and my pals were straight vibing as the camera panned down.

And then the cats appeared. I legit was thinking, “wow they actually made them look like that, huh?”

I immediately identified Munk, Cass, Dem and Syllabub

SPIDER MUNK! SPIDER MUNK! DOES WHATEVER A SPIDER MUNK DOES!

fr tho why did he climb down that wall like that that’s not how cats work

Why are they surrounding her like that?? ARE THEY SUMMONING A DEMON WTF?? I’M SO DIZZY

[Victoria appears] Oh look it’s a babey

I took a forty, smashed in on the ground and yelled SCATTER

Jellicle Songs For Jellicle Cats

Laurie Davidson is babey

This isn’t too bad. I like the way that this number is being handled so far

AAaaaaaaaand now it’s funky town WTF

The music just went rachachacha on us

Munk really be out here straight vibing throughout the whole song

I do like how he’s kind of leading the whole numberits fun to watch

As always, there’s my babey Syllabub

We need to talk about the feet. Or maybe we shouldn’t. Yeah let’s not.

What is with the clapping in the music? Who is clapping? The cats aren’t. The audience certainly isnt. ( @whatsajinglebellcat said “It’s the clap of their ass cheeks as they’re dancing”)

The choreography is mediocre at best, I really dislike Andy’s choreography, why are they like that?????

Francesca Hayward is babey

How is Syllabub able to hang from that position wtf, surely that hurts

Robbie Fairchild as Munk is both daddy and babey (i’m said it I’m not sorry)

The jellicles seem to be having fun at least which is nice

Macavity Dialogue Bit

That Moriarty reference flashing into a wanted poster for Macavity is beautiful thank you so much to whoever pitched that and implemented that

Ooooo Macavity already sounds interesting

Once again, Laurie Davidson as Misto is babey

Demeter and Cassandra, why are you such bitches? Dear lord

The Naming of Cats // Invitation to the Jellicle Ball

Ngl I actually really like this bit

Deadass seems like a cult initiation but we’ve long ago established that the Jellicle tribe is a cult anyway

Munkustrap ur doing so good sweetie

Victoria darling u are one in the babey club

As always, there is Syllabub straight vibing

Mr Strap, Munk that is a child, why are you dancing with her like that?!

Francesca is a stunning wonderful dancer but she should’ve been dancing by herself more

Mr Mistofelees you are such babey ur so cute darling, he’s doing so good

Munk why did you have to sing your bit and then restate it while talking we’re not stupid!

oh wait.

a lot of people still don’t get the plot

carry on, and maybe say it again

The Old Gumbie Cat (Coming from someone who has played Jennyanydots)

no no

no no no

no no nope not happening no

no way

don’t like that at all

why is she doing that

why does she sound like that

Munk ur doing so good but why

Why is she spreading eagle like that

why do the mice look like that

why do the roaches look like that

WHY DID SHE UNZIP HERSELF DEAR GOD MY EYES

NO FUNNY FAT CAT BOING BOING

The Rum Tum Tugger

ooooo... this... is alright

actually

hold up

wait

why is this actually good

awww Jenny and Munk are so cute i’m glad they did munk and jenny’s friendship

Damn Tugger is fun

Okay, why is he reacting to Vic that way

Who cares this slaps

Jason Derulo was a good Rum Tum Tugger choice there I said it

Oh my god i actually love his voice

Syllabub = babey

dear god Jenny that comment about Tugger and being neutered isn’t very in character but I cackled

Jenny sweetie pls don’t try and breakdance

Okay the milk is fucking weird

this is weird

okay nvmind it’s good again

Tugger really be feeling himself in those riffs. and so he should

Grizabella The Glamour Cat

This is well handled

I really like how Griz sang her bit to the curious Victoria

I love that not everyone realised Griz was there right away

Of course, that is

oooo Cass and Dem are feisty

Deadass Cass seems like Grizabella’s child??!!!

Oh my god they look like the Jets or the Sharks are they about to start clicking????!!!!

Gang gang

Once again - syllabub, i see you and i love you

Dialogue Interlude

Griz went of with Maccy Boi huh?

Macavity you fuckin’ bitch

I barely remember what happened but that transition into Bustopher Jones really doesn’t fit

I think Bustopher and Jenny had a fight? Umm? Why?

Bustopher Jones

I had a real trouble keeping an eye on whats going on in this number

Why are all his ‘clubs’ just dumpsters? Like no. That’s-

That’s not really

JESUS CHRIST JENNY REALLY JUST WENT POOF HUH

THANOS SNAPPED THAT QUEEN

HOLY SHIT

I LITERALLY JUMPED OUT OF MY CHAIR

After that I was just watching my friend who played Bustopher to see his reaction to everything

Also why is he singing this entire number by himself

Maitre’D (or however the fuck that name is spelled) is married to Bustopher and no one can change my mind

Why is “the cat in spats” so funny, Macavity? Huh? I did like that Mac poked fun at his fashion sense rather than his weight tho

Also why did Bustopher fucking flyyyy??????

Aaaaaaaaand down the slide Veruca Salt style

Growltiger Interlude

Could’ve raised a lot of red flags with this number, but just establishing the character where all the kidnapped characters ended up, I liked

Also what did Growltiger actually do to Bustopher

And that gag about the rhyming of “aims” and “thames” ran a little too long ngl

But I liked the mauled ear on Growltiger - nice nod and detail

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer

These two really said “Be gay, do crimes”

I love them

I fucking love them

And this rendition

10/10 I love this whole number

They’re a little more evil than playful but I literally don’t care because they’re awesome

The jewels on Victoria? Stan

Mungojerrie is such a cute dumb bitch and I love him so much

Their accents are so cute

The house is stunning

Victoria? Babey.

Mungojerrie? Babey.

Rumpleteazer? Babey.

This number was so much fun and is probably my favourite

And their fur designs are so cute too!

I love this song. I love the version. I love everything about it.

Mistofelees X Victoria Interlude

Once again, the twins are babey

You know who else is babey? My clumsy and adorable boy Misto

Clumsy sweetie

Wow they’re going for Mistoria huh?

Why didn’t they play up Mungo and Teazer knowing Vic before the ball? Why is there just a nod to it in when Munk asks about the jewel Vic wears

Old Deuteronomy

I adore Robbie Fairchild

Why does Old Doot appear like a new rival in a video game?

The rendering was so bad in that moment

But Munk is so sweet when Doot appears

They are mother and son, and no one can change my mind

Judi Dench really can’t sing huh...

It’s so raspy and yick

Also her coat is so odd and I hate it

Deadass she looks like an albino

Song of the Jellicles

I genuinely couldn’t tell if I liked or disliked the fact that everyone sang everything

“Meow meow meow meow” Gus dear god why

Again, we’re back into the whole cult thing

Jellicle Ball

The whole cinema lost their minds laughing through this whole choreography and I hated it

But Syllabub got some dance moves

Tugger saying “With your permission” ummm??? He is Doot’s other more feral son

The choreography was good at some points but for the most part it was eh

The music is bangin’ tho

And then they all died lmao

Memory

WHY DOES GRIZ HAVE SO MUCH SNOT

that is all

PART 2 COMING SOON

#cats the musical #jellicle cats #cats musical #cats 2019

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star-felled · 3 years

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Cats 2019, but I try fixing the horrible script

Victoria in bag yeah whatever been there done that

Jellicles are and Jellicles do Je

Maybe the Jellicles introduce more of themselves and Misto's like "yeah that's my name lol but I'm also called Quaxo" segwaying into The Naming of Jellicles, OR cut out the song to make room for Pekes and Pollicles. Depends on how much runtime you're willing to have

Have Macavity watching but like not super obvious. He's watching from a distance instead of blatantly talking to Vic this time

Demeter can be worried about trusting Vic but if Munk trusts her then Dem trusts her

Misto's like "oh yeah almost time for the ball" Vic is like "wtf" and Munk explains and leads her to Jenny

NO EATING COCKROACHES

Tugger's still there, Jenny's like "how tf did you get inside my house. stop terrorizing the mice"

Tugger goes and does his song or whatever, Vic's expression is like "wtf is up with him" but Misto just shakes his head and calls him a bore

Tugger go "here Vic lemme show you how to have fun" and Vic lets herself go loose!! (and unfortunately joins Tug's fanclub)

