#so does il sistina

[per-the-jellicle-magician]

I'm using human ages in () as a reference point/general age brackets

[dealilcats]

Randomly relistened to the sistina audio yesterday, I caught a few mistakes I'd made, and realised when they're trying to convince Gus of doing the Rumpus Cat thing again, I'm fairly sure that when he agrees he says something along the lines of "vediamo se siete bravi", "let's see if you can do it" because the kittens have to play the dogs!

That phrase in italian is a very endearing/sweet way of telling a child "alright, lets see you do it". Like a challenge, but you already know whatever they do will be fine.

Gus trusts that they'll do fine in the play.

I'm losing my mind.

[afairytalestray]

OK so on Saturday I got to go to Milan to see the Cats Il Sistina tour and HOLY GOD IT WAS AWESOME. I'm glad I studied the character designs in advance because a lot of the costumes are really different. I'm not typically a huge fan of nonreplicas but Il Sistina may well change that!

I've compiled my thoughts on the show here! Nb, I do not speak Italian so I'm not sure how close to the original lyrics the translation is 😅

There were no green goggles, but the Cats did come in through the audience. I had an aisle seat and Cassandra walked right past me! She was right there and so beautiful omg.

I've gotta get in right at the start that Simone Ragozzino is my new all-time favourite Mungojerrie. The most ever! A little guy. He got most of the acrobatics that Tumblebrutus usually does - apparently Simone used to be an acrobat/gymnast so that makes sense. He and Rumpleteazer were sufficiently chaotic but also clearly valued and beloved members of the tribe. Idk man Simone just got it. Tumble-jerrie ftw. 

The cathedral from "round the cathedral" was changed to a Colosseum reference which I loved 😍

I'm obsessed with Demeter’s makeup from this tour actually. I'm personally not the biggest fan of cryptid-style makeup and looks in Cats in general, but I feel like Deme was balancing just on the edge and it really worked and I loved it. Maybe it was Viviana Salvo's acting as well - she was fabulous at toeing that line between stunning and unnerving!

Tugger and Munkustrap were super close! Munk was less annoyed by Tugger’s antics than normal and they did this thing at one point where Tugger was holding onto Munk who leant fully backwards off the edge of the stage - it was like a trust exercise and I was a fan. Their rendition of Old Deuteronomy was lovely and their voices worked so good together! Tugger was definitely Munkustrap’s second in command of the tribe. I wish Tugger was a bit more Tugger in appearance, he seemed very yellow with not a lot of detail on his costume, but the personality was hundo p present and accounted for. He did the "bite is worse than your bark" line in Jellicle Songs and legit barked at the end.

Jennyanydots was fabulous! Instead of a big coat she literally wore a giant ball of wool, and one of the props was giant knitting needles and the start of what might have been a giant scarf - it took 6 of the Cats to carry it. It actually worked super well for Milan, which is known for fashion and fabrics - there's even a giant sewing needle sculpture outside Cadorna Station! It was probably a happy coincidence but I enjoyed it!

Victoria's role was changed quite a bit, her solo was totally different and the pas de deux was gone. There also kinda just... wasn't the big small first touch Vic and Grizabella moment, which I was sad about, but if Griz's big moment wasn't "TOUCH MEEEEEE" in the translation, I'm not so bothered by it. I wish Vic had a bit bigger of a role because I love her, but she was killing it whenever she was on stage.

We are all stan pink Jemima, she had such a lovely voice too. Her and Alonzo were playing with a tennis ball during the interval and it was adorable.

My beloved Coricopat and Tantomile were lying in the Mouth of Truth prop after Moments of Happiness; they had their usual role of translating Old Doots through Jemima so I thought their placement here was deliberate! They weren't always fully in sync which I kinda liked, it was like they were allowed to be their own characters rather than just "the twins". I definitely got the impression that Tantomile was the older sister which hella backs up my hcs about her!

