#mute mistoffelees

[naturepointstheway]

This chin lift from the 2022 il sistina Cats trailer has me WEAK. The tender chin lift??? The way Misto looks up at Tugger like *that*?? I could look at this all day. If a recording of this, especially of Mistoffelees’ song, ever pops up, I’d watch it so fast. Also, I’m curious if Mistoffelees might be mute in this version? Would be interesting if he was, in my opinion.

Speaking of mute Mistoffelees, now I’m thinking of Lindsay Chambers’ mute Mistoffelees from Zurich, and all I can think of now is Tugger doing something similar whenever the former needs a little encouragement. That’s my new Mute Zurich!Misto headcanon now: that whenever Tugger feels Misto needs a little more encouragement than usual, he’ll give him a little chin lift like in the gif. @absolutehumandisaster​ - tagging you because I think you’ll love this new mute Zurich Misto headcanon inspired by this Tuggoff gif.

I would draw it but alas, I am cursed with the worst drawing skills known to humankind.

[gaylittlewizardcat]

Whenever Misto gets the line “My manner is vague and aloof” I want to explode like no one who is vague and aloof would describe themself in such a straightforward way, if they really wanted Misto to sing part of his own song (which I find counterintuitive as a whole (see: the vague and aloof line)) it would have been so easy to give Tugger the lines “His manner is vague and aloof, you would think there was nobody shier” and then giving Misto the “But my voice has been heard on to roof!” line it would make so much more sense cause it would prove the point of the lyrics instead of going against it why don’t they do that instead it makes NO sense to have a character describe themself as vague and aloof wHY

[clovenhoofedjester]

jellicle lineups; part 2/4

MOREEEE !!! MOREEEE !!!

rumpleteazer | 💰 🍹 🃏

PIGTAILS RUMP! PASTEL RUMP. blond rump. that is all. i really love that design. so i use it. the face markings are also meant to look like a stereotypical robber mask. i realized she looks a little fox-like while drawing her, which i didnt mind ! its fun !

her clothing design was already laid out for her so i left it virtually unchanged, asides from the pattern itself. imagine wearing clothes w a print of your best friends hair . that is rumpleteazer

even though 1 of her 3 words are impressionable, i think she is smarter than she lets on. i also think skimbleshanks is her dad. she'd be about 21 in human years

mungojerrie | 💸 🎰 🍾

PIGTAILS JERRIE AS WELL, BITCH ! i saw a jerrie w pigtails after i drew this and i felt so vindicated. i also based his design directly on 2019 mungojerrie because ommgggg transgender calico? trans little calico? i thought he deserved some pearls too. as well as a bell collar! it makes cats sneakier.

his clothing design is left unchanged too, asides from some fluff. he is also wearing a print of his best friends hair . smile 😃

hes just a funny fella. he totally doesnt have a history or anything. hed be 21 in human years

coricopat | 🍷 🔮 ♟

coricopat is pretty close to their replica design—the biggest difference being that the red in their design is warmer/purpler. that and the silver collar! i also had no idea what i was doing with her fit, so expect it to change in the upcoming art i do of him. i just wanted something gothy and flowy

hes also based on thalia, the muse of comedy. to keep the greek mythology theme going, and because i thought it was funny, and because (2x) i like... The Gimmick

i swear to god this cat knows things we dont. hed be like 22 in human years

tantomile | 🎭 🍩 🗝

tantomile is also close to his replica design. she has a gold collar. like i said w/ coricopat, the outfit is subject to change

as she was based on melpomene, the muse of tragedy, i decided to sacrifice identical makeup for the white mark on their muzzle being downturned like the frown of the tragedy mask :] giggle. smile

listen to all advice tantomile gives you. shed be also like 22 in human years

george | 🥏 🧋 🛹

i just had to give this (technical) swing some love. bless this happy background cat and his little :D smile. i decided to give him a simple little fit and made his fur/markings less plain white w some stripes. i think i also based his makeup off a victor costume ??

i think hes pouncival's older brother. hed also be 23 in human years

mr. mistoffelees | 🪄 ☕ 🌬

my silly, my funny. my little guy. i based their general Vibe on his john napier concept art, obc mistoffelees, 1990 paris mistoffelees, 2019 mistoffelees, and like. a fairys kiss of brentoffelees. i wish id have given him a bit of that il sistina style but i already had so many things going on LOL

it was definitely a very fun challenge to balance all of these. i also draw attention to the single white shoe—the cutest detail of timmy scotts misto

i definitely prefer a more visually unnerving, grown misto. and absolutely torn between portraying him as mute or verbal because on one hand... mute misto is so good. on the other hand.... oh my god. timothy scotts voice.jesus christ . i think hed be 23 in human years

the rum tum tugger | 🎤 🍽 🪞

WELCOME TO MY TWISTED WORLD. i really tried to keep tugger as cis guys i really did. but the thrall of a visually transgender tugger was too much to ignore. i already explained a lot of his design choices in my first posted drawing of it but like... blauhh... thigh garter, heart, golden whiskers/lashes. they are there. i also made his makeup a wee more theatrical w/ white on the chin to visually separate him from partridges tugger

i also decided to base his fur more on his obc design. like. terrence mann tugger. platinum blond spotted mane and head fur and such. i think it looks really good

im trying to hit the sweet spot between the goofy/serious/whiny/promiscuous portrayals of the him..... the man contains multitudes, you see. hed also be like 24 in human years and it goes without saying that hes one of deuts sons

AND THATS IT. stay tuned for more !

[ernestelm]

Tuggoffelees Headcanons

Sometimes with different interpretations bc Im actually a cat, a dog and a weasel parading as a human, you would probably see me slowly navigate it out bc I alrdy have several clear stories in my brain. Also I do Quaxo is Misto stuff but I still call him Misto usually, I don't like writing the letter Q.

