#jellicle cats can all rejoice !

[suddenly--seymour]

okay let me cook really fast

they would be friends (obviously)

and they'd be friends

and they'd be friends

thanks for listening

[uppastthejelliclemoon]

cats the musical isn't bad, y'all are just mean: sincerely, a cats fan who is exhausted with having to defend her favorite show

every time one of those theater polls pops up with a show against cats the musical, it's inevitable that the other show's fans, despite cats fans never saying anything negative, decide to make really negative and rude comments towards the musical and the fans.

most of the comments always say that no one understands how anyone can like cats the musical, or how the other musical is superior, or how the other musical is so incredibly important to the fans.

a show being important to someone is extremely valid, but people who are fans of other shows seem to always forget that there is also a reason why cats the musical has fans.

so allow me to provide some reasons as to why someone might be a fan of cats the musical:

the dancing, which is incredibly athletic and impressive

the songs, which provide a way for different actors and actresses to show off their vocal prowess, and have different tempos and meanings and also, you know, include one of the most iconic Broadway songs that has ever existed

the costumes, which have specifically character-oriented designs

the countless number of non-replica productions that take different interpretations of the show, and create incredibly creative designs for costumes and sets

the amount of LGBTQIA+ coded characters and relationships that take on different interpretations based around how they are played and portrayed.

the amount of LGBTQIA+/POC actors who have portrayed characters in the musical throughout the years, many of which put their own gender/sexual identity into their portrayal of the character.

cast members who directly interact with the fandom, and who encourage fanworks and posts about the musical with excitement

the different countries that have pulled Cats the Musical into their culture, and that have allowed countless groups of fans to be able to see the show live

but you know what?

People don't have to give a reason for why they love a show. If someone is asked why they enjoy a show like, say, Newsies, or Phantom of the Opera, or Falsettos, those fans don't have to go into a deep dive defending their love of the show.

There's a type of stigma that Cats is cringey because of the costumes, or because it "doesn't have a story", which is something that people say that I always find funny, as the story of the show is described in one of the FIRST songs of the show.

Jellicle Cats meet once a year At the Jellicle Ball where we all rejoice And the Jellicle leader will soon appear And make what is known as the Jellicle Choice When Old Deuteronomy just before dawn Through a silence you feel could cut with a knife Announces the Cat who can now be reborn And come back to a different Jellicle life For waiting up there is the Heaviside Layer Full of wonders one Jellicle only will see And Jellicles ask because Jellicles dare Who will it be? Who will it be?

If anyone ever gave a second of thought and research, they would see that the show's premise is literally sung about at the start of the show. It's something kind of important called exposition that actually happens in a lot of shows, but apparently Cats isn't allowed to have exposition.

There's also the matter of characters.

There are multiple different characters, both within the main singing cast and the ensemble, who provide fantastic layers to the show itself.

Grizabella, the outsider character who is redeemed and gets to become the Jellicle Choice, and who happens to have the aforementioned most iconic Broadway song, "Memory", a character who provides a contrast to other characters such as Victoria, who is the featured character during the Jellicle Ball

The Rum Tum Tugger, a seemingly selfish and haughty character, who also provides the song for Mr. Mistoffelees, a magical cat who is able to summon back the Jellicle Leader, Old Deuteronomy, who was kidnapped by Macavity, the antagonist of the musical.

It is a show that has so much emotion and meaning, which can be seen even on the most surface viewing. It doesn't take a genius to understand that there is a message of redemption and acceptance within the show as well.

and while i don't like using the awards Cats has been nominated for in order to discuss how impressive the musical is, because I absolutely think it doesn't need the awards to describe how amazing it is, but like... just look at the list of awards for the original London and original Broadway productions:

Cats the Musical was nominated for these awards, and won many of them, for a reason.

People don't want to admit that Cats the Musical is a good show because it is nothing like what has been on Broadway. There is a reason a lot of shows on Broadway right now are revivals, jukebox musicals, or based off of previous media. While, of course, Cats is based off of T.S. Elliot's poetry, it is done in a way that is incredibly original and unique. People are afraid of original ideas on Broadway. It's the reason why, along with Cats the Musical, Starlight Express is also seen as a weird show, because despite the fantastic music and costumes and storyline, because the actors and actresses are dressed as trains or cats, it's a weird show, and the fans are weird.

(though, as you can see above, I am NOT against revivals, jukeboxes, or media-based shows when they are done well. If you're familiar with my main blog, @tending-the-hearth, you are well aware of how much I adore the Outsiders musical, which is just one example of quite a few shows.)

I don't personally like Falsettos. On the poll putting Cats against Falsettos, I did not discuss why I disliked the show, or that it was a crime people were voting for the show.

I adore Newsies. I have a Cats/Newsies crossover fanfiction. My brother and I are obsessed with it. I love Cats more. I'm not writing on the poll that I'm disgusted people are voting for Newsies over Cats.

It is so genuinely unfortunate that, while every other musical and its fans are given love and support by the musical theater community, Cats the Musical and its fans are consistently ostracized and made fun of. (Rather ironic, considering the entire story of Cats the Musical and Grizabella's character)

You can talk about how much you love a show, or why a show is important to you, but you have to understand that for every person who loves a different show, there's someone who loves Cats the Musical for a similar reason.