Gus was absolutely WILD. He comes in after Jellylorum has done her whole first part of the song in this raggedy old tradiotional Sherlock Holmes-style beige plaid coat instead of being there but kinda out of it the whole time. At first he wasnt keen on replaying any of his roles, but then all the others were like please please please and he relented. I think they were calling him (or his role) Romero? Idk if that's an Italian reference I just don't get? They did Pekes and Pollicles (one of the above had been changed to chihuahuas!) and then the bold Rumpus/Romero appeared... in a red satin bath robe and holding a sabre??? I need to look up this reference! Dude didn't just intimidate the pollicles, he straight up cut a couple of them down with his sword! Grandpa woke up and chose violence 😂

There was no trash train in Skimbleshanks 😭😭 there were giant glowstick things that changed colours though. Skimble and Bustopher were played by the same actor which is a combo I haven't seen before. Skimble was definitely still everyone's favourite train dad, all the characters were totally hyped for his song. HE DID TAP LIKE IN 2019. It was really cool how they did it, all the music stopped and he started a call and response tap dance with some of the other characters. The background showed an animated video of going through a train tunnel, like from the perspective of a train driver! The tap was gradually speeding up and became the sound effects of a train setting off and moving through the tunnel. I'm not explaining this super well but it was SO cool.

The Macavity Fight was quite different. There wasn't him disguised as Old Deuteronomy and then unmasked. What happened was he showed up and caused some shenanigans and then disappeared. There were about 4 of him around, so it looked like he was teleporting around the stage and audience! Bombalurina and Demeter performed his song which was absolutely fantastic (seriously how do these actresses actually manage to dance like that and sing at the same time?? Goddesses), after that he showed up again and the full cast was involved in the fight. Munkustrap still got the good choreography, but the whole tribe was involved trying to protect Old Deuteronomy. Tugger was definitely a protector in this production, he was very involved. Jerrie got KO'd a good few times, and Macavity absolutely destroyed poor Jenny! It felt like all of them were trying to protect their family and I really liked that. Despite that, Macavity was still able to win and successfully kidnap Old Doots!

"Mungojerrie, RUMPLETEAZER, Griddlebone" they let my girl do crime again!

Mistoffelees and Quaxo were besties, and Misto was REALLY enjoying Tugger's song I'm just saying. Delighted to announce Il Sistina Misto was a fruity little guy. He didn't get the terrible bore line, sad face, that went to Quaxo, but tbh idk how they translated that so it could be totally different! At one point Alonzo was holding him back at the start of Tugger’s song! We then saw a sponge-like Misto who picked up behaviours from the others around him, like he wasn't too sure of himself. This is actually one of my favourite Misto hcs so i was so chuffed to see it so clearly. He then helped Alonzo rein George (at least I think it was George!) in from going mental fanboy at Tugger. He was originally curious about Griz but then adjusted to hissing upon seeing the others. This fully went forward into his song. They did some big choreo changes. It was significantly less dance-heavy than traditional Misto performances and had a stronger focus on him being magic. There was a levitating box that they spent a lot of time with - Magician's Assistant Cass got in, but then she didn't disappear? She just popped back out again after the box had been rotated a few times. Some of the Kittens were waving their hands under the box to prove there was nothing holding it up and looking amazed which was adorable though. There was also a bit where Misto put some cards into a hat, the hat got passed down a line of Cats and then at the end they just sort of flew out? Like idk maybe they changed the lyrics where they're describing different magic tricks and it all makes sense! I THOUGHT THE CONJURING TURNS WERE GONE, but they were just moved to the very end of the song and cut down quite a bit.

Ok BUT LISTEN, à la 2019, the poor boy tried and failed twice to bring back Old Deuteronomy and then just sort of flopped in the corner all defeated but then BOYFRIEND TUGGER HELD HIS HANDS AND GOT RIGHT UP CLOSE AND WAS LIKE I BELIEVE IN YOU BABE and omg for real those actors knew EXACTLY what they were doing Tuggoff nation RISE. I'm always a red-sheet-turned-cape stan but I can definitely get behind the sparkly tail coat and playing card bowtie. He also had this handkerchief that he threw up in the air and it became a magic wand. I have no idea how and it was very silly so obviously I loved it. Although I wasn't massively into the choreo changes (ballet dancer Misto 5eva), Pierpaolo Scida was a magnificent Misto and I adored him - he was so cute! The little background actions and looks he did were so in character with how he interpreted Misto! Also he was beautiful you can't change my mind.