Misto fell first but Tugger fell harder

Childhood friends Misto thought they were alrdy married, he's a "its you, its always going to be you" because we love our horribly platonic girlies (me, I am girlie😔)

Tugger absolutely just went "wait he's so cool, what the hell" when Misto started his Mr Mistoffelees act. Like he was like already slightly in love but suddenly it overflowed and now he doesn't know what to do

He doesn't even know if what Misto does to him is just banter or flirting (Misto's version flirting are basically trust games where he confirms Tugger does in fact, trust him)

Tugger has zero idea how magic works but is a supportive bf

When Misto researches a new trick and needs someone to show it to or help he finds Tugger first

This has been happening since they were young

Tugger has zero idea what is happening but is always hyping Misto up even when he fails

Misto has slight stage fright so when he's performing, he mostly focuses on Tugger because he knows no matter what Tugger will never be disappointed in him

Tugger doesn't realizes this bc he always sits near Old Deut and thinks Misto is just looking at him

Tugger is absolutely terrified of lice since childhood

So do the other maine coons but Tugger is suuuper dramatic about it

He always runs to Misto all distressed and whines to him and asks him to zap them out

But Tugger is also kind of scared of electric so Misto has to slowly calm him down and hold his hand before doing the lightest shock that is required to kill it

and afterwards he has to console him and helps him clean it out

Tugger's owners are still confused as to why he always runs out after getting lice and always comes back all clean with the happiest trot

Misto is super secure about the relationship

Which is why Tugger is still confused if they are in a relationship or not

he is still waiting for Misto to confirm it ;>

Misto doesn't get it and thinks that Tugger is just shy or smth and thinks that its kinda cute

Misto goes non-verbal during performances

I know I broke this one, but I will try and do better and learn some more hand gestures (and hand signs for Victoria, my version is not deaf just selectively mute, Jemima does her talking(she's super fluent!) they'll probably be doing BSL tho bc London)

He requires more focus, esp in his performance form (with the half moon face! bc I realized I couldn't live without it)

Tugger is usually his assistant and helps him with talking when needed

It adds to the mystery part of the Mr Mistoffelees act ( I want to hopefully show how like how terrifying but alluring he is, he's like an elegant Macavity in my eyes )

Misto is actually super direct

Dude is not vague, the dude knows what he wants

He only "insults" Tugger with facts

He does show affection through words but Tugger always goes (in his head) "WHAT DOES THIS MEAN"

His man is dumb, let him be dumb

[the-cat-at-the-theatre-door]

✍️ and 🎯 for the ask game!

✍️ If you had total creative control over a production of Cats, what would you change and why?

There's a bunch of little things, but in regards to big things, from a purely aesthetic POV, I would bring back the original Broadway style structuring of the show (mixed with the Original Vienna production), and how it interconnected with its narrative more - so this includes things like the Alonzo Shadow Dance connecting with the Demeter/Alonzo subplot etc.. I'd bring back their costuming and makeup tradition as well, as that I feel was a good example of how designs can be more "muted" from a colour palette standpoint and quick and easy to do, but not look like muddy water.

Also, I'd bring back all of the cut lyrics and stanzas - honestly make the show longer, I wish for audiences to sit in confusion and fear for as long as I demand they be there - I am a believer that CATS should be palatable as little as possible, and making it unsettling and weird again is a must. That being said, I likely wouldn't bring back G**ltiger in any significant capacity (the artistry of that number is commendable, but it has so many negative connotations associated with it, that I do not believe it should be brought back in any capacity, even if re-written), but do believe that "In Una Tepida Notte" and/or "The Ballad of Billy McCaw" should be reintroduced into the show. While I love giving Gus "The Pekes and the Pollicles", I'd like it if we could reintroduce the operetta within a musical angle.

Blocking Jemima/SIllabub and Victoria together more so that it's more evident that the two of them are mutually working towards the show's concluding revelation would add more narrative cohesion leading to the final sing and touch. While I feel in theory the two roles actually being one was a better idea from a streamline standpoint, I love Jemima/Sillabub too much to do that. So that's the compromise.

Plus another thing, I'd want all the counterparts to be on stage as well with their original designs and redesigns - so Plato and Admetus, Pouncival and Carbucketty, etc., so this would be a more rather than less cast.

Also from a purely "no one cares except for me" standpoint, I want Skimbleshanks to be blocked to hang out with his friends (see: Jenny, Jelly, Asparagus, and even Bustopher if he's kept on stage). Why is he always hanging out by himself - let him sit with his friends!/j

🎯 What's a common headcanon/theory/interpretation that you don't prescribe to?

Answered this one, but another one I don't personally subscribe to is Alonzo being siblings with Victoria and Mr. Mistoffelees (whom I don't think are siblings either).

Nothing particularly personal about it, but I already struggle with keeping B&W Alonzo at the forefront of my mind as is, and this one seems to exist mainly just because they have the same colour palette. So it stands on shaky foundation for me - plus I don't think all the cats need to be blood related to one another. It's nice to explore multiple different community and familial angles from each of the generations.

[cassandra-has-moonlit-eyes]

Notes on the Il Sistina Cats production

I was able to see the Il Sistina Production on three seperate days: 19.10.2023 20:30, 20.10.2023 20:30 and 21.10.2023 16:00. These are my notes on this production.

I will use headlines so you can skip parts you don't want to read.

I'm a lazy ass bitch so I will use the English names and not the Italian ones.

First day I had the full cast.

Second day Grizabella was covered by another actress who played Grizabella a little bit different. Unfortunetly I didn't catch her name when they anounced it.

Third day Quaxo was missing so his lines went to Alonzo.

Stage/Setting:

The Il Sistina production doesn't take place in London but in Rome. This is mostly shown by the setting but is also referenced in the lyrics (I do not speak Italian, but I understand some words). There is for example a street sign on stage which says: "Largo di Torre Argentina" which is a place in Rome and the LED wall in the background shows the Colosseum most of the time. There is also a Roman water fountain on the right side which even dispenses (fake?) water. The is also a street sign with "Via della Gatta" (Street of Cats)

Characters/Cast:

They have a lot of chorus characters: Quaxo is a seperate character from Mistoffelees, they have Jemima AND Syllabub, Electra, Etcetera, George and Bill Bailey who is also named Carbuckety.

This season Bustopher Jones and Skimbleshanks are palyed by the same actor, he plays Bustopher Jones during the first act and Skimble during the second.