Misto's like "UGH FUCK NO TUGGER NOT ANOTHER KIT (lovingly)" but everything's cancelled by Griz showing up

They do the Griz thing

Maybe Vic tries to touch Griz when Munk gently pulls Vic back, then she asks why Griz isn't cool anymore, but gets interrupted bc NO MORE "WENT WITH MACAVITY" HALF-ASSED EXPLANATION

A local building alarm goes off and Dem's like "MACAVITY" and Vic is like "WHO" and gets dragged off (spoiler alert it wasn't actually Macavity)

When they think they're a safe distance away they start Bustopher Jones but better

Maybe it could be like "ok we get you kits are scared but Jones is a respectful mature man he would take care of you" ((I oh-so desperately want Misto to excitedly agree bc uncle Bustopher hcs are the cutest))

LET MISTO FOLLOW THE MAN AROUND GODDAMMIT

When the rest of the cats are distracted Vic slinks off and meets Jerrie and Teazer. they cause chaos and honestly good on them

I like to think that, instead of the whole Vic getting stuck on bedpost thing, the twins try to bring her through the window but when they land they're caught and get reprimanded by Munk

Misto goes up to Vic like "that was fucking stupid of you now let's go meet ol doot"

Vic is like "uh okay (I've learned not to question things at this point)" and follows them, when she sees Deut she gets that fatherly vibe from him and starts to understand why they trust him

Deut goes "ohoho who do we have here" and when everyone excitedly introduces her he'd like,,, nuzzle her and go "welcome to the clan"

She's mystified and immediately trusts this man with her life cuz who wouldn't

Victoria watches Pekes and Pollicles performance bc it's a bop

Maybe bonding moment between Vic and Deut after the show where he's like "theyre a mess but they try and I love them for it"?

Tugger's like "DAADDDDD CAN WE START YET" and they start dancing,, Vic is all awed and then Deut goes "c'mon you're one of them now" and nudges her forward so she can join

It's a blast but in the middle of it Vic notices Griz in the background, so when everyone else goes to sleep she sneaks off Yet Again, this time Jemima following her cuz curious little kitten

They hear Griz sing and see her try to dance like the others, and they were gonna go invite her but then Deut taps em on the shoulder and says "we gotta wait for the others to accept her" except super vague. the kittens have no clue what he's on about but accepts it anyway cuz it's ol doot

I think keeping the choice be an audition sorta thing is fine, it kinda felt like that in the musical. just no more solos, no more solos ple

They're all just now waking up but Misto and Gus are Extra awake. like y'know when you go downstairs at like 7 am to get cereal, expecting no one else to be there but then There Is. they do that lil talk they do in the movie, dunno what I'd alter there quite just yet? Misto would be less outwardly anxious for sure though, gotta let the boy keep his calm

When it's like "ok who now losers" maybe Misto could start singing for Gus and hand it off to someone else after a line or two? then Gus gets his part and maybe we see some subtle character development coming out from Misto. show don't tell y'know that sorta thing

Gus is like "ok that's cool but I can think of another person to start singing now" and takes a seat when Munk gets the hint to start the next song

SKIMMMBLESHANKSSS THE RAIIILWAAAAY CATTTT THE C

The fake train they build gets fucking destroyed and it's bc MACAVITY

He runs around wreaking havoc, starts fighting with Munk but when Munk puts up a better fight than he expected he kidnaps Deut

Probably would've restrained Deut in some way before running around bc the guy could very easily beat him up

Anyways Macavity retreats and everyone's worried for Munk and Deut

Victoria's like "OH YEAH RIGHT WE HAVE MISTO" and he's like "????? you're asking me to teleport THE HOLY CHRIST HIMSELF??????" and starts mentally panicking

Tugger comes in like "oh but you OUGHT to ask mr mistoffelees the original conjuring cat there can be no dou

Bc he's hyped up Misto brings Deut back first try and gets more confidence in his abilities, we love a character arc

They go back to make the Jellicle Choice but then OH THERES GRIZABELLA and the clan is gonna kick her out but Victoria's like "no let her sing!!" but bc she's new no one cares but then JEMIMA goes "let her sing it's almost time!!! just this one bit plssss" and bc it's Jemima and they love Jemima they let Griz sing

Then she gets picked and cat god takes her away or whatever

Ol doot does the speech but like addressing the clan instead of breaking the 4th wall and then the movie ends and we DON'T have to deal with 10 minutes of end credits

✨ The end ✨

Extra notes / Things I'd change

Add in the bg interaction!!! That's what makes the 1998 version so fun, it allows the chorus cats to have so much personality despite only being bg characters

Pls for the love of all that is holy make the chorus cats more easy to distinguish and recognize, not only do they look different from the costumes of every other production Ever, they also all look the same as one another

If Misto still did that excited thing at the beginning of The Gumbie Cat I'd lose my marbles I think

Let Tugger interact with his dad more!!! Munk got so much interaction with Old Deut in the movie which I LOVED but Tugger got??? Nothing????? I get that Jason Derulo is expensive to keep on set but if you can put that much effort into that audio system you barely even used 4/5 of the functions of, you can spend a little on letting Tugger love his dad

We got so many Misto and Tugger interactions in the 2016 revival, is it too much to ask for that back... . ... .. ..

That's about it I think, I mostly made this for myself bc I've been thinking of making a fic based off this and wanted to give myself an outline :) I really like the idea of giving Victoria a story as to how she joined the jellicles but...... it was butchered so terribly..... .... .........

Anyways!! If you've got anything you wanna say or add on I'd love to hear it :DD (no pressure though ofc ^^)

#cats the musical #cats 2019 #cats victoria #please tell me thats the right tag to use for her ple #long post

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sillybub · 3 years

Note

Can you talk more about Shiki Cats, especially Jemima and Sillabub (since they're separate in this production)? <3

YES! Okay so. The thing is that I have a boot from 2000 and the production has definitely changed since then, but I can’t find much information about it. They added Pekes & Pollicles back in, so Rumpus Cat is back in action, so I think that’s the only notable difference? Anyways most of my thoughts are gonna be based on the 2000-ish era. I’ve actually only watched my boot a couple of times, so I honestly don’t have many in-depth thoughts yet.

So I think Shiki Sillabub is my favorite version of this character. She’s just,, she’s a BABY! Like, she’s supposed to be young in every production, but specifically she’s definitely a baby and I love it! I also appreciate how she’s the one to touch Griz instead of Vic. I adore Vic and her moment with Griz at the end, but it kinda ajdakdasdhl makes a little more sense for Sillabub to do it. It makes her singing come full circle a little more.

My headcanon for her being Skimble’s daughter comes from the fact that she gets to sit at the front of the train and they are both yellow alkjdssajdlkd im afraid there’s not much else there.

As for Jemima, I think she looks hella cool!! Uh, tbh,, she looks very similar to Demeter so I can’t always pick her out in the crowd. But she is in the Gumbie Trio alongside Bomba and Tanto! God the three of them are all so cool and hot, they’re probably bitchy best friends who go clubbing together.

I’m sorry I don’t have more thoughts about her,, I’m gonna rewatch Shiki and I will come back with more thoughts,,

I CAN expound upon the ones I posted earlier though!

I said I thought that Tugger and Munk weren’t brothers in this production and I could very well be wrong about this. They just...didn’t really give me those vibes?

I think the thing that I like WAY more is Misto, Munk, and Vic (and I think my Griz Oldest Daughter take probably works here too) all being siblings. Munk is the oldest and Most Responsible, and I can’t help but notice that this Munk is a lot more serious than other Munks. It could just be that I didn’t get to see him be playful in Pekes & Pollicles like I normally do, but he comes off as strict to me. He looks after Sillabub a lot, though, which is sweet!

Victoria is the youngest and she’s the absolute princess of the tribe. She’s elegant and beautiful, and her prominent role in choreography is a reflection of her high status. She’s very proper, but knows how to let loose a lot more than Munk. Since she’s the youngest, she tends to have a lot more freedom anyways.