Me personally? I love Cats the Musical because it's fun. It's an entertaining show with incredible music and characters. I love the show because it is the reason I've met some of my best friends in the entire world. The show got me through COVID, and some very difficult times with my mental health. It's the show I've been lucky enough to see live multiple times, with the most fantastic and kind cast. It is the show that helped me learn about the LGBTQIA+ community via the fandom, understand and become comfortable with being bisexual, and provided characters that I can identify on a personal level. It is the show that made me fall back in love with writing, and helped to create one of my most favorite OCs in the entire world.

I genuinely say that Cats the Musical saved my life.

And that's just my experience.

There are people who have had experiences with other musicals. They see the show as having saved their life, or giving them new experiences. I love that. I love seeing how musical theater has impacted the people who experience it. I think it's wonderful, and it's amazing that there are so many different shows that people can see and fall in love with.

Why are the experiences of Cats the Musical fans suddenly deemed inferior just because of the show they enjoy? Why do we, as fans, have to defend our enjoyment of a show?

You're not cool for hating on Cats the Musical.

You're not cool for hating on fans of the show.

Cats the Musical is a good show, it ran for years in London for a reason, it ran for years on Broadway for a reason, and it's STILL running in Japan for a reason.

Cats the Musical isn't bad, y'all just hate fun.

[drizzit]

I might seem like just some weirdo amongst a thousand other weirdos at this school and yea maybe I didn't always do everything right and I could have been kinder to some,, but did you know that Jellicle cats meet once a year at the Jellicle Ball where we all rejoice and the Jellicle leader will soon appear and make what is known as the Jellicle choice where Old Deuteronomy just before dawn through a silence you feel could cut with a knife announces the cat who can now be reborn and come back to a different Jellicle life for waiting up there is the Heaviside Layer full of wonders one Jellicle only will see and Jellicles ask because Jellicles dare who will it be who will it be

[namethat-i-oughttohavetoldyou]

thinking about ‘98 munkustrap’s floppy ears....

[sevenkittensinatrenchcoat]

Scribbled Screenshots: Invitation to the Jellicle Ball

There are more of these than there were of Naming of Cats. Not all of them are funny. Some are set-ups to something funny or are just there to fill in gaps.

Most of them should be funny though.

Victoria: I’m definitely not being watched right now.

Mistoffelees: I have no idea what’s going on, but she’s a very good dancer.

Victoria: *big exhale*

Mistoffelees: Damn she’s good

Mistoffelees: k that was cool, but I’m bored now.

Victoria: I should be upset about you spying on me, but I’m not.

Mistoffelees: Time to get this party started!

Victoria: oof

Mistoffelees: Get up!

Victoria: Touch me suggestively first.

Mistoffelees: Jellicle Cats, get the fuck over here!

George: Since when is it his job to do the invitation?

Demeter: *checks for Macavity*

Victoria: Am I helping out with this?

Jemima: Go Vicki!

Victoria: Hi Jemima!

Mungojerrie: Whoa check this out!

Mistoffelees: I love being the center of attention!

George: Is there someone up there?

Mistoffelees: Everyone gtfo here!

Munkustrap: Are we all getting here okay?

Rumpleteazer: Hi Skimbledad!

Skimbleshanks: Hello Everyone!

Electra: Hey bestie!

Etcetera: Hi!

Mungojerrie: Misto is awesome!

Mistoffelees: Bitch I’m fabulous!

Rumpleteazer: He does dance good!

Munkustrap: REJOICE!!!

Jemima: YAY!!!

Rumpleteazer: I love rejoicing!

Demeter: Be careful not to rejoice my eye out!

Tumblebrutus: I can rejoice really good!

Narration: Since everyone was paying close attention, nobody noticed that, when everyone sat down, Victoria remained standing.

Victoria: *hypnotized?*

Mungojerrie: *hypnotized*

Pouncival: Can we see the Heaviside Layer from here?

Munkustrap: Alright! Now who wants hugs?

Etcetera: Me!

Electra: Me! Mememememe! Hi dad i luv you!

Munkustrap: Welcome to your first ball, sweetie!

Jellylorum: Be careful, dear

Jemima: Me next!

Rumpleteazer: Loving the chaotic energy here!

Pouncival: I want a hug but I’m a big boy and it’d be awkward.

Mistoffelees: I want a hug but I’m a big boy and I don’t want to seem childish.

Exotica: I’m in this movie?

Jemima: Small hug!

Munkustrap: If you all tackled me I might hurt my back.

Mistoffelees: How do you do, sir?

Munkustrap: Very well, thank you?

Exotica: Why am I in this movie?

Mistoffelees: Nailed it!

Munkustrap: You were a kitten like five seconds ago. Are you sure you don’t wanna tackle me? Not even a little?

Skimbleshanks: They grow up fast, don’t they?

Jellylorum: Hello, Munkustrap!

Munkustrap: I hope you enjoy the ball, Jelly.

Skimbleshanks: Tis an honor to be in your presence, good sir.

Munkustrap: Uh...Skimble, you don’t have to take it that seriously.

Munkustrap: Hi, Demeter. Welcome.

Demeter: Thank you for having me. I’ve been through a lot.

Etcetera:I still haven’t gotten a hug!

Munkustrap: Sorry, Cettie. I’ve been a bit busy. Hold on a sec.

Jellylorum: Everything’s going well so far!

Etcetera: Yay!

Munkustrap: Alright, kiddo, take a seat. The show’s about to start.

George: Hey! Plato! How’s it going, man?

Plato: Dude, I’m totally gonna get laid tonight!

Cassandra: Munkustrap...

Alonzo: Hey! I thought I’d catch up with Cassandra while you greeted everyone.