Gus is a seperate character with a very strong chorus identity which also takes part in the ball and in the Macavity fight.

The Macavity chorus identity is called Admetus.

Songs and characters:

Jellicle Cats:

Munkustrap is the first character on stage. His make up and wig are the only ones I do not like, but the actor, Sergio Giagomelli, is very good. He does a lot of dancing too. Second on stage is Demeter but she is later scared away by chorus Gus who wants to sit on her spot.

The number is very energetic and I really love the choreography. It "quotes" some of the Lynne Choreo but also the new Broadway one.

The Naming of Cats:

During this song they have the poem on the wall in the background which I found very distracting. They also changed some of the names. One name was Marc Aurel which was fun. The cats move when their names are mentioned. Bombalurina is very dramatic. Her collar sparkles a lot.

White Cat Solo:

Victoria dances next to the fountain. It was very beautiful. At the end Munkustrap joins her and lifts her up.

Invitation to the Jellicle Ball:

After Victoria's solo the lines usually given to Misto are given to the Quaxo character. On the day Quaxo was missing it was given to Alonzo. Still Misto isn't a mute characters, he has some lines later in the play.

The Old Gumbie Cat:

Il Sistina plays that bit where Misto thinks Munkustrap wants to sing and where he is quite disapointed when he doesn't. He needs som comfort by Tanto and Cori afterward. Meanwhile Tugger is still on stage which I've never seen before. Now it's his chance to be annoyed by her. The Gumbie Trio is absolutly amazing, all three of them are even more prominent during the musical. Gus wants to play with Demeters tail but she just smiles at him and goes away to dance with Jelly and Bomba.

Jennyanydots wears a ball of wool. There is tap dancing and rope jumping, mice and cockroaches, but the cockroaches are just knee socks. The number is very fun and energetic.

The Rum Tum Tugger:

First of all I absolutly adore the Tugger design. He is not black but gold, has amazing Make up with a heart and golden glitter eyeshadow. He doesn't have his mane but a big belt and during his number he also wears a white leather jacket. Gus more or less introduces him by showing the audience a poster which advertises one of his shows. First the Gumbie Trio, two younger kittens, Mistoffelees and Mungojerrie dance while Tugger sings. One after another the other Cats return. First Mistoffelees and Mungojerrie try to hold the other girls back (Cassandra and Tanto included) but no chance. They storm the stage.

The line usually sung by Misto, Alonzo or Munkustrap is given to Quaxo again (The terrible bore one). On the day Quaxo was missing it was given to Alonzo again.

The Gumbie Trio also plays a very prominent role in this song. Bombalurina has a great interest in Tugger, Jellylorum is very entertained and enjoys the show and the flirting, Demeter is not that amused by Tugger and his flirting but Vibes with the other Cats and joins the choreo. Sometimes she looked very shocked at him, it was really fun. The acting by Viviana Salvo (Demeter) and Natalia Scarpolini (Jellylorum) is absolutly great during this number, same for Giorgia Cino (Bombalurina).

Giorgia Adamo who plays Tugger does a really great job with his voice and acting. I flirted a lot with the audience. Really cool, really flirty Tugger.

Interesting staging choices were made too: At the end the fangirls do not stay on stage. They place themselves between orchestra pit and audience and look up to the stage where Tugger is performing, so they themselves become part of the audience. Jemima is fangirl number one and screams for Tugger until he shushes her.

Grizabella: The Glamour Cat

All in all the auditorium (Zuschauerraum) is playing a big part in the staging choices. At the end of number Tugger goes down one of the corridors and starts to hiss because he sees Grizabella. He turns around and goes back on stage. Grizabella is following him. First part of her song she sings next to the orchestra pit, then she wants to enter the stage. Munkustrap doesn't want that to happen so he blocks her path. He doesn't want her on stage, as part of the Jellicle Ball or even the play on a meta level. They stare each other down and Grizabella wins the fight. Munkustrap steps back and she can enter the stage.

Tugger attacks her coat and Electra hisses her while Jeima wants to touch her, but not on Munkustraps watch. Demeter and Bombalurina sing the rest of the song, then Grizabella leaves on the other side of the stage again.

I would say in this production Munkustrap and Tugger are her biggest foes. They do not want her around, while Old Deuteronomy and Jemima are her biggest allies.

Bustopher Jones

There is a stone foot on the right side of the stage. This is where Bustopher Jones lives. There is a hole in the foot and he pops out of there on multiple occasions. I didn't understand much of the lyrics but this Bustopher Jones loves Sushi. Jenny is very happy to sing about him, Bombalurina not so much.

Similar to the Broadway Revival this number works with a lot of food shaped props. It's very wholesome and fun.

Bustopher Jones is very involved in the first act, sadly he wasn't in the second act because then the actor plays Skimbleshanks.

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer

After Bustopher Jones the Macavity scare happens and interesting enough Macavity really makes an appearance. He wears a coat and a hat. There are lights on underneath his brim (Krempe?), so you can see his face. He has a very evil laughter.

Rosella Lubrina (Rumpleteazer) and Simone Raggozino (Mungojerrie) are both absolutly amazing. Simone does a lot of acrobatics, not just during his number but also during other numbers. The number is very fun with its own choreography and some propbs, like a newspaper article which is about them, a fifty Euro bill and a bucket with holes. The ending of the number is more dynamic but they also do a short version of the cartwheel.

Also Bustopher Jones makes another appearance. He wars a cooks head so I think he sang the line conected to the cook in the lyrics.

The other cats do not seem to dislike them but celebrate them which makes a lot of sense. They do some sort of Polonaise to celerbrate them.

Old Deuteronomy

Mistoffelees announces Old Deuteronomy and then Munkustrap and Tugger sing the song together while Old Deuteronomy goes around in the auditorium, mostly on the first floor.

I think Fabritio Corucci who plays Old Deuteronomy is an Opera singer because sounds very operatic.