Misto is the middle child who often gets overshadowed by is more prominent siblings and that’s why he’s so eager to show off in his song!! And why he loves to show off in general!! Like in the beginning of the show Misto is actin all impish and Munk is like “Knock it off” and Misto is like “>:(”

And then Tugger comes in and gives him all the validation he deserves and Misto gets to show off his awesome cool powers and show everyone how great he is and Munk is won over and joins in on the celebrating and salkdjakjdald it just like it so much

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the-metaphorical-jellicle-cat · 4 years

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A Scene I wish was better in the 2019 Cats film

I’m one of those who recently got into Cats due to the film and due to this, I searched for scenes from the musical. So, I watched the 1998 film version and found out that I really liked the music and the songs were amazing. Then I found the 2016 revival on YouTube. That revival got me hooked. I fell in love with the characters even more and I respected the musical.

Then when the soundtrack for the film came out and I listened to that. I was really disappointed with only half of the songs and thought they were terrible covers at first. (I’m looking at Gumbie Cat and Bustopher Jones especially as well as them singing their own songs. It doesn’t make sense. Also Macavity is a duet not a solo. It is a duet in every production.) I loved whenever the other characters were singing especially Munkustrap, Mr. Mistoffelees, Victoria, and Skimble. I thought the version of Mungo and Teazer fit the film better than the version we all know and love. But in reality, I have to agree with some that that movie was poorly filmed if that makes sense. (but there were some scenes that you can tell they put effort in like Skimbleshank’s number)

Cats is a musical based around dance and dance sequences. I was irritated when I didn’t see the group dancing. Instead there were a lot of close ups of characters, some cringey dialogue, and loads of missed opportunities. I’m mostly talking about moments in the film where we could have seen better interactions between characters.

There’s a particular scene that got me, not irritated, but a missed opportunity between characters to explain a relationship that is explained in dialogue. This scene is right before Gus sings his song, during, and after. A missed opportunity that could have expanded the character and his relationship with the others rather making us assume.

So, in this scene Mistoffelees tells Gus its his “call” to go on stage. I think the scene is adorable and their conversation really shows the respect Misto has for the Theater Cat. I think what could have improved the scene would be if Misto introduced Gus to the others. Very similar to what Jellylorum does in the stage musical. Misto sings the first half of the song and then Gus takes over with the confidence he has in the conversation. When the song is over, that’s when they transition to The Pekes and The Pollicles similar to the 2016 revival. This would have been a great opportunity to show his skills as an actor to the other cats. It could also give character development to Gus, Misto, Tugger (I mean bagpipes. We can always use bagpipes), and Munkustrap (I would love to see his irritation when no one follows directions).

This is just my opinion. I would really like to hear your thoughts. Especially since I’m still pretty new to the Cats fandom as a whole. I have a lot of first thought opinions before I go into the fandom and now that I might share….. but we’ll see.

#cats 2019 #cats the musical #mr. mistoffelees #rum tum tugger #gus the theatre cat #munkustrap #just my thoughts

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shadowed-dancer · 4 years

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Thoughts on the Cats Movie soundtrack

Still haven’t seen the film, but I thought I’d give my opinion based solely on the music of this MUSICAL film, ignoring the CGI and any story beats they may have added (also for context, I’ve seen the staged musical and I actually enjoyed it)

Fun fact, all thoughts were written as I was hearing the songs, so it’s entirely my first, gut based reactions. You are reading it exactly as it popped into my head upon hearing bits of the songs

This ended up being way longer than I thought so it goes under a cut. Enjoy

Overture

I wasn’t going to review the overture but there’s a weird synthesizer and I needed to point it out

Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats

It doesn’t sound right. The pacing at the beginning is off. Once the chorus kicks in it gets better (but it comes later?)

It got weirdly... techno? Idk if that’s the right word

There are a lot of solos especially during the “practical cats, dramatical cats” list. At first I didn’t like it cause I really love when groups of people sing together, but it grew on me

Although Misto (I think) quickly adding in “and magical cats” at the end of the list is really cute. I love my boy

Old Gumbi Cat

The man singing is great (Munkustrap? Idk if they changed it) but I miss Jenny’s preppy and peppy attitude from the musical

Also I miss the 3 girls who used to sing the “Buuuut when the day’s hustle and bustle is done”

There’s a part that I think is the mice singing? Not a fan. I’m scared

I don’t hear any tap shoes, hopefully she does get her tap solo in the movie but from what I’ve heard in reviews, I don’t think she does

I actually like the very end bit. I never liked the musical version where they sing “for she’s a jolly good fellow”. This one flows a bit better and rhymes when she says “thank you my dears”

Rum Tum Tugger

Dang, this is funky! I actually don’t hate it

Is... is Grizabella the Glamour Cat cut? Or just not on the album? That was actually one of my favourite songs I’m sad it’s gone. I wanted to hear Demeter’s voice

Bustopher Jones

It isn’t as bad as I’d feared. I was nervous about James Corden, but it’s pretty ok

It’s not my favourite song to begin with so it’s pretty meh. This version is good for what it is

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer

This is so different and I miss the energy, but I actually don’t hate it. It gives off a very sneaky type of energy and I kind of like it

It’s hard to grasp a tune though

Also, I like Rumpleteazer’s voice. It’s cute

Old Deuteronomy

It’s pretty similar to the original tbh

Someone in the comments on the video said it’s still Munkustrap singing, in which case he’s doing a very good job!

I miss his duet with Tugger though

Also Old Deuteronomy no longer buried 99 wives, but instead lived 99 lives? Ok

Oh jeez I was not expecting her voice to sound like that

Beautiful Ghosts

It’s ... actually kind of nice?

I was worried, but so far I’m not hating a lot of these added “Oscar bait” songs (Never more alone from Les Mis, No one would listen from Phantom, Evermore from Beauty and the Beast)

“No beauty in my memory” is that a parallel to Grizabella’s line “I can smile at the old days, I was beautiful then”

She mentions “memories” a lot. Is she being set as a reflection of Grizabella? (wanting to be wanted and wanting to fit in)

“At least you have something” who is the “you?” Misto? The Jellicle tribe? A plural “you” referring to the world?

I feel like if she is singing this to Misto it will break up the pacing of the film, idk how to explain it. Like this song is nice but it’s slow, maybe that’s ok though cuz it comes right after Old Deuteronomy (the song)

Her voice is very pretty and I almost started tearing up. I was hesitant of them using Victoria as an audience surrogate (someone to have the cats introduce themselves to) but I like it. They seem to have made her an actual character

Oh shoot, epiphany! Is this song meant to replace the first “Memories” that goes before intermission? Because that’s not on the soundtrack. If that’s the case that’s actually smart

Gus

I miss Jellylorum singing about him. That being said, even though he doesn’t really sing, I feel it fits him fine

His Gandalf is showing. For some reason the beginning reminded me of Lord of the Rings where he is singing “the road goes ever on and on”

It’s odd not having Jellylorum sing about him. It’s less sympathetic when he sings about himself

Um, does Gus not perform a play about the Pekes and the Pollicles? I’m... actually ok with that thank you for cutting the run time down

For those curious, the Pekes and the Pollicles was moved in the Broadway revival and US tour to be after Gus’ song. It serves as him reliving his glory days by performing one of his old plays

Skimbleshanks

It’s kept the same fun, lighthearted energy that I loved so much

There are some weird pauses but I’ll let it slide

That weird electric/techno sound is in the background again

They cut it down... a lot. I don’t blame them though, it was a very long song. And the parts they kept are executed amazingly

Was... was that tap dancing? So maybe Jenny really isn’t a tap dancer any more. Dang it

Macavity

It’s no longer a duet... they’re really cutting all the fun duets, eh?

Where is Demeter? Is she ok?

Also Taylor Swift is British

Overall the performance is pretty good

“He’s outwardly respectible. I know he cheats at cards” ok that line used to make sense as a duet cuz it was like Demeter would say one thing and then Bombalurina would come and add to it/contradict it. Now it’s weird to be sung by the same person (at least I THINK that’s Taylor singing both parts)

Wait... is that Macavity saying “the Napoleon of crime”? Why is he present? I know something changed in the timing but does he steal Old Deuteronomy AFTER this song? Cuz that just seems weird. Like “Ok now that you know who I am, let’s go”

The alternative is that he returned after stealing her to taunt the Jellicles which might work? It may not have even been him who said the line though lmao

Mr. Mistofelees

Oh man they did my boy dirty

Why is he so breathy? Is he nervous? You’re supposed to be the greatest magician ever! What did they do to his character?