Munkustrap: You’re part of everyone, Alonzo.

Munkustrap: It’s really good to see you.

Alonzo: Mmm...

George: Munkustrap and ‘lonzo sittin in a tree...

[junkyard-gifs]

“Jellicles cats can all rejoice”, Alonzo-cam version.

(Yes, Jason, we get that you have several extra vertebrae in your spine just like a real cat, you don’t have to rub it in.)

[madamtrashbat]

And now that chapter nine is here, jellicle cats can all rejoice!

Have my latest chapter, I hope you enjoy!

@linadoonofficial @roxycake @hilli98215 @a-cat-is-not-a-dog

[skimblyshanks]

Jellicle Cats can all rejoice!

Pounce Carbucketty just has to rejoice like Skimble, it’s just the rules

If you download these gifs and use them in your own posts, Please Credit me

[prehistoricalcats]

JELLICLE QUEEN APPRECIATION MONTH

June 11th:

DEMETER

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS DAY!!!

omg I'm so excited let's do this

What do you love about this queen?

Everything. She's amazing 💛

If I had to pick a few things I love best, probably her courage yes she's courageous shut up she can be skittish and courageous at the same time and it's even more moving that way because she's scared but still being brave and I love her so much omg I wanna hug her and hold her forever ahem uhh where was I? Right, her courage her compassion (for everyone, not just Griz), her... how do I say this? Her sort of... dignified elegance, and the way she has like this soft quiet strength if that makes sense? Like she's been through some shit and it's hurt her but also made her stronger? I'm not describing this very well. The word I'm looking for will probably come to me in like a week

What is your favorite version of this queen?

Yup it's 98 again (:

Who is your favorite actress that played this queen?

Aeva May is the best Demeter ever, like there's a ton of amazing Demeters out there but Aeva is the best of the best. Probably just 98 stan talking but damn she is good. To me she is the definitive Demeter, and Demeter is probably the only character where I have a definitive performance. She's so lovely, and every motion and expression is just perfect and feels so Demeter

But then also I can't just not address the beautiful and talented Emmanuelle N'zuzi, she's just such an amazing actress and her expressions just melt my heart and god help me she's so pretty!

So yeah Aeva is best gril but also Emmanuelle is too brilliant not to mention

What is your wlw ship with this queen?

DEMELURINA omg I love these two so much! They're so sweet together! I love that Bomba is so caring with her like all the time, and that Demeter always feels stronger around her 💛💛

Your favorite moment of this queen in the musical?

When she confronts and unveils Macavity when he's disguised as Deut. She just jumps right on his back, ready to fight to protect her tribe, despite being terrified of him. Oh my heart she's so brave! 💛💛💛 You get him girl! Fuck him up!

Runners up include uhhh everything?? Okay umm well top five seven because I couldn't decide on five are:

the entirety of Gumbie Cat, especially when she dances away with Jenny's boot

that adorable joyful smile and pose when Munk says "rejoice!" before Pekes and the Pollicles

all of Macavity's song but especially "but I tell you once and once again, Macavity's not there!" *brass sting*

"until the Jellicle Moon appears" including how she looks at Bomba just then*sigh* 💛

being zoned out during Tugger's song and snapping out of it to tell him off

seeking out Munk after the fight and making sure he's okay 💛💛

greeting Munk with that adorable sweet nuzzle then hurrying to join Bomba on the tire just before Gumbie Cat omg such OT3 feels 💛💛💛

And also everything else. Did I mention I love Demeter? 💛💛💛💛

Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

[cats-of-the-opera]

Cats character moodboard series

Munkustrap

Jellicle Cats meet once a year At the Jellicle Ball where we all rejoice And the Jellicle Leader will soon appear And make what is known as the Jellicle Choice When Old Deuteronomy, just before dawn, through a silence you feel you could cut with a knife Announces the cat who can now be reborn And come back to a different Jellicle Life For waiting up there is the Heaviside Layer Full of wonders one Jellicle only will see And Jellicles ask because Jellices dare Who will it be?

[queen-mischief-fanfiction]

Trailer #2

An: Okay everyone I think this will be my last trailer redesign but I’ll make this promise if this gets a lot of attention then after I see the new film, which is in a view days, I’m going to do a redesign of the film, I will write the movie like I’ve written these okay.

“Jellicle Cats meet once a year At the Jellicle Ball where we all rejoice And the Jellicle Leader will soon appear And make what is known as the Jellicle Choice

When Old Deuteronomy, just before dawn, through a silence you feel you could cut with a knife Announces the cat who can now be reborn

And come back to a different Jellicle Life For waiting up there is the Heaviside Layer Full of wonders one Jellicle only will see And Jellicles ask because Jellices dare Who will it be? Who will it be?”

A black cat is seen walking through the streets, avoiding cars and rummaging through bins. Bustopher jones stands in front of her “oh my, we better get you cleaned up” he says and the screen fades black. 

“Follow me home if you dare to, I wouldn't know where to lead you”

Three knocks are heard and the cat door opens up to a Jennyanydots “oh Bustohoer Jones what a surprise, Jelly and I weren’t expecting you” she says after a small curtesy and Bustopher bowed back “I know but I have an urgent matter about a dirty kitten and this time we will need a bucket of water” he says showing the cat with a streak of white on her cheek. The next shot she’s in the bubbly bath playing with the bubbles, one floats in front of her face and shows Plato’s face before it pops and he wasn’t there. “Sorry I’m late ladies I had a little trouble” duchess says coming inside with Quaxo and Alonzo seeing a clean Victoria with the pink bow “oh whose this darling little queen?”