The Jellicle Ball

The ball starts and I absolutly loved the choreography. Very fun. One thing I noted during the whole show is that there is a lot emphasis on individuality during the dance numbers. They are synchron but do not move exactly the same, the dancers bring their own style and interpretations to the movements which fits cats very well. Also there are dance groups but these groups are not strict. Cats leave their groups to join the dancing of other groups. Absolutly greatly thought through.

At the beginning of the Ball the make a formation where Cassandra is front center. There is a part during the choreography where Demeter dances alone while the two other groups dance around her. The choreographer knows which characters are important!

The first part of the Bomba section is danced by Bomba, Demeter, Jennyanydots and two other Cats. It's very acrobartic with jumps, splits and floor work, the second part of the Bomba sections are pairs, but other Cats: Tanto and Cori, Mungo and Rump, Misto and Etcetera(?), Munk and Victoria ... They do a dance with lifts. All in all there are more lifts than in the Lynne choreo, more like the Broadway choreo.

Also there is no Victoria x Plato dance. The cats dance in a group while Jemima has kind of a solo next to them. She feels Grizabella's presence. Than the cats lay down. Old Deutoronomy who sits left wants to invite Griz on stage, but Munkustrap is again not happy and so she leaves again, scared away and the ball continuous without her.

The second half of the ball is very energetic and so much fun. There are lot of acrobatics, even Bomba, Jelly and Jenny do some, as far as I remember. Like everybody has to do some. And Gus also does a lot of dancing during the ball which I'm not used to. Absolute great choreo and great energy.

At the end Grizabella returns on stage and the cats hiss at her. Interesting enough Admetus is really, really aggressiv towards her which could be the directors take on the riveraly which Macavity has to the other Jellicle Choice contenders in the 2019 movie. Admetus is really very hissy and aggressiv, he nearly attacks Grizabella but Munkustrap steps between them and hinders him. Admetus is still hissing but leaving the stage (Simone Nocerino played this part so well, he was legit scary, more scary than as Macavity). Cassandra hinders Victoria to touch her. Munkustrap hinders Jemima. Jemima is the last one to leave, Grizabella reaches out to her, but she goes away. Only Old Deut stay back on the side of the stage.

This scene was very interesting. It was like: Munkustrap doesn't want the cats to touch her and to be close to her but he also doesn't want her to get hurt by them so he protects her from Admetus.

Memory Part I

Grizabella is alone on the stage, Old Deut is still near by. She starts her sad dance and sings her song. Malika Ayane is an absolutly amazing singer, voice vice one of the best Grizabellas I've seen live. Old Deuteronomy wants to touch her, to welcome her back. At the end of her song it starts to rain. Curtain.

Intermission

Towards the end of the intermission the courtain gets lifted and people are alowed to take a picture with Old Deut. More and more Cats enter the stage and play with a tennis ball.

Moments of Happyness

I really loved Old Deuts voice, loved that it was very Opera. Jemima is great too, beautiful voice. Her design reminds me a little mit of the E-Girl trend. She is very cute. Also at the end Jellylorum hugs her before she starts singing about Gus.

Gus the Theatre Cat

Interesting choices were made again: A red curtain appears on the left side of the stage. There is also a door on the right side. For the first part of the song Gus ist not on stage. While Jellylorum is singing his shadows are projected on the curtain and the door. Only when he starts singing he steps on stage, but he doesn't sit down. One time he nearly falls but Rumpleteazer catches him. Also Munogjerrie does a salto when he calls on him (maybe it was the kittens these day part).

They also updated the lyrics. He sang something about Tiktok, Facebook and Likes and one day a woman in the audience was shouting "bravo" to that.

This Gus doesn't seem as frail and old as other Guses. He hardly even hesitates to start the Rumpus Cat number.

Rumpus Cat

The number is mostly sung by Gus and Munkustrap. It's musically quite similar to how the international tour does it, but I think different dog breeds are mentioned. What I also really liked was that the dogs are not seperated by gender. Both genders played both dog breeds. Bomba and Demeter do the wau wau part which usually goes to Rump and Mungo. Bomba, Demeter and Tugger were great dogs. I loved the choreo where all three of them were stomping and they were all so great. Etcetera was also a dog but she was a little bit more scared.

Gus comes out in a costume that reminds more of a pirate which was a fun wink at older productions. He also had a sword and he killed some of the dogs, I think Bomba died first. She did a great job at dying.

They do not play a reprise of Gus the theatre Cat. Gus just leaves and the Skimble number starts.

Skimbleshanks

At the beginning of the number the cats act in the front of the stage. Cassandra is crying (I do not know why) and Misto gives her a handkerchief so she can try her tears. It was quite funny and Gaia Soprano is an amazing Cass all in all, very beautiful, very good dancer, very dramatic, very expressive and also fun. Less proud than your usual Cass I would say.

Skimble appears wearing his uniform und sings his part. The LED wall shows a map of Italy and the route of the train. It goes through Italy, I think south. They also use long glowsticks to build a train. It seemded modernized.

Similar to the 2019 movie the stage production uses tap dancing (even the same step and later a second different step) and the other Cats sit on the ground and drum. It really sounds like a train and at the end Mistoffelees makes a really realistic choo choo noice.

The tap dancing was very simple but very effective and the audience loved the number.

Macavity

At the end of the number Macavity appears again. There is also a Macavity decoy to show his ability to teleport. The Cats attack him with Mungojerrie leading the way. But Macavity drives them away. He doesn't kidnap Old Deuteronomy yet. Old Deut stays on stage while Demeter begins the song. Macavity is also on stage, moves around in the background and listens to Demeter and Bombalurina, who mostly ignore him.

I really liked the arragement and the choreography of the number. Slightly sexy but also acrobatic and I really did love Bomba and Demeter so much. They are both great actors and dancers, active and central in every single number. Demeters make up is so fucking beautiful and it really just shows that you can do so much more than slap red lipstick on a female character to make her attractive.

There was more jumping at the end of the number. The backgournd dancers later are: Cass, Tanto, Electra, Etcetera Syllabub AND Jellylorum. They enter the stage from different sides and join the dance one after another. Loved the number so so much!

Macavity fight!