Malika was such an intense Grizabella - 10/10. She was proud but so vulnerable. She walked right past me when she first came in and lads, she did the whole show in these massive stilettos - absolute queen. At one point it literally rained on her on stage! During her first Memory, Old Deut was really watching her, and at the end of it he approached her, but she ran off when she saw him. I thought it was a super cool character moment, like she knew she wanted to be accepted, but wasn't quite ready for it. Even after the big Memory and Old Deuteronomy declared her the Jellicle Choice, Victoria approached her, but she was still too scared to let her, and it was Jemima who finally was able to reach her and bring her in. At the end she just kinda disappeared off stage - there were no flying tyres or magic stairs in the circus tent!

During the bit after the bows some of the cats were out in the audience and Tugger scared the absolute crap out of this one woman by poking his head in between her and the person sitting next to her. Iconic. Also during the latter part of the interval the audience was allowed to come up to the edge of the stage where some of the actors were goofing about in character. This mf pretended to cough up a hairball and now I have it on video. I also got some close ups of Teazer and the beautiful Bomba!

The Italian Junkyard was fabulous! It was mostly roman landmarks like Piazza Navona and Bocca della Verità, but there was also Michelangelo's David (which I'm pretty sure is in Florence) above the orchestra! There was also a giant marble foot, an Italian-style water fountain, and a broken column. My favourite prop was the bench, it's elevated at the back left of the stage and the cast were using it like a slide to enter the stage! Also it seemed to be Misto’s preferred location to lounge.

In conclusion, I will never get over this.

[ratherchaseamouse]

Pspspspsps, I have a question: What does "non replica" mean?

Hiiii!! Ok I can explain. A non-replica production (often “non rep” for short) is a professional production of a musical that does *not* seek to replicate the original production. It’s not something that is exclusive to Cats, but Cats is a show that is very malleable and fluid, so there are many more non replicas for Cats than, say, Hamilton.

Here’s some photos of a handful of non replicas!

Kilworth House 2019• Tecklenburg 2015• Warsaw 2004• Gothenburg 2006 • Mexico 2013 (or 2018, not sure)• Il Sistina 2022

[evilmisto]

Cats Dump!!! (Pick your favorite question cuz I have a couple)

Dump about your band au? What’s your favorite non-replica and why? What are your headcanons about the show in general?

HEEHEEEE thank you for the ask

the band AU... I don’t have it fully figured out yet but I’ll try my best lol

They start off as a pretty small band. Tugger is the lead vocalist and lead guitarist, Teazer is the rhythm guitarist, Bomba is the bassist, and Mungo is the drummer. Bomba ends up leaving the group bc of tensions with the other members.

So at this point they obviously need a new bassist, and this is where Misto comes in. Misto isn’t, like, super musically inclined like the rest of them— obviously he likes it and he has some musical experience, but his life doesn’t revolve around it. It’s just something he did for fun. However, he does have a bass. And because of this Tugger BEGS Misto to be their new bassist. Misto is hesitant bc he’s not very good at it but Tugger is like “nooo it’s easy I promise pleeeeaaaaaase be our bassist” and Misto gives in

(It��s not even like Misto is the only bassist Tugger knows he just really wants to be around Misto. Bc he’s gay for him)

So they go on a short hiatus while Misto practices bass with Tugger and some time after they come back they get super successful. And this leads into a 2000s emo band, Summer of Like type affair. Lots of drama. Lots of angst. Quick get these guys in Vans Warped Tour type shit. You know

and that’s all I have so far

2. My favorite non replica has to be il sistina just bc I love Misto’s design so incredibly much

(EDITING THIS ON AUG 7 TO SAY MY FAVORITE NON REPLICA DESIGN IS GÖTEBORG 2006 TUGGER NOW. HES SO PETE WENTZ CORE I LOVE IT)

3. My head canons about the show in general arent that unique tbh 😭 Jemima is Demeter and Macavity’s daughter, Misto and Victoria are siblings, etc. I think maybe Skimble is Jemima’s grandfather or uncle but he’s more of a father figure to her because Demeter left Macavity when Jemima was very young so Skimble was more present in her life

anyways THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ASK HEHE I LOVE RAMBLING

[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!