Also why is he singing about himself? Someone help him

The breaks after the chorus are starting to annoy me. It’s disrupting my jam

“Not long ago this phenomenal cat...” ok I know that technically that is grammatically correct if he gestures to himself, but because the whole song is now first person it just sounds weird

Wow, EVERY duet I cared about it gone. Like, I don’t even ship Tugofelees but I could respect it! And I obviously acknowledge they have SOME sort of relationship in the musical (platonic, one sided admiration, or otherwise) so why cut it? Also I loved Tugger singing this song. I’m just mad.

You know what? Scratch that, it didn’t even need to be Tugger, just SOMEONE sing with him holy corn

Oh ok wow so can Old Deuteronomy just not sing? I thought she was supposed to play Grizabella in the London production, why is her voice so scratchy?

This song in the musical was my favourite because of it’s fun energy and flowing beat. Well the beat doesn’t flow and the energy is gone so good news Skimble you’re my favourite song for this recording so far. Congrats

Ok but Misto singing “as meeeee” as the rest of the cast sings the chorus is actually kind of adorable

Woah woah woah wait someone else is introducing him at the end? Why couldn’t you have helped throughout the entire song?????

The meows... I can’t

Memory

Her words sound slurred? Is that just me? I know the song so I know what she’s supposed to be saying, but if I hadn’t known I wouldn’t understand a lot of it

Her voice is pretty solid aside from that though

I know people were mad Victoria sings with her, but with Beautiful Ghosts as her song, I think it’s thematically appropriate

Ok the climax is well done

Oh wait what? The energy just disappeared. Bring it back!

Off topic but if you want to hear a really good Grizabella, check out Keri Rene Fuller. I got to see her live and I legit cried her climax was amazing she belted it so loud it literally shook me, like I could feel the vibrations in my chest

The Ad-dressing of Cats

Oh no I have to listen to her sing a whole song

It sounds like she’s sing-talking. It worked for Gus, not so much here

Apparently she looks directly into the camera during this scene

Ok she did it before but I noticed it on this lyric. “To treat you as a trusted friend”. Old Deuteronomy used to go up on “trusted friend” but she goes down. It brings the whole energy down

She did it again on “Straudsberg pie”

I know she’s saying “aim” but it sounded like she said “end” which made the last lyric (name) sound like it didn’t rhyme. Oh boy.

To conclude, lots of changes. Not all good, but not all bad either. Some questionable casting and directions, but I’m excited to see it. Hopefully some of my questions are cleared up.

I may make a full review of the film once I've seen it.

#cats movie #cats munkustrap #mr mistoffelees #mister mistoffelees #rum tum tugger #macavity #old deuteronomy #jennyanydots #bustopher jones #grizabella #I finished this review last night at midnight lmao #no way I was posting it then though

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whatsajinglebellcat · 4 years

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Soundtrack Thoughts

Hi, this post contains spoilers; so if you would like to avoid those please keep scrolling!

______________________

So, I just spent my morning listening to the new soundtrack; granted I couldn't get through most of the songs, but the ones that I could I wanna TALK ABOUT!!

1.) The Old Gumbie Cat

youtube

Robert Fairchild is an ACTUAL angel.

I fucking hate how Jenny starts each of her segments, but I will give it to her that it's not the worst thing I've heard.

I do kind of like Munks calm energy in comparison to Jenny's sort of goofy energy, but it does get annoying after a while, and I completely think that is how her character is going to be throughout the film.

Robert has a really pretty voice and it makes me cry.

2.) Bustopher Jones

youtube

I only listened to this one to see James was going to sing the line "for I am a bonder".

It was in his falsetto.

I hated it and stopped listening after the line.

ALSO WTF IS WITH THESE CATS SINGING IN THE FIRST PERSON???

It sounds so odd.

Plz stop.

3.) Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer

youtube

BANGER!!!

A fuckn BOP!!

It made me wanna commit a million crimes and I love it!!

I usually hate the OG Londen version, but holy hell it was so good.

And fitting!!!

Like, this 1 (one) song might make the entire film tolerable.

4.) Old Deuteronomy

youtube

ROBERT HAS THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL.

Usually I'm a hoe for it being a duet, but like I so much didn't mind that Munk was the only one singing.

It really does keep that serene energy to it and I have very few complaints.

Judys voice at the end though was kinda bad.

Bless her heart, I know she's old, but it just sounded sort of sloppy?

Then again, when Ken comes on in 1998, he sounds like he had just been running laps, so perhaps it was a character choice.

5.) Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

youtube

Intro was a little rough, but it was still a banger!

I actually really Kinda like that it was a duet between Munk and Skimbles, honestly it kind of made more sense???

Like there's something so odd to me about these characters hyping themselves up, it just doesn't sit right.

I thought I was gonna hate the tap section, but it kinda slaps. Not gonna lie.

Steven McRae has such a fitting voice?

Like, it's not too over the top and it so much brings in that fun Uncle energy!

6.) Mr. Mistofelees

youtube

I feel indifferent.

I liked the initial awkwardness and shyness coming from Misto.

But I hate that it sort of becomes the "that moment sparks fly" for him and Victoria.

I also really dislike that the awkwardness doesn't seem to waver.

I get it- he's supposed to be shy and weird, but it's so much, probably too much.

Like it's a adorable the first time and then it gets tiring.

BUT I am HERE for Misto singing it about himself.

Like bless Tugger, but holy shit that is the only exception to me hating the self hype songs.

#cats movie 2019 #cats movie 2019 spoilers #cats 2019 #cats 2019 spoilers #Song: the old gumbie cat #song: bustopher jones #Song: Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer #song: Old Deuteronamy #Song: Skimbleshanks #song: Mr. Mistofelles #cats 2019 review

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magical-marvelous-mistoffelees · 5 years

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Masterpost on amazing moments from the Cats 2019 NA6 Tour

This is a really long post on moments I saw (and remembered to write down) last night, when I saw the national tour of Cats the second time.

!!!I chose these specific moments because they are special to the tour or character choices made by the actors that you don’t get in the 2016 bway boot or the 1998 film!!!

There were also quite a few swings and understudies thrown in, presumably since there is a rough cold/flu going around the area I live in, and the actors may have caught something.

Spoilers below!

The first time I had seen the Cats NA Tour, I saw it in Charlotte as a birthday present while on vacation. Before that moment, I knew basically nothing about Cats, so I didn’t think to take notes like this time. However, I will try to include a few moments I remember from the first time as well.

Also, my favorite characters are Tugger, Misto, Mungo, and Rumple, so my eyes were typically drawn to them. I love all of the characters though, and everyone was amazing, so I tried to watch everyone as much as I could!

Opening/Prologue

Not too much to say about the prologue, since it wasn’t much different than the film or the 2016 version.

Naming of the Cats

Bill Bailey felt like a younger version of Tugger. After hearing his name called out, he did a little hair flip with his mane

Mungojerrie and Bill Bailey spent the majority of the song messing around and talking to each other rather than speaking to the audience.

However, when the cats broke away while discussing a cat’s third name, Mungo was in the audience. He was close enough to the mezz (where I was sitting) to hear, and his voice was so expressive! He didn’t just recite the lines as a chant with everyone else, but put his own emotion and charm into it.

Invitation to the Jellicle Ball (Caitlin Bond, PJ Degaetano, Dan Hoy)

The first time I saw the Cats NA tour, I saw Victoria’s understudy (Erin Chupinsky) (who was amazing!). This time, I saw the original tour actress, who was one of the best dancers I’ve seen on stage. She had so much poise and control over everything she did, and played the character just a little older than she usually was, making her more serene and quiet than young and becoming.

Her makeup did not include much pink, and she had a black nose instead, along with black defining features like the bridge of her nose and her brows.

Mistoffelees is so dramatic??? Like whenever he comes forward to dance or use his magic, his actions are always big and confident.

Anytime Mistoffelees had to move anywhere, he always included plenty of both ballet/jazz moves, but also some acrobatic tricks. Seriously, whenever he needed to get from point A to point B, there would be some sort of leap or cartwheel or spin.