The cats come back and attack Macavity. Jenny is the first one to attack. Tugger tries to protect Old Deut but Macavity seems to be winning, so Rumpleteazer attacks Macavity from behind and saves Tugger. Mungojerrie attacks him again too but has to flee. At the end Macavity wins and disapears with Old Deut. He has a very evil laughter.

The fight has also some dance elements. At one time Macavity lifts Victoria, at another time he is lifted by two toms to attack Munkustrap. But all in all it is less brutal than in other productions I've seen.

Also, this production doesn't play the romance between Munk and Deme (or between Victoria and Admetus), as far as I saw, they are just cats, they are just vibing.

Mr. Mistoffelees

The cats do not seem very traumatized but they still want to get Old Deut back. Tugger starts the Mistoffelees song and Misto enters the stage quite at the beginning. He dances a lot and does A LOT of Magic tricks. Similar to Budapest this production descided to do more tricks and less dancing. Cassandra is his magical assistant and even does one trick by herself (cards out of the top hat). One time she is also in a floating box.

Pierpaolo Scida is a very happy, very fun Mistoffelees. He also does a good amount of dancing during the number. I think he was more happy and confident than the 2019 Mistoffelees but the production still took one idea from the movie here. Mistoffelees tries to bring Old Deut back two times, but fails two times. Macavity is seen up on the right side, laughing and holding Old Deut hostage. It seemed a little bit like a magical fight. Whose magic is stronger? Mistoffelees or Macavitys?

After failing two times Mistoffelees is very sad and he crouches on the right side of the stage, hiding his face. Tugger sits next to him, starts to sing again to encourage him to try one last time. He takes his hands and both rise up. Misto tries again and this time old Deut is back.

The Cats celebrate with a very fun choreo, Misto does some turns like in the Lynne choreo and a magic trick (turning a handkachief into a staff) and the number ends.

Memory

Grizabella is back and sings her song. I really liked both Grizabellas. This Grizabella is very strong. She didn't fall down, still Jemima sang her part.

Old Deuteronomy does announce her as Jellicle Choice, Victoria is the first one to touch her, Munkustrap second (so he doesn't hate her no more). The other Cats greet her and she goes to the heavy side layer.

The Ad-Dressing of Cats

Old Deut sings the number and the shows end. They dance a little bit on stage and go into the auditorium. End of the play.

End Notes

I really liked this production especially the make up, costumes and choreography. And I loved loved loved Demeter, Bombalurina, Jellylorum and Cassandra. Tugger, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were absolutly great too.

The whole play seems more fun and less sad and dramatic than in replica productions. The fight was not very brutal and nobody got seriously hurt. Less romance, less violence, less sexy, less nearly dying but very entertaining and with a positive vibe to it. Neither Grizabella nor Gus seemed really like their end was near.

These cats just enjoy each others company and they love celerbrating together, which was very clear during the jellicle ball in a part where they kind of twisted with each other.

This production was really worth the trip!

[missing-sock-misto]

🐱✍️🔥

🐱 Who's your favorite song cat and why?

Mr. Mistoffelees! I love the facets to his character; he’s shy and quiet and aloof, but he’s also flashy and dramatic. There are so many versions and interpretations to his character, from a mute kitten to a right-hand singer to Munkustrap, to an eldritch creature you aren’t sure is actually a cat. Plus he’s just so unabashedly ✨Fabulous✨, and it’s funny to see that a musical made in the 80’s, during the height of homophobia and the aids crisis, stumbled into making the hero of the night an extremely gay cat.

✍️ If you had total creative control over a production of Cats, what would you change and why?

So I answered it here, but that one was really focused on a replica/revival style version, so I’ll answer for a nonreplica idea here.

I put the disclaimer that non-replica’s are a bit of a blind spot for me, so I might just say an idea that’s already been done. But yeah- I like the idea of a masquerade style non-rep, where each cat gets a specific aesthetic and dance style.

Victoria is traditional ballet obviously, Misto is acro-modern ballet. Jennyanydots is tap, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser are swing dancers. Skimble could be Scottish dance. Make Tugger a stripper or something Idk lol. The Jellicle Ball is a montage of various ballroom dances, with the Pas-de-deaux being a Waltz featuring Plato and Victoria.

There is a precedent for Macavity being a participant during his own number, so it could be a Tango or Rumba, where he alternates dance partners with Demeter and Bomba (HE DOESN'T SING). I imagine he’s not Literally there, it’s like, a very dark stage, and he enters and leaves spotlights on verses. It’s more the memory of his presence that the girls are dancing with, kind of like the “Cell Block Tango” in Chicago. He’s dressed in a suit with red trim and has a death mask or something.

But everyone is wearing masks with various degree of coverage, and cat ear like head pieces. But I’m imagining very elaborate dresses and costumes, a ballroom set design.

🔥 Share one (1) hot take/opinion about the show/fandom/etc

I really like Revival. It makes me sad when people bash it so much, cause while I don’t agree with all of the artistic choices made, I like a lot of them and find them interesting. But I know any defense I make of it will make me sound like I'm bashing the OG, when that isn't my intention, so I don't say anything.

[ima-ghost-art]

Macavity’s Kittens!!

in age order, they would be 

Plato

Alibi

Jemima

Lucideus & Tilibuble (twins)

Admetus

im not a big fan of how i coloured Plato or the twins (tili looks a bit to much like Electra for my liking) but honestly i couldn't make myself sit here longer to do anything about it right now lol 

They all have separate mothers besides Alibi and Admetus who both share my oc Lyre as a mother (post about her here) 

This drawing would be set right after Ali brings her brother to the junkyard after reuniting with her old babysitters Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer reveals to her their whole unknown family that Macavity and Lyre kept them hidden from. In choosing to meet their siblings, the two are subsequentially disowned by the hidden paw and Old Deuteronomy accepts them as new members of the Jellicle tribe.

Out of the six only 3 developed any magical gifts, Jemima who’s powers match similarly to old doot (as she will be the next Jellicle leader) Alibi whom possesses a more sorta toned down mix of her father and Mistoffelees magic and Admetus who seemingly has a limited version of Macavity’s magic as well!