[uppastthejelliclemoon]

Jumping off of the last ask, what types of non-rep costumes are your favorite? Do you like a more human-esqe look like Tecklenburg or Opera Populaire went for? Or a more cat-like look like the Mexico tours or il sistana? (Personally i don't like one over the other generally. Tho i have found i tend to like the bright colored or themed ones best)

that's the same with me!!! there's something i love about each of the non-reps that it's hard to put one above the other!

the sort of sepia-tonied costumes for il sistina are SO aesthetically pleasing, and i love the subtle changes they made to the makeup and costumes!

mexico 2018's colors are some of my absolute FAVORITES (pink jemima my beloved!!!!) and gothenburg/stockholm with all the colors funky designs is SO much fun, plus the setting is one of my favorites ever!

i think opera populaire and kilworth both do a fantastic job at reimagining the show in a different setting and time period (though if i was to pick one over the other, kilworth will always have my absolute favorite character designs!)

so, i think i prefer SLIGHTLY the more catlike looks, because, for me, a more human-ish look has to be done SUPER well in a non-rep. like, luisenburg does such a phenomenal job with making them more human-ish than cat while still sticking perfectly with the essence of each of the characters.

i will say... i think i'm in the cats fandom minority when i say i'm not a fan of tecklenburg 😭😭😭

[jelliclekay]

Cats the Musical OC Masterlist

Wanted to make a list/short descriptions of my OCs, mostly for myself, but also in case anyone wants to send any questions about them. 

** is friend's OC but is heavily involved with my own OCs

Also, several of these OCs use designs from non-rep and non London replica productions, so I’ve made sure to indicate which OCs and designs they are!

Young Adult/Adult OCs:

Artemis (they/them)

My main OC, is the tribe archiver aka the cat who keeps track of each year’s Jellicle Ball and other tribe happenings. They are a small cat who is typically quiet and unassuming. They are dedicated to their work sometimes to a fault, often forgetting to take care of themselves at times. Artemis was a very shy and slightly sheltered kitten, but comes out of their shell and grows more confident and close to the tribe in their young adulthood. They are mates with Lorenzo and Tugger. Artemis has 3 kittens with Tugger, one with Lorenzo and a kitten with Rialto, who is raised by Lorenzo. 

Rialto (he/him)

A tall handsome red tom who doesn’t live in the Junkyard, but is close with several of the Junkyard cats and visits on occasion. He’s incredibly flirtatious, and has flirted with almost every cat in the tribe at some point, to differing degrees of success, Tugger being the cat he most often “visits” during his times in the Junkyard. Despite his numerous pursuits, Rialto is also non-committal, not being interested in having a mate or settling down in one place for a long period of time. 

Jalaneel (she/her)

A beautiful Queen with a costume design similar to Demeter and Bombalurina, but her coat is dark blue in color. She has a short romantic stint with Macavity after Bombalurina leaves him, but is eventually thrown aside by him and left to fend for her self on the streets. Rialto ends up finding her and takes her to the Junkyard where she will be safe. Cassandra is instantly attracted to her, and the two become mates once Jala is more comfortable and settled in with the tribe.

Jericho (she/her) Design: Il Sistina Jellylorum

The daughter of Skimble and Jelly, and Rumpleteazer’s half-sister. Much like her sister, she is mischievous and a jokester, but she is also more mature than her sister. She inherited her mother's talent for sewing and knitting and loves to knit blankets for any new kittens in the tribe, though she is awkward and doesn't know how to interact with kittens herself.

Wyndham (he/him)

The son of Gus Jr and Eloise (OC), a small tom cat who is well-read and book smart, lacks any sort of street smarts. He is good at interpersonal relationships within the tribe and helping cats get together but has bad luck with romance and relationships himself until he meets Kunze. Despite that, he's a big romantic and falls in love easily. He is called Wynnie by his parents but gets embarrassed if any other cat calls him by this pet name. Wyndham is often tricked by other cats outside of the Junkyard to leave, leading him to accidentally go off on long trips for weeks at a time.