“Should I take chances when no one took chances on me? So I watch from the dark, wait for my life to start With no beauty in my memory. All that I wanted was to be wanted Too young to wander London streets, alone and haunted Born into nothing At least you have something, something to cling to Visions of dazzling rooms I'll never get let into And the memories were lost long ago But at least you have beautiful ghosts”

*Dame Judi Dench*

“They call me Duchess and it’s now my duty to show you around, now the gentleman that brought you here is my Brother Bustopher Jones,” 

*James Barron*

Bustopher is seen sitting on his hat and the toms standing proudly around him, “duchess listen to me it’s not your fault, do not regret a mistake you did not make” he tells his sister “but it is my mistake Bustopher and I must pay for it until she is back in my arms” she says.

“,the Queen’s that cleaned you are Jennyanydots,” 

*Susie McKenna*

Jennyanydots is smiling wide finishing her song, “now which one? Oh yes thank you darling, run along now” Jenny thanks her mice friend taking the pink ribbon from his paws before tying it around Victoria’s neck “purrfect like a little queen”.

 “,and Jellyorum,” 

*Susan Jane Tanner*

Jellyorum pats Gus’s paw affectionately. “Jennyanydots I heard a rumour yesterday” she says “what is it this time sister?” Jenny was so over Jelly’s gossip “Bustopher Jones was seen strutting about town, perhaps he’ll join us tonight for the celebrations”. 

“Then we have Munkustrap he’s the next leader,” 

*Michael Gruber*

Munkustrap prowls around defensively awaiting an attack on his father behind him, “Everlasting Cat give me strength and sanity to last the Jellicle ball” he prays as his brother watches him bored.

 “, his mate Demeter,” 

*Aeva May*

Munk And Demeter share a dance with each other. “I wish I can be as strong and brave as you one day” Victoria admires Demeter making her smile and pet the younger queen “Victoria if you were any braver you’d be a lioness, and you are strong not every queen can tame a wild Tom” Demeter says “Plato isn’t wild” Victoria replies and Demeter chuckles “not all Toms are wild on the outside” she says mysteriously.

 “Alonzo,” 

*Jason Gardiner*

“Woah! Careful there, kittens must always watch where they are going” Alonzo says stopping the kittens from walking into a pollicle area.

“Bombalurina,”

*Rosemarie Ford*

Bomba saunters up to Victoria looking her up and down “little kitten you have a lot to learn about Toms and luckily auntie Deme and Bomba are here to help” she says making Deme smile as she shakes her head at her sister.

“Rum Tum Tugger!!” 

*John Partridge*

Cettie squeals moving to sit between his legs and rub herself against him as Victoria and Rumple playfully claw at his legs and he smirks blowing a kiss to Quaxo. “My darling Victoria I have discovered that life’s greatest treasures lie in having a family with the ones you love” Tugger tells Victoria as he looks over his litter of seven kittens, three are red, brown and yellow with a mix of stripes and spots and four are black, white with gold spots and two have similar looking names. “How did we let him talk us into mating with the both of us?” Misto asked Bomba “we love him and all his eccentricities” she answers.

“Then we have Cassandra,” 

*Rebecca Parker*

a close up of Cassandra shown dancing. Alonzo holds Cassandra back from Grizabella. “Look at her, she fits in so well with everyone” Cassandra tells Alonzo watching Victoria interact with the kittens, “I know it’s like she’s home” he says.

“,Exotica,” 

*Femi Taylor*

Exotica is shown near Deuteronomy during Gus’s song. She is also seen fawning over Tugger. “I wonder who’ll be picked to go tonight?” Exotica asks the other girls “I’m thinking it’ll be gus” Rumpleteazer says “ladies no one but Deuteronomy knows who’ll be chosen tonight, but Gus is a worthy candidate” Cassandra says.

 “,Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer,” 

*Drew Varley* *Jo Gibb*

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer peak into the house using the cat door before they acrobat their way in. They interrupt Misto’s song by jumping on the piano keys behind him making him jump and hiss at them, “tut tut Quaxo that’s not your story to tell” Jerrie chuckles finding his reaction funny “he’s right, time to let the us troublesome tigers sing our song” Teazer declares before they start singing their song.

“,Tantomile and Coricopat our psychic twins,” 

*Kaye Brown* *Tommi Sliiden*

The Psychic twins are seen reacting to an unknown presence in the yard. Tantomile and Corcipat watch Victoria and Misto sharing a secret smile with each other. “Will the yard’s magician make a big show?” Tantomile asks Misto “I believe it will be a sight one must see to believe” Coricopat says.

“,Skimbleshanks,” 

*Geoffrey Garratt*

Skimble And Jenny are tap dancing together and skimble twirls Jenny around and they pose finishing their dance in each other’s arms. “I still wonder how our daughter ended up with him?” Skimble says watching Rumple  and Jerrie, “if my memory serves me correctly you were just as wild as him in your youth, or did you forget how Rumpleteazer was conceived?” Jenny says smirking at her husband.

“,Gus the theatre cat,” 

*Ian McKellen*

Gus is sitting on a hat telling the kittens his stories. Flashbacks of him as Fireforefiddle and Growltiger are shown. “Back in my day you needed to do more than jump through hoops to be talented” Gus chided the kittens “back in your day dad, don’t be silly that was last week on the telly, we were watching an animal talent show” asparagus laughs.