Mistoffelees also loved to follow around Munkustrap. Whenever Munk moved around to talk to other cats, Misto would be right on his tail, trying to help. He was just so happy to be introducing the ball with Munk and Vic.

Old Gumbie Cat (Dan Hoy, Emily Jeanne Phillips)

Did somebody say Skimble and Jenny? Because these actors definitely delivered. Skimble was always somewhere near Jenny during her song, and helped her move around in her big costume.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer really wanted to help out with this song (and basically every song) but were usually shooed off. This disappointed them, but they still managed to sneak in and help.

Mistoffelees continued to help out Munk in this song, guiding Jenny around and getting the mice ready in their costumes. He would often mess around with her, waving a hand in front of her face when she zoned out, giggling and shrugging. He also would fuss around and fix her fur/groom her.

JENNY WAS SO SPARKLY IN HER COSTUME!!!

Rum Tum Tugger (McGee Maddox)

McGee’s legs are SO LONG, and he always had a hip popped or his feet crossed. He also walked with so much swagger, especially in his hips.

Misto was so into Tugger’s song, constantly grooving, swaying, playing with his tail, or kneading the ground in the background. However, unless Tugger specifically pulled Misto out to dance, he would sit farther off in the background, either on the car trunk or so far downstage and to the side that he was basically in the shadows.

Tugger went into the crowd after his number. The first time I saw Cats, he went up to someone and completely shredded their playbill/prgram. The second time I saw it, he sat next to an old lady and was playfully flirting with her. He also would run up and down the aisles, while Bombalurina tried to follow him. She would stop next to people (She actually went up to my friend!) out of breath, complaining that she wish he would stop running.

Tugger went up to Misto after his song and Misto teased him, swatting Tugger with his tail. That didn’t last long, because Misto eventually complimented his song and they had a little secret handshake between the two of them.

Grizabella the Glamour Cat (Tricia Tanguy)

We saw Grizabella’s understudy (Tricia Tanguy) and she was just as talented as my queen Keri.

Grizabella was definitely portrayed as older, similar to Elaine Paige’s version. However, she was young enough that everyone in the tribe recognized her.

All of the cats were initially shocked to see her, pulling away, before they leapt forward to either chase her away, sniff in curiosity, or hurt her as a joke.

She was SO desperate for any sort of physical contact, and she all but begged for it. Her face was twisted with sorrow and longing, and she was so happy when anyone reached out (although nobody touched her).

Skimble would pull away any young cat that tried to touch her, and Munk (tried) to keep people from hurting her. Munk also looked at her with such disdain in his eyes.

Demeter and Bombalurina were equally heartbroken when seeing her.

Can we talk about Tricia’s voice?! It’s so powerful, and she often used straight tone, putting vibrato in at the end of long notes. Her mix is super strong, which constantly made you feel like she was crying out for help, as if she still had hope that someone would.

ALSO HER DYNAMICS. jUST. GOOSEBUMPS.

Bustopher Jones (Timothy Gulan)

Not too much to say, other than Misto kept following him around and he was so pleased to see everyone.

Bustopher also would try and talk to the conductor if he was far enough downstage. I couldn’t see if the conductor actually acknowledged him or not.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer (Tony D’Alelio, Rose Iannaccone)

They were so cute! And their voices reflected on their characters so well! They were slightly nasally but in a childish, playful way.

There were a ton of new tricks added.

They had the same swag bags as the 2016 revival!

They were the audiences favorite (outside of Grizabella, obviously).

Old Deuteronomy (Dan Hoy, McGee Maddox, Brandon Michael Nase)

Munkustrap got so annoyed when all of the cats were more interested in listening to Tugger than him.

Misto wasn’t really helping Old D get down to the stage, but was just kind of walking proud behind him, gushing over how awesome Old D was with audience members.

OLD D AND TUGGER WERE SO HAPPY TO SEE EACH OTHER! Old D looked so shocked but absolutely THRILLED to see Tugger. He stopped in his tracks and looked at Tugger, reaching his arms out as if to say “It’s you! I can’t believe you came!”, and Tugger returned the gesture as if to say the same thing. It was so nice to see Tugger become soft for a hot sec.

Macavity (Scare 2)

When everyone was running away, you could hear someone, in a shrill, overdramatic, high-pitched British accent go “MACAVITY?! TOOTLE PIP!”. I firmly believe it was Tugger.

Jellicle Ball

Old D and Gus are best friends, and were so happy to sing together.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are little bullies, but in a lovable way. They would constantly push people out of the way to steal the spotlight, then taunt and tease whoever they attacked. Whenever an older cat saw them do this, they would get shooed away.

However, anytime somebody tried to antagonize Mungo and Rumple, and Tugger saw what was happening, Tugger would go protect the crime twins.

Mungojerrie loved to stick his tongue out. Anytime, anywhere.

Old D and Grizabella kept reaching out to each other but only when the other could not see them.

Old D tried to stop Alonzo, Demeter, and Munk from chasing Griz away, but it didn’t work.

Speaking of which, both Alonzo and Demeter had to make their way up to the balcony to reach her, but Munk just freaking SCALED the whole set to her up there. No harnesses or ladders or grips.

Grizabella the Glamour Cat/Memory (Tricia Tanguy)

Munkustrap was the last person to run from Griz, and was particularly upset by her presence. He seemed hurt that she would show up, but also ashamed he couldn’t bring himself to reach out.

Again, Grizabella was so desperate to dance like everyone else, but instead of getting hurt or struggling because of her injuries, she would just give up when her old age made it difficult to dance. She looked distraught every time she failed to dance like everyone else.

Intermission

During intermission, it was announced that Zach Berger would be replacing McGee Maddox as Rum Tum Tugger.

Old D spent most of the intermission sitting out on the tire, while the rest of the stage was empty.

Gus the Theatre Cat/Pekes and the Pollicles (Kaitlyn Davidson, Timothy Gulan, Dan Hoy)

Jelly was so so proud of Gus’ accomplishments, and Gus was very bashful at first

The audience’s collective awww on the line about the palsy which makes his paws shake

Mungo and Rumple were so offended and embarrassed, but also hurt, when Gus singled them out on “think they’re so smart just to jump through a hoop”.

“tHAT’S NOT YOUR BLOCKING THATS NOT YOUR BLOCKING!!!”

Gus would forget the words and look super upset so Old D would rush to his side and help him remember

Skimbleshanks (Ethan Saviet)

Tugger (Zach Berger) spent the whole song up in the balcony, swaying along and nodding his head. He was either standing and leaning of the rail or sitting on the rail.

He also kept trying to catch Misto’s eye, who was sitting off to the side for most of the song.

Mungo was the conductor of the train when they were acting out the sleeping car, and he was getting way too into it. He and Skimble also exchanged little salutes.

Skimble came up to where Tugger was sitting, and Tugger gave him a little salute as well.

Skimble practically SCREAMED on the line “ met the station master with ELATION”.

Macavity (Alexa Racioppi, Emma Hearan, Tyler John Logan)

When Mac first showed up, and was using his magic to control everyone, all of the cats except for Demeter were affected.

Bomba and Demeter raced over to protect each other.

Demeter actually fought back, with the help of Alonzo, when Mac was dragging her around.

Before the power surge, instead of acting cornered or panicked, Mac was taunting, daring the cats to come and attack him on the car trunk.

Mr Mistoffelees (PJ Degaetano, Zach Berger)

ZACH BERGER IS PRECIOUS AND NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS. HIS RIFFS AND VOICE GIVE ME LIFE.

I was very disappointed in the audience, because I was the only person to applaud when Misto came down.

Zach Berger and PJ Degaetano didn’t have as much stage chemistry as compared to McGee Maddox and Tion Gaston, but they were still boyfriends best friends.

However, instead of giving Misto a thumbs up, like McGee, Zach... shot Misto finger guns.

Tugger constantly had the utmost faith in Misto, and never EVER took his eyes off of him.

After seeing Old D come back, Gus was so excited he tried to run over to him.

When Tugger sang about Misto right after Old D was brought back, instead of sounding somber and relieved, he was still cocky and confident. It was as if he was saying “I told you so, my magical boyfriend can do anything.”

When Misto ran into Old D’s arms, Old D spun him around

Memory (Tricia Tanguy)

When she came out, instead of looking around for anyone to reach out, she ignored everyone. Cats still came up to taunt her, but she walked out there with the sole intention of telling her story, not caring what anyone thought.