Lorenzo (he/him) Design: Original Broadway Alonzo (Gold Lonz)

A tom who was born and raised in the tribe but left with Macavity and a number of other toms his age when Mac was ousted from the tribe. He instantly regretted his decision to leave but stayed until Demeter and Alonzo left out of fear for his own safety of what Macavity would do. When he returns, Artemis begins catching him up on everything he misses while he is gone, and the two fall in love. He is prone to panic, but once he becomes comfortable in the tribe again, he is a happy-go-lucky tom who is eager to help out the tribe when he can.

Castella (she/her) Design: Shiki Bombalurina

Daughter of Bustopher Jones. Castella doesn't live in the Junkyard but does frequently visit. She is half-brothers with Rialto, having the same red queen as a mother, but she is annoyed at her brother's flirtacious antics and immaturity. She has a gloomy demeanor most of the time, walking around with a perpetual rain cloud over her head. Castella is a foodie much her like father and often accompanies him to his clubs.

Kunze (he/him)

A German Longhair tom whom Wyndham meets during one of his "accidental" trips abroad. After spending a few romantic weeks together, Kunze decides to go back to the Junkyard with him so the two can be together. He speaks with a thick German accent and has problems understanding more complicated English words. Kunze calls the toms in the tribe nicknames using "Herr," for example, calling Munk "Herr Protector" and Old Deuteronomy "Herr Leader," and calls the Queens in the tribe "Fraulein."

Kitten OCs

Sylvani (she/her) Design: US Tour 5 Sillabub

The daughter of Bombalurina and Macavity. Sylvani received none of her parent's confidence and is a very anxious kitten who can be rather self-deprecating. She loves looking after kittens, dreaming of one day having a large family herself. Being young herself, however, she isn't the best sometimes at kitten wrangling and often loses the kittens she is tasked with watching. Sylvani is close friends with her half-sisters and becomes mates with Admetus. 

Lumine (she/her)

Daughter of Tugger and Bombalurina, born when Sylvani is roughly of Jellicle Ball age. She is a confident young kitten, getting both of her parent's confidence. When she's older, she is a gorgeous Queen, much like her mother. As a kitten, however, she is very clingy with Bomba and is prone to temper tantrums. Lumine has a rivalry with her brother Trass over being the center of attention. When she's roughly older teenage, she meets and is instantly drawn to Tapper when he first visits the Junkyard.

Trassel (he/him) Design: Gothenburg Tugger

The first of Misto and Tugger's magic kittens, with Misto accidentally producing the kitten out of thin air. Trassel has magic powers like Misto but takes the most after Tugger in terms of personality. He's loud, showy, and loves being the center of attention. Trass has a rivalry with Lumine, often using his magic to try and "one-up" her, but has a bigger rivalry with Gideon when the two are adults.

Alexander (he/him)

The son of Artemis and Tugger. He is Artemis’ first born and the eventual successor to their role as the tribe archiver. Alexander is well-behaved and quiet, a big bookworm like his mother. He takes after Artemis in his fur color, being mostly grey and white, but inherits Tugger’s exact eye color. Alexander ends up being tall, taller than his father, much to the confusion of Artemis on where his height came from. Alexander loves helping Artemis with their work, and he is excited about one day taking on their important role in the tribe when he’s older.

Lia (she/her)

Artemis’ first daughter, and assumed to be Tugger’s kitten. She looks the most like Artemis, her fur design being identical but inverse in color. Lia is close with her brother Alexander as they are very close in age. Lia is a talented dancer, being a very graceful ballerina, and she often receives lessons from Victoria. She becomes mates with Bill Bailey when she’s older.

Nemeia (she/her) Design: Ill Sistina Jemima

Another magic kitten who belongs to Misto, Tugger, and Bomba. Unlike the other magic kittens, Nemeia was poofed into existence as an already grown kitten rather than a newborn. Nemeia is tiny, being the smallest fully grown cat in the tribe, and spends most of her kittenhood mute. Her preferred method of communication is biting, which she does and does often, though always out of affection rather than malice. She has a phase of only wanting to be around Munkustrap.