“Asparagus Jnr,” 

*Tony Timberlake*

Asparagus And Munk share a look of disbelief as someone asked ‘what’s a Jellicle Cat?’ “Boys please settle down you know how upset Munk gets if everything isn’t perfect” he chided his sons stopping then from their prank, making them groan.

“,our leader Old Deuteronomy,” 

*Ken Page as Old Deuteronomy*

Deuteronomy sits down on the tire and he sons come up to bow before nuzzling him. A flashback is shown of a younger Deuteronomy with his sons of varying age with the oldest being Macavity and youngest Tugger. “Deuteronomy do you really believe that she’s out there?” Duchess asks him “all Jellicles find their way home eventually” he says as Grizabella and then Victoria is shown.

“The magical, the marvellous Mr Mistoffelees!” 

*Jacob Brent*

Music pauses as Misto And Victoria sit together on a windowsill “what do you really think of Tugger?” She asks him “I think he’s terrible bore,” a shot of Misto winking at Tugger is seen “,he’s my terrible bore” Misto finishes smiling at Victoria. 

“,the queen kittens, Etcetera,”

  *Jo Bingham*

“Wait! You know Tugger likes Misto then why do you fawn over him?” Victoria asks watching Cettie gussy herself up in the mirror. “Because the more I gush the more Tumblebrutus sees me and one day I’m hoping he’ll take me as his mate when we are older” she says excitedly.

“,Electra,”

*Leah Sue Morland*

“Don’t worry about Cettie I think she was dropped on her head as a kitten” Electra jokes sitting next to Victoria. Electra covers her ears as Cettie squeals loudly “Etcetera for the love of Everlasting Cat shut up!” She screams at her best friend.

 “,the youngest Jemima,”

*Veerle Casteleyn*

“You’re very lonely out there, you should stay” Jemima tells Victoria by the entrance of the yard, “How do you know?” “I can feel your sadness as you remember your life, so please for Plato, for duchess, for everyone please stay” Jemima begs grabbing the taller kitten’s paws, Victoria’s ears and tail tilt down “I can’t” a shot of sad Jemima standing alone at the entrance is shown.

 “,and the Tom kittens, George,” 

*Frank Thompson*

“Is he really a cat?” Victoria says not knowing she could be heard, Bomba slides up behind her “not sure we have a theory going he’s part pollicle” she says watching George smile goofily at Electra and wagging his tail.

“,Tumblebrutus,”

*Fergus Logan*

Tumblebrutus does a double flip and backflip before turning around and seeing Cettie wasn’t watching him. “How the hell can I get her attention if she’s obsessed with Tugger” Tumble rants to his friends “go and say hi” Plato says “that’s easy for you, you are tall dark and mysterious Queens love that plus you have very intense eyes. Meanwhile I’m quirky, flippy and akward especially talking to Queens” Plato groans finding Tumblebrutus’ plans stupid.

 “,Pouncival,” 

*Karl Morgan*

Pouncival and the other Tom kits are on top of boxes looking at Victoria after her bath, Pouncival leans forward too much and falls off the box landing on his feet as the others laugh at him. “,And please be wary of anyone named” “Macavity!” Demeter screeches as the other cats run and hide, Munkustrap stands tall in front of Macavity, who calmly walks up to him and Tugger who was hiding behind Munk “look at this a family reunion” Macavity says mockingly “leave Macavity there is nothing for you here” Munk states making Macavity cackle “Give me what is mine and there won’t be any cats getting hurt” he threatens and the light turns red as the other cats hiss at Macavity before everything turns black.

*Elaine Paige*

Grizabella is shown crying as she lays on the floor, Deuteronomy watches shedding tears for the queen he can’t help. “Does she really think one night can make 20 years of hurt disappear just because she’s sorry?” Tugger said enraged and Deuteronomy sighs “no but even the worst cat in history feels regret for actions made out of ignorance”.

*Bryn Walters*

Plato stares dreamily at Victoria as she talks with the Queens “fellas Plato has a case of Love at first sight” Tugger tells the toms as they watch Plato, “go on up and tell her how you feel” Tumblebrutus orders.

*Phyllida Crowley Smith*

Victoria gazes at Plato and the Queen’s look on hesitantly “be careful around him” Electra warns her “why he seems like a nice Tom?” Victoria asked as the Queens just go “you’ll find out”.

 “Who are you?” Victoria asked Plato as they circle each other in the moonlight, “I’m called Plato, and you?” He asks “I’m Victoria”. “Will it hurt?” Victoria asked as they start dancing together “I don’t wanna lie it will hurt, I can’t stop it but what I will do with your permission is give you the most pleasurable experience in your life” he promises and he drags his claws lightly down her back making her moan.

“And so maybe my home isn't what I had known

What I thought it would be But I feel so alive with these phantoms of night And I know that this life isn't safe, but it's wild and it's free”

Various shots are seen including the kittens all smiling as they dance a chorus line behind Tugger, Munk and Macavity fighting, Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie in their Peke and Pollicle costumes messing up the barking line, and Deuteronomy nuzzling a shiny Mistoffelees. The final shot is Victoria throwing her magic glitter to the camera as Plato holds her up in the center of a circle of mating partners, Rumpleteazer and Mungojerrie, Electra And George, Etcetera and Tumblebrutus, Jemima and Pouncival, Misto and Tugger, Demeter and Munk.