When she started the song, everyone sat facing away from her (outside of Old D), but as the song went on, they all slowly turned to face her.

After she collapses in the middle of her song, all of the cats lurched forwards out of instinct, before they stop, surprised that they were about to help her.

Bomba and Demeter were two of the last cats to greet her, and they went up to her together.

Grizabella was so shocked when she was chosen to ascend

Misc

Tugger always stuck to the side of the stage, on a prop upstage, or stood in the balconies overlooking the junkyard. He was rarely center of the stage, unless the spotlight was on him.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer usually sat together near the car trunk, however, if they weren’t together, Rumple went with some of the other younger queens, like Electra and Sillabub (Ahren Victory), and Mungo sat on his own closer to Munk or Plato and the other toms.

Shockingly, Mungojerrie and Jellylorum stole the spotlight at several points during the show. Mungojerrie just had so much energy and excitement, and would always interact with the people around him. You could tell that his actor knew everyone in the cast and was super close with certain actors, because he gravitated towards them.

Jellylorum (Kaitlyn Davidson) was always in character, however, instead of being played as older and slightly scrutinizing, she was a little younger and full of motherly energy. She was also close with everyone on stage.

Jellylorum was also always showing off her high notes!! We stan!! She was the cat who hit the C in the opening, and instead of someone belting at the end of RTT, she hit an A in her head voice.

Misto was very playful and energetic, and he could NEVER SIT STILL. He was always either playing with his tail, swaying or shifting how he was sitting, or kneading the ground.

172 notes · View notes

uppastthejelliclemoon · 4 years

Text

so, @queencurlycrown suggested that I sit down and watch the 2019 movie all the way through while typing out my thoughts about it, and I thought that was an absolutely BRILLIANT idea (she’s a genius, so I shouldn’t be surprised).

So please, enjoy my (very long) ramblings!

Overture:

- I love how echo-ey the music is. It’s not as strong or intense, but it gets the job done, and gets me excited for the movie.

- Cat shadows are kind of creepy, not gonna lie

- OH SHIT MUNKU MY BOY GET YOUR GIRLFRIEND HONEY!!

- The music getting so intense as soon as Victoria is thrown just gives me chills, honestly. Also, can I fight an old lady? Because I want to fight an old lady.

- I kind of like how all the cats immediately surround the bag as soon as the old lady leaves oH HI CASSANDRA I LOVE YOU QUEEN ...where was I? CORI MY SON I LOVE YOU

- All of them surrounding Victoria and circling her is super intense and wonderful and UGH YAY MUNKU HELP YOUR GIRLFRIEND

Jellicle Songs:

- Hi, I’m in love with Robbie Fairchild

- All of them popping out of random places just makes me feel so immersed in their world and I love it. Also, is Alonzo the one who sings “can you say of your bite that it’s worse than your bark?”

- PLATO SOCRATES I LOVE YOU BOYS

- Jfc Cori stop flirting with Victoria and give mISTO HIS HAT BACK also you’re an absolute dumbass and I absolutely adore you, you little baby boy

- Misto adjusting his hat with his tail? I’m in love. But also, the way that the music picks up makes it such a bop, and it really starts to get you into the movie.

- Gosh, Tantomile, how do you keep track of the braincell? Because Cori most definitely does not have it.

- Misto, you absolute fucking DORK that face during “Were you Whittington’s friend” GETS ME and Cassandra is just so unimpressed. They have such sibling energy.

- Syllabub, honey, please get out of the toilet.

- Okay, I’m honestly getting sibling vibes from Plato, Socrates, and Coricopat, so that’s my new headcanon for those three, plus Tantomile. Plato and Socrates are Cori and Tanto’s big brothers.

- Gosh, if any Munkustrap smiled at me like that I’d follow him into an alley too.

- Misto, HOW DID YOU GET CAUGHT ON A CLOTHESLINE??

- Cori, your HIPS. And, going off of the choreography, I actually really enjoy it? It’s very modern, and while it’s nothing like the Broadway choreo, I think it definitely gives the movie its own feel while still staying true to the original vibes.

- Gosh, I love how the sign changes from Moriarty to Macavity. Also, please Mr. Macavity sir. Keep your coat and hat on. You look much better.

- Ugh, I love all the looks that Munku and Victoria share. And how he’s guiding her around and keeping her close? Excuse me while I cry.

- WHO SAYS “ORATORICAL CATS” BECAUSE I LOVE HIM? Also, Misto, pls, calm down. I know you’re already in love, but you’ve just met the queen. JERRIE PUT THAT BOX DOWN

- CORI JUMPED ONTO PLATO/SOCRATES’ BACK THEY’RE BROTHERS OKAY?? (sorry, this entire one song turned into “liv’s in love with coricopat”)

- “a-and magical cats!” oh sweetheart...

- Francesca’s dancing is just stunning. She did an amazing job as Victoria, and I will fight for her honor.

- OOF the way it just trails off just as Victoria’s getting into the song and how everyone runs off and she’s just standing there confused. It’s perfection.

- Macavity with the hat and coat is just so much better than nakey Macavity. But the way he obviously tries to hypnotize Victoria is so well-done.

Naming of Cats/Victoria’s Dance:

- Cassandra and Demeter are girlfriends. I don’t make the rules.

- Still not 100% on their characters and their reactions to Victoria, but I do appreciate some protective ladies. Them hissing at Misto gives me more “We don’t know her, so you can’t talk to her just yet, so let the big sisters do the talking” vibes.

- Hi, I love Robbie Fairchild

- The different cats saying the different names, the setting being a graveyard, the very faint soundtrack in the back, it’s all just so creepy and I love it.

- I still hate that they skipped talking about the second part of the First Name, and the Second Name. It still doesn’t make sense, and I wish they had kept it because MUNKU DESERVES TO SAY HIS NAME DAMMIT (it would also give cats like Plato, Jelly, Cori and Demeter a chance to introduce themselves as well)

- HOOO BOY THAT TENSION BETWEEN MUNKU AND VICTORIA WOW THEY’RE ALREADY IN LOVE (also I’m just picturing Misto freaking out about the pretty cats)

- It’s almost as if Munku is teaching Victoria how to truly feel like a Jellicle/dance, as if she’s never danced before.

Invitation to the Jellicle Ball:

- oh... oh my poor anxious boy... (laurie I love you)

- Misto: *is anxious* JUGGLING TIME BABEY

- Munkustrap be like: *internally panicking at how adorable Misto is*

- Munku you smooth bastard. He lifts Tori so easily.

- The expressions, and the CGI of the ears and tails just makes everything 10 times better.

The Gumbie Cat:

- Oh... oh god here we go.

- Robbie’s voice is angelic, I love him, and he’s the only good part of this entire cursed scene.

- I hate Rebeldots. I’m sorry, but I do. I don’t enjoy anything about her. It’s just... awful. WHY THE CROTCH SCRATCHING??? JUST STOP PLEASE

- WHY THE CGI MOUSE CHILDREN PLEASE NO

- Munku leaning over the rocking chair with his arms crossed? Baby boy...

- These expressions are absolute gold, though. Everyone is absolutely terrified and confused.

- Plato and Socrates are helpful boys, and are just happy to be there.

- WHY THE CGI COCKROACHES STOP IT

- DON’T UNZIP YOUR SKIN PLEASE

- Misto helping out the cockroaches? Also baby boy...

The Rum Tum Tugger:

- MY BOY I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!! I really love Derulo Tugger and the rebellious teen-vibes he gives off.

- LOOK AT HIM COMPLIMENTING THE MICE!!! WHAT A RESPECTFUL BOY!

- Munkustrap just. adopting all the cockroaches. I can’t with him sometimes. He’s just such a dad to everybody.

- I can’t believe I didn’t realize that Misto and Tugger are ex-boyfriends when I first watched this movie. It’s so obvious now.

- Plato, Socrates, and Tugger are BFFs. They even have matching necklaces. Someone come and collect these dorks please because oh my god I love them.

- Rebeldots, please take your nasty “funny” comments and leave. They’re so uncalled for, and it really makes the scene kind of uncomfortable. Especially when she LOOKS DOWN AT MUNKU. But his expressions are the best part, so that’s all I pay attention to.