Kara (she/her)

Daughter of Tugger and Artemis, the "oldest" of Artemis' triplets. She is a black and brown kitten, sporting Tugger's spots going back her shoulders. Kara is easily annoyed and isn't afraid to voice her annoyance and frustration. She's argumentative and stubborn, often getting into squabbles with other kittens that Munkustrap has to break up. When she's older, she becomes a bombshell of a Queen that many cats have their eyes on, but she has no interest in romance.

Therai (he/him)

The second born of Artemis' triplets and biologically is Rialto's son but is adopted by Lorenzo when Rialto doesn't step up to raise him. He is bright red and black like his father, and he's a loud, rambunctious kitten. He does not get along with his sister Kara, insisting the two are not related despite being born together. Therai is protective of his sister Kalima, calling her his "little" sister despite the two being the same age. Despite not getting along with Kara, the two are the troublemakers of the Artemis' kittens.

Kalima (she/her) Design: China 2012 Sillabub

Daughter of Artemis and Lorenzo, the "runt" of the Artemis' triplets. She is a tiny but kind kitten who inherited her father's penchant for panic. Kalima is shy and often assumes the worst during situations. She is often assumed to be younger than Kara and Therai despite the three of them being triplets due to her being much smaller than her siblings. Kalima often has to break up little squabbles between Kara and Therai, being the voice of reason out of the three of them.  

Duncan (he/him)

Adopted son of Rumpleteazer and raised by her and Tugger, though Jerrie steps up and also helps raise him when Duncan is older. Found as a newborn abandoned kitten while Teazer and Jerrie were on a heist, and his namesake is from him being found in a Duncan-Hines box. Duncan is very food driven, always on the search for his next meal, and Teazer often brings him back swag bags full of treats. He's dotted on by his grandfather Skimble. Duncan becomes a talented tumbler when he's older and is close with his sister Nemeia.

Ophelia (she/her) Design: Chorus Griz

The first kitten and only daughter of Plato and Victoria. Ophelia is much like her parents and is a well-behaved and gentle kitten. She loves reading and becomes very close to Alexander and the two are often caught by the adults reading a book together. The two eventually become mates when they are older.

Gideon (he/him)

The last of Misto's accidental magic kittens. Gideon happens after the other Tugger kittens are older, and he takes after Tugger almost entirely looks wise. Because of this, Tugger is very clingy to him when he's first born, happy to have a kitten inherit his mane. Despite inheriting his father's good looks, Gideon is a fairly shy kitten and doesn't adjust to being the center of attention until he's a young adult.

Bill Bailey (he/him) Design: Revival Bill Bailey

The second kitten and only son of Plato and Victoria. He's much louder and more charismatic than the rest of his family and harbors an unrequited crush on Kara that goes nowhere despite his many attempts to win her over. However, he does eventually fall in love with Lia when the two are older.

Tapper (he/him) Design: Street Cat Tugger

A young street cat who finds himself in the Junkyard one day after being recommended by Bustopher Jones that he go there to learn "manners and respect." He is immediately attracted to Lumine when he first sees her and decides to stick around, with the two becoming mates once they're older.

Admetus (he/him) Design: OG Broadway Plato

A young tom in the same age group and close friends with Tumble and Pounce. He is a friendly, easy-going tom who is under Munk's wing like Plato. He is mates with Sylvani and is very good at calming her down when she is anxious

Oldies OCs:.

Coeus (he/they)

Deceased. Artemis’ father who was the previous tribe archiver, but was the Jellicle Choice when Artemis was an older kitten. He was notoriously meticulous and always put his work first. While Artemis’ mother is unknown, Coeus used to be mates with Gus the Theater Cat and was apart of the Raffish Crew back in the day. 

Eloise (she/her)

An OC based off my old cat. She is a sweet, kind Queen who is close in age and close friends with Jenny and Jelly. She is a Himalayan cat, and is very fluffy to the point where she looks much bigger than she actually is. Eloise is affectionate, especially to her mate Gus Jr and her son, Wyndham. 

[white-cat-of-doom]

It is important to always look your best, and that sometimes entails refluffing yourself at the end of the first Act. Electra always knows to do just that, and so does Etcetera!