*Cats*

[lauralot89]

The Plot of Cats

As explained by Munkustrap:

Jellicle cats meet once a year At the jellicle ball where we all rejoice And the jellicle leader will soon appear And make what is known as the jellicle choice

That's when Old Deuteronomy just before dawn Through a silence you feel you could cut with a knife Announces the cat who can now be reborn And come back to different jellicle life

Because waiting up there is the heaviside layer With wonders one jellicle only will see Jellicles ask because jellicles dare Who will it be?

From this point onward, each of the cats tells his own story in song and dance, hoping to be chosen as the special cat to come back to a different Jellicle life.

[uppastthejelliclemoon]

Your statement regarding being respectful to both the fans and the actors is very important- and needed. One example of this being needed is when this YouTuber I used to be subscribed to (I won't say who they are, but their specialty is reviewing animation) did a review of Cats using the 1998 version. I couldn't finish the entire review because they were whining and complaining about how "there's no plot" and whatnot and just being generally rude. I unsubscribed and never looked back.

It’s really too bad when people just completely judge the musical based on general knowledge. My brother’s the same- he thinks it’s a boring musical with no plot, even though he’s never seen it. The people who judge the show, fans, and actors are the ones who haven’t watched the musical in all it’s glory and understood the plot. And now, even though I am really happy that there are more people being exposed to the musical, it’s being taken over by everyone obsessing over Taylor Swift. I have absolutely NOTHING against Taylor and her fans, but when you go into the Cats tag, or the Bombalurina tag, basically all the most recent posts as you scroll down are just about Taylor.

What about Cats Vienna? Or Cats Japan? Or Cats Manila? Or the North American tour? All their images and videos that may be tagged as Cats (2019) are getting lost in the movie tag.

However, I don’t have anything against the movie, the actors, or any of the new fans coming in because of it. Absolutely nothing. 

I’m basically looking at this movie the way I see Rap Tugger. He’s not my personal favorite, I don’t like how they changed him, and I don’t think he fit into the London revival at all, but he’s still a version of Tugger who exists and who is part of the “universe”. It’s the same with the movie. It’s not going to be my personal favorite, I don’t like how they’ve changed the characters and the relationships we love, but it’s still Cats. It’s still part of the “universe”.

Also, I’ve said it before, there is a plot and Munkustrap explains it in “The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball”-

“Jellicle Cats meet once a year At the Jellicle Ball where we all rejoice And the Jellicle leader will soon appear And make what is known as the Jellicle Choice When Old Deuteronomy just before dawn Through a silence you feel you could cut with a knife Announces the Cat who can now be reborn And come back to a different Jellicle life For waiting up there is the Heaviside Layer Full of wonders one Jellicle only will see”

I don’t understand how people don’t get the plot- they’re cats, they’re part of a close-knit tribe that chooses the most deserving cat to be reborn, and each cat who wants to be reborn sings a song about their life and their accomplishments. And as soon as Demeter cries “Macavity!”, everyone watching immediately knows who the villain is. 

Okay, I promise this is my last little rant until I see the movie tonight. I might post something later about it, but I’m not sure because I don’t want to spoil it for other people. 

[taki118]

How I would have adapted Cats for a movie

So first off the hybrid live action and animation is the WORST choice for this movie. Cats is a spectacle play at its core. The audience can basically forgive everything that’s odd about it cause they’re watching people doing some insane dancing and stunts. The options are 

1- live action with makeup and costumes like the play only with a better budget. This works for spectacle in the “Hey that’s cool looking dance” or “wow look at that makeup.” kind of way   2- full animation on a sliding scale of realistic to anthro I’d go somewhere in the middle. The spectacle here being the animation on display go real hardcore, do some really cool stuff with the medium.

Going with the cgi on live action takes away from BOTH no one is really impressed by what people are doing cause well cgi can enhance it making it feel less impressive and anything done animation wise is limited due the constraints of a human body (it’s why rotoscoping isn’t really done) 

Now while I think the better choice is animation I’d sadly have to go with live action using makeup and costumes as for whatever reason animation is still “kids stuff” and not an art form over here (not bitter at all)

So I think the idea of making Victoria the white cat an audience surrogate was a good choice. How they implemented it by making her a focus character was the wrong one. Cats is an ensemble play their is no main character, there’s characters of varying importance but no main. When you get down to it the plot is a bunch of cats hang together one night for a special event there’s no real arc it’s a slice of life piece at most. So yes to a character new to all this to explain to them rather than directly to the audience like the play. No to making her have a journey.

I would also cut/shorten and re order a LOT of the songs for pacing reasons. Most of the songs do not need to be as long as they are the length is primarily to show off the dancers in the play. Release the full songs with the celebrities in cd after or whatever. This change would allow the cast to breath and talk to give context between songs

In MY version I’d start with Victoria but not by having her thrown out. Have her in a house that’s clearly just been moved into and her looking out to see many cats all going in one direction and being confused/curious she leaves the house and meets up with a group. I’d have the group be Munkustrap, Demeter (I could rant about her being a non entity in the movie but won’t), Alonzo, Jellylorum and one other cat maybe Bill Bailey or Cassandra , for reasons I’ll explain later. (And I realize these names mean nothing haha) They tell her it’s the ball asking if she’s a Jellicle cat and her asking what that is. Thus the song starts as the cats make their way to the junkyard excitedly all saying what it means to be a Jellicle.