- Ugh, I really love Jason’s voice during this whole song. This entire song just made me fall in love with him as Tugger, and his dancing and just how he portrays Tugger is amazing.

- Wow, I love Cassandra. So much. I would die for her.

- The way he sings “Victoria”? AMAZING (but that whole foot thing is just kind of weird so yeah)

- I know people have their feelings about his accent, but I find it totally adorable and I think he does a really good job of maintaining it throughout the song, except for a few moments.

- Misto is ready to magic the hell out of Tugger at the end. Pls leave your ex-boyfriend alone and figure out your feelings, sweetie, before you do anything rash.

Grizabella the Glamour Cat:

- I really feel like Grizabella is Cassandra’s mother. That’s honestly the feeling I get, or she has to be a sister of some sort. The contempt that Cassandra sings with is just too intense.

- Okay, unpopular opinion time: I wasn’t completely blown away by Jennifer as Grizabella. She was really good, but I just didn’t get the “wow” factor that I got from watching Elaine for the first time, or hearing Mamie singing “Memory” for the first time. I feel the same way about her Grizabella that I felt about Leona’s Grizabella. She’s good, but now insanely good.

- Demeter is protective of her girlfriend and stands with her against her mother/sister.

- Plato/Socrates (I’m still not sure which one is which) standing in front of Victoria just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. They’re already so protective of her!!

- MUNKU AND MISTO ON EITHER ISDE OF VICTORIA!! I’M SOFT!!

- Why did we need another plothole about Grizabella’s past with Macavity? We didn’t need that!!

Bustopher Jones:

- Oh god, here we go again.

- Listen, I don’t hate Bustopher Corden’s voice. He has a good voice, I just really don’t enjoy his portrayal of Bustopher. He’s just a fat joke like Rebeldots, and I hate that.

- Plato and Socrates have giant hats on, and they’re just sweet baby boys, okay?

- Cori!!! I love you!!! You’re so curious!!

- Misto’s so enamored with Tori. Honey, just tone it down a tiny bit, please.

- The entire “jumping onto the piece of wood” part is kind of cringey. The “gather up a few more of the... cats” line seems like it was a blooper/mistake they left in, because it almost seems like he forgot his line for a moment and they just didn’t catch it before sending the movie out.

- Munku: *has his arms around Misto to help lift Bustopher* “don’tpanicdon’tpanicdon’tpanic”

- Mistoffelees, feeling Munku’s arms around him: “fuckfuckfuckfuck he’s really strong someone help pls”

- Demeter during this song is me. Confused, a little disgusted, and would rather be with Tugger and Cassandra during the song.

- Just saying, Bustopher Jones would NEVER dig through trash. He’s a high-society cat, and only eats the best.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer:

- Hoooo boy those accents. And the music in the background just is everything.

- Jerrie, you’re an absolute devil, and I’d die for you. Teazer, you’re just an angel and a cheeky sweetheart.

- I do love this version. I think it’s really cool, it has a really fun sound to it, and I’m glad that they went back to the original London recording. I do prefer the Broadway version, though, but I’m not angry at this version. It’s really cool, and the feel of the song gives you old-time crime-heist vibes.

- Jerrie being gentler with Teazer than he is with Tori? What a good brother.

- This song is basically just “Which twin can seduce the pretty cat the fastest”

- “Hello police officer! Bought these for her myself.” “You did what?” “Wait-” YOU HIMBO JERRIE I LOVE YOU

- 2019 Jerrie and Teazer are very chaotic, and a bit darker than the other twins we know, but I really do love their portrayals in this movie.

- Oh... oh no... I’m having flashbacks to my short. Now I’m crying over Misto again. Why did I kill Misto? (because I can, that’s why)

- Growltiger’s just kind of meh, and I guess he’s kind of a cool addition, but it’s just eh.

- Misto covering for Victoria when they get to the theater just makes me so soft, and Munku’s just kind in awe but also just like “what is happening with the pretty cats?”

Old Deuteronomy:

- Munku is such a sweet boy and he’s just the best son!! He loves his mom!!

- SKIMBLE!!!! WITH HIS TAP SHOES!!!!

- CORI YOU’RE AN ANGEL (this has also just turned into “liv is looking for any appearance by Cori”)

- I love this song just for the interactions that they all have with each other and with Old D. The way that they all look so happy and excited to see her is just so cute!!

- MUNKU’S FACE MAKES ME WANT TO CRY HE’S SUCH A SWEET BOY!!

- I think Judi Dench is a fine Old Deuteronomy, but part of me thinks that the main reason she was brought in for the movie is because she never got her shot to be in Cats, as she had the injury that then caused Elaine Paige to be brought in, so when they were trying to figure out the cast, she was probably one of the first ones to pop into their heads. (nothing against her or her portrayal of Old D. Just a thought.)

The Jellicle Ball:

- Skimble and Munku helping Old D into the theater is probably the sweetest thing ever. They’re Very Responsible Boys who Respect everyone.

- I love Gus very much.

- “Jellicles jump like a jumping jack” their little hop!!! What a mom and son!!

- I do like the chanting that they all do, but there’s just something about everyone having their moment, and their own delivery of a line that’s just so great about this scene on stage, and that’s really something I wish they had kept in the movie.

- I actually really like the idea that their dancing is influenced by the moon. The way they all react to the moonlight, and how Victoria is at first confused as to why she’s also reacting how they are before accepting it and dancing with them just shows how important this night is to them. It also goes with the title of Act 1, “When Cats are Maddened by the Midnight Dance”, and this scene definitely makes you feel like they’re all just being controlled by the moon. Also, Grizabella dancing along with them in the corner is absolutely heartbreaking.

- Skimble... and Munku... they’re husbands... they’re doing a mating dance... fight me...

- The way that Grizabella kind of perks up curiously during the couples portion of the dance makes me think that she probably raised Mistoffelees, at least for a little bit. He arrived at the theater young, and Grizabella already had Cassandra, so she raised the two of them together, so she’s now seeing her boy dancing with a pretty queen and now I’m sad over Grizabella again.

- TUGGER YOU RESPECTFUL BOY YOU’RE WONDERFUL

- CORI YOU’RE AN ABSOLUTE ANGEL AND WE’RE ALLL HAPPY TO HAVE YOU HERE BECAUSE YOU DESERVE EVERYTHING GOOD IN THIS WORLD

- I can’t remember who made the post about this Ball being Cori’s first, but I absolutely see it now, because everyone’s so excited and happy to just watch him dance, and he’s so hopeful, and Old D’s just so proud of him, and oh my god my heart can’t take this I love him.

- PROTECTOR CASS AND PROTECTOR DEMETER!!!! ALSO Protectors Plato and Socrates who won’t let anyone interrupt their little brother’s dance!!!

- I love Les Twins as Plato and Socrates, and their dancing is absolutely insane.

- You can definitely tell that, during Victoria’s solo, Francesca had pointe shoes on, but they did a good job at blending everything together and not making it seem jarring or out of place!

- ROBBIE I LOVE YOU

- Again, the whole thing about them being controlled by the moon to an extent is really interesting, and I love how they played that part of being so overcome by the moon’s power that they just can’t help themselves.

- I really love that they incorporated the Victoria lift from the stage production into the movie.

- I also really like that Victoria gets very overwhelmed and needs to step back from everything. Because everyone else knows what’s happening. They understand. This is her first night as a Jellicle, so everything is new and unfamiliar to her. of course, the strange power of the moon would scare her slightly.

Memory:

- I do like how Jennifer sings “Memory”, but I just wish that she would hold out the notes for longer. It’s very choppy, and you don’t really get to immerse yourself into the emotion like you can with Elaine or Mamie’s version.

- She does an excellent job at conveying the feeling of pain and longing that Grizabella has, as well as the pride that comes back for just a few moments at points in the song.

- I also really like her appearance, but at the same time, I think she looks too clean. On stage, Grizabella is haggard, torn, and scarred. Her fur is matted, she’s limping, and her makeup is smeared around. Jennifer’s Grizabella looks too clean to have been on the streets and abandoned for a while.