Cristina La Gioia as Etcetera, Il Sistina 2022, 06 January 2023.

The less fluffy Cats still aim to look their best regardsless.

Cristina with Francesca Iannì as Syllabub and Gaia Soprano as Cassandra.

Gaia Soprano as Cassandra.

Luca Giacomelli Ferrarini as Gatto Rock Tugger

Rossana Vassallo as Electra and Simone Nocerino as Admetus.

The wigs in preparation backstage.

While Gatto Rock Tugger was making an entrance, Asparagus, played by Fabrizio Angelini, shows off to the youth his flexibility.

[missing-sock-misto]

Table of Contents

I queue everything

✨ My Art: ✨Missing-Sock-Misto-Art ✨

Spaces in hyperlinks are because I hit the hyperlink limit XD

General: like, fav, cats fanart, art, headcanons, fic, drabble, cats humor (lol), cats analysis, cats bts (behind the scenes), cats costume design, interesting, watch links (boots), polls ("Polls" is local to the fandom, ie headcanons, whereas "Tumblr polls" is external to the fandom ie "musical brackets"), ask and answer

Specific general: Actual cats, Art of Actual Cats, anthropomorphic design, cats human au, cats musical moodboards, cats cast tiktoks, cats incorrect quotes,

Users/artists: thunderwhenhepurrs 💜, plzdontdart, sneakydraws, nunsongici, frozencatlady, popping greenbean, elisenel, saph-y 🌟 Chocolama, etchif, its-that-horrible-cat, sevenkittenstc, drygrasses 💕

Productions: catsedit (compilations), cats the musical, cats 1998,

Broadway: cats us tour 6.3, cats us tour 6, broadway revival

Vienna Revival (Vienna 2019)

London, International Tours

Asia Tours: 2020, 2022 (Includes Korea)

Misc: Oasis, Dutch tour, German tour, moscow, madrid, zurich,

Nonreplica: thunerseespiele, kilworth house (WW1), il sistina, Pac NYC

Characters/ Ships: Tuggoffelees, tuggoffelees fanart, platoria, demestrap, demelurina, bombademestrap, mistocavity

Mr Mistoffelees: sm allan, xavier pellin, jacob brent, paul giarratano, ricky ubeda, ibn snell, tion gaston, mj richardson, L chambers - misto fanart, mistoffelees song, cryptid misto, mute misto

Rum Tum Tugger: john partridge, Hank Santos, Alex Snova, Tyler Hanes, Zach Bravo - tugger fanart, the rtt song, terrible bore line,

Other cats:

Munkustrap (Gruber, auler) munk fanart, Macavity, Deut bros, Old Deuteronomy, Demeter, Bombalurina, Jemima,

Monochromatic family- Victoria, Alonzo, Bustopher Jones, Plato,

Skimbleshanks, Jennyanydots, Chaos twins, mungojerrie, rumpleteazer

Notes: some tags I use so commonly that I don’t overlap usage. Ie; ‘Misto fanart’ does not usually have ‘cats fanart’ or ‘mr mistoffelees’ tagged, as there is so much Misto fanart on my blog that it would saturate the tags. I used to before drifting away from that. (This also isn’t a rule, obv.) Also, if I reblog from myself, I don't typically retag, so I don't have repeats in my search.

[persinsala]

L’amore maturo di Donna e quello giovanile della figlia Sofia rivive al Sistina col nuovo allestimento tutto italiano della PeepArrow Entertainment. Nuove tecnologie si uniscono alla magia meccanica del teatro e fanno esclamare Mamma mia! fino al 7 gennaio.