Out of the group Plato is an incredibly protective older brother, especially over Jem and the Twins (even more so over Tilibubble since she is born mute and his mate Victoria has to teach her how to communicate)

All of the siblings have different relationships with their dad Macavity, but it doesn't stop them from all becoming inseparable once they all finally meet!! 

[real-reulbbr-band]

2, 7, 8 and 23 for misto

I haven’t talked about him in a while I think :0

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

That he can light up and sparkle, and just the fact that he’s magical cat in general. Like, that’s so cool and I get why Tugger admires his abilities so much for it. 

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

People who really add that special something to him, whether it’s having him be mute, immortal or and Cryptid being I love looking at the different interpretations or his magic and character. 

8. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you despise?

Despise is a strong word, I’ll use “not exactly favorable towards” instead since my  Mistoffelees takes aren’t even close to warm. 

I don’t like when people are really policy about him, (and it’s often by people who don’t even like him…) but I’m like that with any character. Like I understand being upset about mischaracterization but at times it’s literally just as valid of an interpretation that some people happen to dislike. Its a very “not my interpretation = mischaracterized” mindset.

I also don’t like the fandom stereotypes that sort of come when you have him as a fav. Which is why I don’t talk about him a lot here cause I know that’ll happen to me to a certain degree.

23. Favorite picture of this character?

Tion <333

[ratherchaseamouse]

Fiorello (OC, pictured below) and Mistoffelees are definitely connected one way or another but I have no idea how yet.

Could be brothers, best friends, rivals, idk. Definitely not romantically.

He’s got magic that comes from his music, either singing or playing his viola. He and Mistoffelees are opposites in that Mistoffelees is a very subtle person and has sparking, flashy magic, while Fiorello has an effervescent personality while possessing very muted and understated magic.

He sometimes wishes his magic were more exciting, like Mistoffelees’. When he sings or plays, the air ripples and bends, invisibly altering the world. Even in a scherzo so rousing it wakes the alley dogs, Fiorello’s magic remains intangible.

[rainbowratsstuff]

Any cats headcanons? Just for any, anything u got

I've got plenty, thanks for asking 😊

Mistoffelees has a sock collection

Alonzo has an odd sock collection

Tantomile has a rock collection and Coricopat always gifts her interesting rocks he finds

Mungojerrie absolutely loves cake

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer have dyslexia

Mistoffelees and Pouncival have autism

Misto uses his magic to make everything sound quiet when things are getting too much for him. This has lead some people to accidentally think he's ignoring them

Tugger has ADHD

Mistos favourite stim toy is Tuggers tail

Both Tanto and Mungo love cake and there's always fights between them over the last slice (they cant do anything like rock, paper, scissors as tanto will just read his mind)

Misto is selectively mute and uses sign language when this happens

Munkustrap will adopt any animal he sees. He just needs to give everyone a loving home

Munkustrap has the most fuzzy soft belly ever

Pouncival loves ducks and is one of the few cats to enjoy swimming

Munkustrap learned to knit from Jenny and loves to make things for everyone in the tribe

Munkustrap gives everyone gold stars when he's thinks they've done well

Alonzo is a stray and has been all his life

Tugger learned sign language from Victoria so he could talk to Misto better and wants to teach everyone a little sign language to make things easier for Misto

I love coming up with headcanons so I can always give more ^^

[naturepointstheway]

"So who cares if I want to hang out with the lab "weirdo"?" would it be possible for you to write this?

Sooo...ahem. Apparently my fanfic department in my brain went on an extended holiday until now (about time, muses, it's already 2023!)

Anyway, some Tuggoffelees and some mute!Mistoffelees (and anthropomorphic cats edition, like some of my previous fics), with the university setting as in a few fics I'd done with this character set-up. Going with a geology class because a) I've been studying it at uni (doing a Masters in it) and b) I can imagine Misto being drawn in by the beauty of rocks and minerals.

---

If Tugger were to be honest with himself, the only reason he took that undergraduate introductory geology class was because of that cute, mute boy who never said a word in their classes. Jemima had mentioned him before as her new flatmate and how they had become tight besties from day one when he'd moved in over the summer; Mistoffelees--that was his name--was virtually mute but still expressed marvelously. Jemima had constantly gushed about how amazing he was at dancing and how fluid he was at every move, whipping her phone out at one point to show him--and it had been love at first sight. Tugger had been floored by the short videos and had asked if he might be in some of his classes. He was surprised when Jemima had mentioned that he was taking the same advanced performing arts classes as he, for he was positive he would’ve seen him. Nevertheless, Tugger had wasted no time in adding an undergrad geology class when Jemima had mentioned him taking one, though he had little interest in the subject.

He was likely to fail it, but hey, if it meant a chance...

"You're late again, Tugger."

The lead lab demonstrator's hawkish eyes landed on him the moment he stepped through the door, backpack slung over one shoulder, half-open to the point it was a miracle nothing had fallen out on the way.

Tugger leaned his hip against the doorway, winking and grinning at the disapproving demonstrator.

"I'm never late, always right on time."

The demonstrator tutted, rolled her eyes and jabbed a finger in the direction of a table with a lone student sitting there, hunched over his notes and lab book, looking deep in concentration, a rock balanced in one hand. An unopened, unused lab work sat in front of an empty chair next to the student, along with a large box of what looked like rocks.

They all look the same to me.

He glanced at the student, and then stared as he recognised the cute new flatmate of Jemima’s from her video clips and photos.

Tugger was sure that his heart rate was now triple its normal rate. Fate had seemed to favour him today!

Mistoffelees!

Throwing another wink, mouthing "thanks!" at the demonstrator (who had now turned her back on him), Tugger strode to the table, pulling out the empty chair and flopping down in it as dramatically as he could, dropping his backpack carelessly on the floor. The constant thrum of chatter and the occasional thunk from someone dropping a rock on a table didn’t appear to bother Mistoffelees at all.

"Hey," Tugger whispered by way of greeting, as he flipped the lab book in front of him open. "You must be Mistoffelees, huh?"