Then I’d have Munkustrap take center stage singing about what’s to come and trying to help the others as they prepare the junkyard and have Victoria introduced to the shy Quaxo. As things begin to settle and Munkustrap tries to get the cats settled Rum Tum Tugger appears disrupting everything with his song. His fun is stopped when old Deuteronomy appears causing all the cats to go quite in respect and that song begins with Munkustrap then goes duet with Rum Tum Tugger.

Deuteronomy notices the new cat and approaches her welcoming her to the tribe (cause they’re cats its that easy). Then reprise of the Jellicle song as the ball begins big dance number lots of energy and fun dancing and little character moments. Then it stops we’d pan to Victoria who’s confused hearing all the hissing and is pulled back by Quaxo, Grizabella makes her first appearance.

The song about her is sung and Victoria noticeably wants to reach out to her but is stopped. Grizabella leaves and Munkustrap refocuses everyone reminding them why they are here to make the choice the group I mentioned before all stand beside him. Victoria asks about the choice and Quaxo explains saying each of the heads makes a nomination but Deuteronomy chooses he also expresses his desire to show his talents in magic and be noticed. Rum Tum Tugger interrupts by saying something like you’ll never be noticed sitting in the shadows or something. 

 Now this is a bit of a departure as Munkustrap is typically the one to narrate all the songs but I think this serves to help round the cast out and add some character as each showcase what they feel is impressive. So Munkustrap starts by nominating Jennyanydots and her song begins

Another change would be a scene change for each nomination showing them in their setting, the implication being the narrators singing is bringing the tale to life. 

 Next would be Bustopher Jones by Alonzo or Bill Bailey. Then Demeter would stop the fun going tense and shouting Macvity! They all run and hide but Victoria in her curiosity leaves her hiding place early and looks finding Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer rifling the ball. The song would be much shorter than normal the older cats cutting them off and chastising them. While old Deuteronomy sings reminding them all of the importance of the night and choice. As Grizabella looks on from a distance. 

Next comes Alonzo or Cassandra’s choice Skimbleshanks. Then Jellylorum’s choice Gus the theater cat his song is different from the others however in that they do his old play and as it goes on the more real it becomes, the play starting with the cats in make shift costumes and props from garbage but as it goes on they’re really in costumes and such.

All the cats applaud his performance and begin to dance once more when Grizabella appears again this time however Victoria follows her as she walks away watching as she tries to dance and sings “Memory”. Victoria is stopped from helping by a saddened Deuteronomy who brings her back, unknown to her and the rest Macavity takes Deuteronomy and replaces him. The ball continues as they all discuss who it will be. When Demeter once more shouts Macavity! Munkustrap tries to calm her and Victoria asks who he is. She begins the Macavity song.

Now if Taylor NEEEDS to be a femme fatale we have Demeter singing her part as a warning but Bombalurina is singing like it’s not a big deal and telling everyone not to worry her side winning out and boom trap. 

BUT I wouldn’t do that keep Bombalurina as big sis material. Her part would be placating though as Deuteronomy, Macavity in disguise, follows doing the same.

Either way  Demeter’s senses are right and when he’s placating them all she lunges revealing his disguise then he tries to take her too and fight breaks out. 

When Macavity escapes he shouts “you’d have an easier time conjuring the cat back than finding him” They are left licking their wounds in despair.  

Then Victoria pushes Quaxo saying “can’t you do magic?” He shyly shakes his head when Rum Tum Tugger jumps in and says “Him no! Now the magical Mr. Mistoffelees he could.” and winks to him, the pair scurry off as Rum Tum Tugger begins the song to the unimpressed crowd and they reappear dressed as magician and assistant starting slow as Quaxo gains confidence and we have Victoria showcase her dancing, once they all start cheering him on and the music picks up Deuteronomy appears confused but happy as everyone rejoices. Rum Tum Tugger gives Quaxo a pat on the back and Victoria hugs him.

Deuteronomy and Munkustrap calm them all again singing of the choice when Victoria notices Grizabella. I got two ideas here 

1 Victoria herself nominates Grizabella risking her new place by singing memory with her  2 Victoria convinces Demeter to do so as she hadn’t made a nomination (in the play Demeter is often sympathetic to Grizabella) she sings while Victoria dances with her

Either way Deuteronomy lets Victoria know it’s ok to touch her welcoming her back and the cats embrace her knowing the choice was made. They sing her off, as she approaches the light she asks Deuteronomy what’s on the other side? The response is “happiness” she smiles a bright light takes the screen and they all rejoice in tears. Victoria sits with Deuteronomy who recounts the nights events saying she will make a great Jellicle cat, then pans to the sun rising and the cats retuning home.

And thats how i’d do it.

We get all the main songs, chances for everyone to show off a bit, a fairly straightforward plot but with a satisfying end, lots of chances for fun cinematography and would make an easier viewing experience. I think the biggest problem with the movie is they tried to make something nonsensical make sense and to give a traditional structure to a play that didnt have one and it just doesnt work.

(Oh also in my version Munkustrap and Demeter are blatantly a couple and are always doing cute shit in the background cause fuck you they’re adorable!)

[ponderoverpopcorn]

‘Cats’ Review

Cats - 2019 - Tom Hooper

*Spoilers*

‘Cats’ follows the story of abandoned kitten Victoria who suddenly finds herself in the company of Jellicle Cats, a group of cats who, once a year, sing and dance away at a ceremony known as the Jellicle Ball in the hopes of becoming the Jellicle Cat of choice, the one who gets to go to the Heaviside Layer and begin life anew.