Beautiful Ghosts/Moments of Happiness:

- “Beautiful Ghosts” is a lovely song. It really is. it’s actually one of my favorites, but it just does not fit in with the movie at all. But something that I’ve actually just realized while watching this is that this song represents Victoria. It doesn’t fit in with the rest of the music, just like Victoria feels she doesn’t fit in with the rest of the Jellicles.

- But ignoring symbolism and all that stuff, I really don’t think this song works. As beautiful as it is, I just feel like it puts the brakes on and slows the movie. Especially with the stark contrast in style.

- Judi Dench is a wonderful Old Deuteronomy. The confusion, but slight acceptance on her face really shows how much she wants to help Grizabella, but she can’t.

Gus the Theater Cat:

- I love how Misto fanboys over Gus. He’s just so excited to meet his idol, and Gus just smiles and indulges him. I love how MIsto kind of copies Gus’ good luck motions. He’s just such a sweetheart.

- There is some kind of history between Gus and Old D. The looks that they give each other are... something else.

- oh my GOD CORI YOU’RE JUST A SWEET BABY!!!!

- The trio of kittens looks so ashamed and sad and I just want to snuggle the three of them because they deserve all the love in the world.

- Misto being very helpful during the song is adorable, and he just wants to do his best!!

- Ian McKellan is an icon and he must be protected.

- ALSO SKIMBLE WITH HIS TAP SHOES IN THE BACKGROUND!!!

Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat:

- “Hey Liv, do you ship skimblestraps or mistoriastraps?” “Yes”

- Munku loves his husband!!!!

- *shoves jerrie and teazer away* “move, fours, an eleven is arriving soon”

- I LOVE the excitement in this number. You can just feel how much fun everyone is having, and I sweat, every time I listen to this or watch it, I can’t stop smiling.

- Skimble, we get it, you’re a smooth, suave boy.

- TAPPING!!! The entire beginning portion of the tap sequence is just so satisfying, and as he picks it up and it gets faster, I’m just in absolute awe of Steve McRae.

- SIR YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MOVE YOUR SHOULDERS LIKE THAT JFC

- Plato and Socrates are really just happy to be included and I love them.

- Munku and Skimble doing their little toe tap makes me very soft and I love those boys.

- Steve McRae doing the spin by himself while being lifted into the air? Iconic.

Macavity:

- Okay, Taylor Swift as Bomba was really underwhelming. I knew going in that it wasn’t going to be the same, but I really just did not enjoy her Bomba at all. It’s more helpful to see her as a different character, especially since they never say her name, but still, it’s just a bit annoying that they changed her character so much.

- As Bomba’s coming down, Tugger has his hand on Munkustrap’s back while they’re all looking up. Just something I thought I’d point out.

- I will say, the entire catnip sequence is really something else to watch. Especially Munku with a martini glass.

- Bomba and Teazer are girlfriends. That’s what I’m getting, and that’s what I’m sticking with.

- PROTECTIVE CASS!!!!! I LOVE PROTECTIVE CASS

- EWWWW NAKEY MACAVITY NO THANK YOU BYE BYE

- I really don’t like the whole “henchcat Bomba” storyline, but I guess it works in some way?

- “We didn’t know he was gonna take Old Deut!” NO you’re not supposed to be baby! Also, GO PROTECTIVE ALONZO!!!! GOOD BOY!!!

- I do miss the Macavity/Munkustrap fight, absolutely, but I really love Skimble just. aggressively tap-dancing to take down Growltiger.

Mr. Mistoffelees:

- I really have mixed feelings about this entire song. On one hand, I like Munkustrap singing to Misto, and everyone encouraging him, but on the other hand, I really don’t like the very uncertain and awkward Misto. However, he’s still baby, so that’s all that matters.

- Munku: “how do I make this cat fall in love with me” *gently tilts the chin of every cat he meets* “perfect”

- I love Robbie’s sweet, angelic voice so much.

- Munku’s very confused expression throughout the song is just absolutely hilarious for some reason, and I love how done Cass looks the entire time.

- The small moments with Tugger watching, and Tugger singing int he background just makes me really happy, and again gives off the energy that Misto and Tugger are ex-boyfriends.

- But I really love the little Mistoria moment at the very end, when they’re dancing together. It’s just so sweet.

- This version of the song definitely has not grown on me, and I definitely don’t enjoy it as much as the other songs, but it’s still pretty fun to listen to.

- MUNK DANCING WITH OLD D!!!!!

- Skimble snuggling Gus. That’s all that matters.

Memory (Reprise)/Beautiful Ghosts (Reprise):

- I definitely enjoy the second version more than the first, but it still doesn’t have that same impact. She does an amazing job, but there’s just something about her version of the song that I just can't connect with it as much.

- Munku crying is NOT okay and he needs a cuddle immediately.

- I think it’s the fact that Grizabella didn’t approach the Jellicles that gets me. It was Victoria who brought Grizabella in, Victoria who told Grizabella to sing. It kind of wasn’t really Grizabella’s choice to compete.

- She doesn’t hold the notes out for very long, just like with the first version, so that definitely takes something away from the performance of the song.

- I do love how she sings lines, like “I must think of a new life”. I made a post about this, but she just spits those words out, and you can feel her anger and feel how tired and done she is with everything.

- The “touch me” line was really powerful, though, and I definitely got chills at that part.

- The look that Grizabellla gives Cass right before the song ends, in that small pause, really hints that they have some kind of connection, and I really get the feeling that Grizabella is Cass’ mother.

- I really don’t like that there was a reprise of “Beautiful Ghosts”. I think they should have just let Grizabella have her final big moment, and they really didn’t need that reprise. It was unnecessary and took away from the impact of “Memory”.

Journey to the Heaviside Layer/Ad-dressing of Cats:

- Of course, we all know the massive plothole with what happened to the other contestants, so I’m not even going to get into that.

- THE MISTORIA NUZZLE

- MUNKU CRADLING GRIZABELLA’S HAND!!!! I’M SO SOFT!!!

- Misto lighting the candles and just being a confident boy with his magic. I’m so proud of my anxious baby boy.

- I really love the setup of the final shot at the end of “Journey to the Heaviside Layer”, how there’s the chorus cats on the street level, the named/recognizable/secondary cats on the pedestal, and then the four main cats sitting on top of the lion.

- MISTO AND MUNKU’S EXPRESSIONS DURING AD-DRESSING OF CATS ARE JUST THE ABSOLUTE BEST AND THEY’RE JUST SWEETHEARTS!!!!

- The two of them running off together right at the end, and being just so playful with each other... angels...

- Victoria and Old D having their sweet little moment together while watching Grizabella go to the Heaviside Layer is a really sweet scene, and I think a really good end to the movie.

alright, there you have it! my 1:30 am ramblings and thoughts about the 2019 movie, bring it back around once again!!

I’ve been wanting to do a more in-depth look at my own thoughts about it since it came out, but I haven’t had the chance, but @queencurlycrown and I were talking, and she mentioned this idea to me, and I knew I had to do it.

so yeah!!

i will have some sleep now because it is late

#cats 2019 #liv's writing corner #i'm sorry for rambling #it's very late #it's almost 1:30 am #am very tired

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sevenkittensinatrenchcoat · 3 years

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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:

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”.)

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.

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?)

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.

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.

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.)

Kind Cat / Jellylorum:

She is a middle-aged, kind-hearted cat who always takes care of old Gus and the kittens.

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.)

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.

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.

White Cat / Victoria:

She is the purest, most innocent cat. This Jellicle Ball is her first, but she presents a beautiful dance.

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.)

Villain Cat / Macavity:

The mob boss of the feline world. Kidnapped Old Deuteronomy as the villain who commits evil deeds.

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.)

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.)

Curious Cat / Sillabub:

Victoria’s best friend, a curious, intelligent, and pure kitten. She helps Grizabella return to the Jellicles by singing ‘Memory’ together.

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.)

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:

Stubborn Cat / Victor:

He is more stubborn than any other cat and has a temperamental personality.

Meditating Cat / Olivia:

She is a deep thinker with a determined personality.

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.)

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.

Busy Cat / Electra:

She likes to be involved, so she’s always busy and distracted.

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”.)

Attentive Cat / Jemima:

She’s attentive in everything and always acts responsibly.

Emotional Cat / Etcetera:

She’s a cat who fits in everywhere and has emotions that take precedence over her head.

Emotional!

That’s all of them.

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