Mistoffelees paused to glance up for half a second at him then back down at his notes, but nodded in response, in the middle of sketching a careful drawing of the rock in his hand.His sketches looked so carefully done and not messy at all, with arrows drawn and labeled with steady fingers. Tugger caught himself staring at Mistoffelees’ fingers, marveling at how long they were.

He cleared his throat, both to get Mistoffelees’ attention and to snap himself out of it.

"My friend--your flatmate--Jemima has told me alll about you, you know." Tugger leaned back, hands clasped behind his head, completely ignoring the line of annoyance starting to form between Mistoffelees' eyebrows. "She showed me a clip of you dancing--damn. You're fabulous--I haven't seen anyone dance like you do!"

Mistoffelees’ sketching didn’t slow down any, but Tugger could have sworn up and down he saw a tug of a smile at the corner of the other’s mouth, the line between his eyebrows fading a little.

Tugger began flipping through the pages of the lab book, not really paying attention to whatever was written or drawn on the leaves.

“She told me you’re in the same advanced dance performing arts classes as me--but you couldn’t come along? Or...” Tugger caught his eye and winked. “You’re too good for us peasants right?”

Mistoffelees shook his head, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

“I was just kidding,” Tugger assured, but Mistoffelees only looked more confused before shrugging and returning to his work. “I’ll lose but I’m down for a dance off competition with you after class if you came along to them.”

Mistoffelees’ hand jerked, scrawling an unintentional line across a new sketch of a different rock. With a short sigh, he grabbed his eraser and rubbed vigorously at the paper to remove the scrawl. Was it Tugger’s imagination or did Mistoffelees’ shoulders appear more hunched, tensed? Or that his hand had momentarily quivered above the sketch before quickly resuming it like everything was fine?

Catching one of the demonstrators walking pointedly in his direction, Tugger reached forward and pulled his box of sample rocks toward him, picking one up in his hand like he had been studying it all along. It was a dark rock, it felt heavy, and it was...a rock. A short thumbs-up to the demonstrator to show he was definitely working was met with a skeptical look and then a shrug before moving on to someone else asking for help with a question.

Tugger flicked the pages until he found the intro page (so. Much. TEXT.) and began skimming over it, until he found a section explaining deeper about the three broad categories of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. His mind was wandering too much to really concentrate properly on them, drifting back off to the videos Jemima had shown him of Mistoffelees’ dance prowess. Those fouettes, those jetes, those arabesques! They were just...something else.And that...

That...

Conjuring Turn.

That’s what Jemima had said it was.

And he believed her when she said that the video did zero justice to that level of skill and talent.

A poke just above his elbow jerked him out of the daydream, turning his head see Mistoffelees looking at him with a hint of amusement in the slight upturn of the corners of his mouth.

“Hmm?”

Mistoffelees tapped his pencil against a blank page, where he had written, fave rock? You’re looking at it like it’s the love of your life.

A nervous laugh from Tugger, though it sounded a little strained to his own ears. “Uh, nah, rocks look the same to me.”

Mistoffelees raised an eyebrow, tilting his head as though to ask, really?

“I mean, not literally,” Tugger said, rubbing his thumb over the rock in his hand. “This one is clearly a black rock with, uh...” he pursed his lips, rubbing his chin as he scrutinised what else he could see about it. “Ooh, those are interesting patterns on its surface.”

Mistoffelees smiled, eyes lighting up in such a way it made Tugger’s heart miss about six or seven beats before pounding in his chest to catch up.

Damn. Jemima could’ve warned me how cute he is!

Tugger rubbed his thumb over the shell-like curves on the rock’s surface, feeling its tiny ridges on his skin. He didn’t care for rocks, but he wasn’t going to lie, this was a beautiful specimen.

A pencil tap on his hand drew his attention again to Mistoffelees, who pointed at more things written on the sheet.

Obsidian. Igneous. Minimal crystal growth due to fast cooling of extruded lava.  Conchoidal fracturing (shell-like). Pretty, isn’t it?

Tugger grinned. “It’s pretty, but not as pretty as your eyes right now.”

Mistoffelees’ eyes grew round at his response, pencil slipping from between his fingers as he fumbled with it, looking back down from Tugger after a second or two.

Does he know how his eyes light up with happiness?

He really needed to talk to Jemima about warning him beforehand of the cuteness of her flatmates in future.

“Jemima tells me you love rocks. I never got it but...”

Then why? Were the next two words from Mistoffelees. Why are you here?

Tugger shrugged. “Just needed an extra class, I guess.”

Like he was going to tell Mistoffelees it was just because he wanted to be closer to him. Maybe one day he’ll tell him that, but certainly not right now. He didn’t want to scare Mistoffelees off before the lab was even over.

Tossing the obsidian back into the sample box, Tugger picked up another rock, one that was tan in colour and had a couple very tiny shells in it. It felt sandy against his palm and under his thumb.

“I imagine you know what this one is too?”

He watched Mistoffelees’ hand writing across the page, recalling again how graceful his hands had looked in Jemima’s videos.

Sandstone. Sedimentary. Feldspar and quartz very common in this rock. Formed over millions of years by compaction.

“Oh yeah, quartz,” Tugger recalled from whatever he had skimmed over in the lab book. “Silicon or something, right?”

SiO2.

He also randomly remembered another snatch of information from the previous class.

“Wait...isn’t sandstone the only rock that has fossils?”

Mistoffelees shook his head, before quickly writing again.

Sedimentary rocks, including sandstone. All sedimentary rocks can contain fossils.

Tugger pointed at one of the tiny shells embedded in the rock. “So this dude here is a fossil?”

A nod from Mistoffelees, who was now smiling a little, eyes lighting up again as they had before. Again, Tugger’s heart skipped a beat when they made eye contact--even if it was only for a split second before Mistoffelees quickly looked away and back down at his own work.

He’s so...adorable? Cute? Um? Jemima, we’re gonna talk.

Tugger tried to force his brain to focus on the lab at hand as Mistoffelees pointedly busied himself with answering more lab questions, but it was hard. Hard to focus when it was so sunny outside, when he kept thinking about the dance videos on Jemima’s phone, considering if he should go ahead and ask for Misto’s number after lab, and--

“Ahem.”