Quickly welcomed into the group, Victoria is then introduced to a number of cats who hope to compete in the Ball including, Jennyanydots, Rum Tum Tugger and Bustopher Jones.

Along the way she also encounters outcast Grizabella and villainous Macavity, a cat intent of sabotaging the Ball by kidnapping all of the potential contestants to leave himself as the only cat to choose from.

Meeting with all the Jellicle cats outside the Egyptian theatre, Victoria is present for the arrival of Old Deuteronomy, the matriarch of the Jellicles who has arrived to witness the cat’s performances and is ultimately the one who decides who gets to go to the Heaviside Layer.

Following two performances, the Ball is interrupted by Bombalurina, a female cat who seems to appear dramatically out of nowhere, singing Macavity’s praises whilst dousing the theatre with catnip, causing the Jellicle Cats to grow disorientated and confused.

Towards the end of the song, Bombalurina is finally joined by Macavity who finishes the song, transporting himself and Old Deuteronomy to the top of the stage where he expects her to make him the Jellicle Choice.

When she refuses, Macavity magics her off onto a ship in the middle of the Thames where all of the other Jellicle Cats he has taken throughout the story have been imprisoned, warning her that if she does not make him the Jellicle Choice, he will make her walk the plank.

Back at the theatre, having finally recovered from the catnip, the Jellicles wonder what can be done to save Old Deuteronomy, when Victoria suggests that Mr. Mistoffelees, a black tom who dabbles in magic, could bring her back.

Rather nervously, Mr. Mistoffelees makes numerous attempts to bring their leader back, but eventually, he manages to make this happen and the cats rejoice.

During this, Grizabella hesitantly enters the theatre; wanting to be part of the ceremonies but after being chased away by some of the party, Victoria goes outside to retrieve her, bringing her into the theatre and urging her to sing before Old Deuteronomy.

Grizabella pours her heart and soul into an emotional song about her life and is ultimately chosen as the Jellicle Choice and gets to live a new life.

Lifted up to the Heaviside Layer in an old chandelier enchanted to fly like a hot air balloon by Mr Mistoffelees, Grizabella is lifted up into the sky where Macavity is waiting and, in one last attempt to get to the Heaviside Layer, grabs onto a piece of dangling fabric from the balloon, but quickly falls and lands on top of the Trafalgar Square monument, whilst the other cats watch Grizabella ascend to her new life from below.

----

Prior to watching ‘Cats,’ I had no previous knowledge of the story; I have not seen the theatrical version or listened to any of the music and upon seeing the first trailers for film last year, it was safe to say they piqued my interest.

Unfortunately, not having a chance to watch the film until this year gave me chance to read and hear rather bad reviews for the production, and the more I heard the more unsure I was about going to see it.

Despite the poor reviews, I was pleasantly surprised when the movie first began as it instantly reminded me of a west end production; everything from the music, to the way the car chugged onto the set and the positioning of the cats made me think I was looking at a stage production, and I really liked that nod the movie gave to the theatre.

After the introduction of Victoria, a young kitten who we see being abandoned, the film goes straight into its first musical number and proceeds into a very slow start.

The first half of the movie focuses on introducing a number of different cats and as I said, this literally takes up the first forty minutes or so, and with only the small sections where Macavity comes in and steals the singing cats away, I felt myself wondering where this story was going.

Apart from the initial lack of plot, there were plenty of other elements that caught my interest such as the well-constructed sets and props. I found the scale of the sets to be on point and I loved watching the cats sneak between iron fences, walk with ease along a bricked garden wall and jump around on a milk float.

The props were also larger than life and even though some of them were a little out of proportion, (a human ring fitting with room to spare over a cat paw,) I loved the detail.

Personally, I have no problem with the way the cats look.

I think the look of the cats is a great mix of cat and human, which I think fits in well with the theatrical aspect the film was trying to stick to, although I believe more time should have been spent on the finishing touches because there were a number of scenes where the actors feet were not touching the floor. This is definitely something that should have been looked at more considering this film is focusing on the dancing, and the viewers will be looking at the footsteps of the dancers.

The dancing element of the film was one of my favourites and there were clearly some really talented dancers from all genres involved, my particular favourites were scenes performed by Francesca Hayward and Steven McRae.

Overall, for me, the performances by Francesca Hayward, Laurie Davidson and Robbie Fairchild, portraying Victoria, Mr. Mistoffelees and Munkustap respectively were by far the best and were a constant spark in a weak plotted movie. I was a little disappointed that they weren’t included more in the promotional aspect of the film, seeing as they did such good job, but given that there was really not a strong plot, I think that if they didn’t include all of the big named stars in the trailer, then they would have struggled to explain the story otherwise in such a short amount of time.

To summarise, this film definitely has its fair share of weak points such as poor post production editing and lack of initial plot, but it also has its enjoyable areas too, those for me being the choreography, the visual look of the sets and props and the cute relationship between Victoria and Mr. Mistoffelees.

This film has received terrible reviews, but I personally found it enjoyable, even though it wasn’t the best movie I have ever seen.

I enjoyed the visuals, the dancing and the music and I believe if you enjoy anything theatrical and want to take a chance on watching something a little different, then I would definitely give ‘Cats’ a try.

Images  © Universal Pictures

[singularname]

ooc:

munk: “jellicle cats can all rejoice”

cats: YAY

munk: *my time to shine” OF THE AWFUL BATTLE OF THE PEEKS AND THE POLLICALS

cats: ugh

mungo: hold me milk i got this cattos