A handed padded its way onto the lab-book, drawing his attention up to another girl who he didn’t know, looking intently at him.

“Hey,” she said, jerking a thumb back at her table, “Why’re you hanging out with this weirdo? Wouldn’t you rather sit with us?”

Did she just...call Mistoffelees...a weirdo? What is this, high-school again?

“What’d you call Mistoffelees?”

The girl scoffed. “He’s a weirdo, he never talks, never makes eye contact with you,” 

Tugger remembered Jemima saying that Mistoffelees had autism, and that it was natural for him to avoid eye contact or want some space, and he was also pretty much mute.

“Neurodivergency exists you know,” Tugger said airily, “And who cares if I want to hang out with the lab “weirdo”? It’s not high-school anymore.”

“Really?” the girl looked disappointed. “I thought you’d like--”

“Thanks but no thanks. I’m fine here. He knows lots of cool things about rocks, and he’s my bestie’s flatmate. I don’t think she’d appreciate you calling him names either.”

“Fine, I give up then.”

With that, the girl flounced off back to her own group.

See you never.

He felt Mistoffelees staring at him, the sounds of the pencil scratching on paper having come to a complete silence. When Tugger looked over at him with a wink, the other quickly looked down at his lab book,

“Don’t worry about her--I’ve got your back. As does Jemima.”

Thanks, but you didn’t have to. I’m used to it.

“Doesn’t make it okay, y’know? You’re worth so much more--bet she can’t even tell a fouette from a pirouette. Hell, she’s probably never heard of either of those terms. Kinda sound like pastries now I think about it. French pastries, naturally.”

Now I’m hungry, Mistoffelees wrote.

“You’re welcome.” Tugger winked. “And you’re welcome to sit with me if you ever wanted to come to the advanced dance class too you know. I wouldn’t mind having you for company.”

Thanks. I’ll see.

“Just think about it. It’d be cool to see you there too. I promise not to annoy you...” Tugger added a little laugh before, “Much.”

I’d like to get back to study. Leave me be.

“Oh yeah, course.” Tugger looked back down at the huge blocks of words. To his brain it just seemed like a wall of text. He sorely wished there was a TL;DR summary or something in a box at the bottom of the page.

And, again, his brain wandered back to those dazzling videos.

The fouettes, the pirouettes, the arabesques, the grande plies...

So perfect, so flawless, so...magical. Graceful. Phenomenal. Stunning. Mystical.

I really, really hope I see him in advanced dance class soon...

If all those videos of his dance, the way his eyes shone when “talking” about rocks, and just how adorable he looked...

If this wasn’t love at first sight, well...then Tugger had no clue what that would be instead.

Look out, Jemima, I’ll be talking your ears off asking about Mistoffelees tonight. And about how you should’ve warned me on how cute he is. He is impossibly cute and talented.

He really really hoped more than ever to see him in the next advanced dance class tomorrow afternoon, just so he could see Mistoffelees’ dance moves in real life, and not “just” from videos on Jemima’s phone.

If he’s amazing in her videos, what is he like in real life? Beyond perfect, probably.

And Tugger would no doubt fall even more in love with him.

[gaylittlewizardcat]

Summary:

Quin “Quaxo” Jackson and Victoria Jones, siblings not by blood but by choice, have a little heart to heart. Things do actually get better sometimes.

[hysterical-cats]

Could you send me a sketchy Jemima, or even just give me any Jemima headcanons you may have?

Alas I have no sketchy Jemima for you but I will give you some headcanons!!!

- Jemima is selectively mute, although she loves to sing. Victoria and Mistoffelees are helping to teach her and those shes close with cat sign language!!

- Jemima got a little bit of magic from her father and grandfather! She just inexplicably knows things (slightly psychic). She knew Grizabella had to be the jellicle choice. She knows that her and Plato are connected to Macavity somehow although she doesn't know exactly how. She's also empathetic!! She can sometimes sense how others are feeling.

- Jemima was born when Demeter was still living with Macavity and they ran away shortly after. Jemima was very small when she was born and Demeter and Bomba were worried about her. Luckily once they made it to the Jellicles, Jemima was kept warm and well fed :)

[uppastthejelliclemoon]

Thinking about the nicknames for different Mistoffelees that Tugger has, I'm curious: what would his nickname for mute Mistoffelees (particularly thinking of Zurich here if you've seen that) be? (Hope your cold gets better soon--I've definitely caught a couple of things from being around kids as a cleaner at the childcare centre I work at on campus too, including a nasty ear infection *wince*).

BLESS i love thinking about different versions of tuggoff <3 i haven't seen Zurich, but i do know it's the one where mute!Misto is prominent!

Tugger would call him "Moonlight", and i have no explanation for that other than Tugger always says that the moonlight shines right out of Misto's eyes whenever he's happy, his eyes are so expressive and lovely

[carbuckety]

🎦😻🎤 for the cats ask, and please feel free to go into detail hehe

EEEE THANK U !! cats this or that

🎤 singing mistoffelees or quiet mistoffelees? quiet mistoffelees!!! my favorite replica production of cats is zurich 1991 where lindsay chambers plays a COMPLETELY mute misto and so he puts more emphasis on body movement and facial expressions - and since misto is primarily a dancer and only a singer depending on the production i think that's a great way to portray him. also, it can paint him as more of an outcast in the tribe which idk. i just kinda think is neat!!!! zurich my beloved. quiet/mute misto my beloved.

however fellas i wont lie. tim scott's misto singing mungojerrie & rumpleteazer will always be a highlight of the original broadway cast for meeeeee

🎦 act one or act two? ok this is literally so hard. but the jellicle ball AND the rum tum tugger AND mungojerrie & rumpleteazer are in the first act and honestly when watching 98 my stopping point is macavity.. so act 1!!!!!! but ugh its so hard to choose :-(

😻 song cats or ensemble cats? ALL about that ensemble babyyyy... alonzo and cassandra and etcetera my beloveds!! all my favorite cats are ensemble so this wasnt really hard to choose XD they're the ones with the fun shenanigans going on in the background during the songs too