Dopo aver girato l’Italia in lungo e in largo passando per prestigiosi festival estivi come La Versiliana, Catonateatro, Forte Arena, Follonica Summer Festival e la Rassegna delle 11 Lune di Peccioli, il musical Mamma mia! è giunto finalmente al Sistina e allieterà il caloroso pubblico di Roma fino al 7 gennaio. La festa è iniziata già il 6 dicembre scorso con un’ondata di palloncini azzurri che ha invaso via Sistina aspettando il pullman da dove sono scesi entusiasti tutti i protagonisti del musical e continuerà per tutto il periodo natalizio. Massimo Romeo Piparo, con la sua regia attenta, dopo Jesus Christ Superstar, Billy Elliot ed Evita, ha fatto centro un’altra volta portando in Italia, seppur con qualche piccola innovazione che non tradisce l’originale, lo spettacolo più scanzonato, divertente e colorato degli ultimi anni e che ha fatto ballare le platee di tutto il mondo. All’occhio salta subito l’imponente scenografia non più minimal come quella inglese, più reale con tanto di pedane girevoli, che uniscono pontili sotto i quali scorrono oltre novemila litri di acqua in grado di creare effetti incredibili, abbinati alle coreografie di Roberto Croce, altra firma insostituibile della produzione. La locanda si arricchisce di nuovi colori oltre a quelli classici del bianco e del blu, con tanto di bouganville alla finestra, in grado di riportare tutti su quell’isoletta del Mediterraneo illuminata da un faro video proiettato sullo sfondo. All’interno di Notti d’estate, la bellissima locanda creata da Teresa Caruso, ha uno spazio tutto suo l’orchestra diretta dal Maestro Emanuele Friello, che al suo attivo ha già diretto trentasei musical italiani e che, rigorosamente dal vivo, ripropone ventiquattro successi degli ABBA, tradotti fedelmente in italiano, sulle cui note si esibiscono oltre trenta artisti, tra i migliori talenti del musical italiano. Su questi straordinari motivi intramontabili si costruisce tutta la storia di Mamma mia!, una storia leggera ma non per questo banale e ricca di straripante ironia, che anche al cinema nel 2008 ha riscosso un successo senza precedenti.

Siamo nel 2000 e Sofia, prossima alle nozze, sfogliando un diario di sua madre intuisce che uno dei tre uomini elencati tra quelle pagine, in cui sono descritte le avventure amorose di quella particolare estate culminata spesso con tanti “puntini, puntini, puntini”, può essere suo padre. Spedisce dunque tre lettere per invitare i tre uomini al proprio matrimonio all’insaputa di sua madre, presa dai preparativi. Quando sull’isola, Donna si ritroverà di fronte Sam, Romolo ed Enrique, un déjà-vu s’impossesserà di lei e solo l’aiuto e la vicinanza delle amiche Tanya e Rose riuscirà a darle la forza giusta per affrontare quel presente ombreggiato dai ricordi del passato.

Sabrina Marciano è una Donna superlativa, che finalmente dopo tanti bellissimi ruoli da co-protagonista qui è una Dancing Queen al centro del palco, in grado di far scivolare tra le dita palpabili emozioni nella scena in cui prepara la figlia per le nozze, di commuovere con l’SOS all’amato Sam e di divertire con Super Trouper, insieme alle altre due protagoniste femminili, perfette nei panni delle due scatenatissime amiche di sempre, Rosie, l’intellettuale del trio che crede di poter camminare ancora accanto a un uomo, e Tanya, innamorata degli uomini e dei soldi con tre matrimoni alle spalle, interpretate rispettivamente dalle eccezionali Elisabetta Tulli e Laura Di Mauro. Quest’ultima stupisce soprattutto cantando e ballando sulle note di Ma tua mamma sa che sei qui (Does your mother know) accerchiata da un corpo di ballo strepitoso in grado di trascinare il pubblico in un’atmosfera spensierata e vacanziera.

Nel ruolo dei tre padri, tre nomi di spicco, già protagonisti al Sistina di Musical targati Piparo: Luca Ward, che interpreta Romolo Desideri, un Gladiatore di Ostia dallo spiccato accento romano, a cui sono state affidate poche parti cantate a favore di una recitazione che punta a far emergere il suo bel timbro, Paolo Conticini che ricopre il ruolo di Sam, bravissimo nel cantare e nell’interpretare il padre più attinente alla storia, e Sergio Muniz, lo spagnolo Enrique, che ben si difende sul palco con tanto di chitarra e bagno nell’acqua di mare. La giovane figlia Sofia, con la voce da usignolo, è invece interpretata da Eleonora Facchini, classe 1992, che è un vero Tesorino sul palcoscenico del Sistina, mentre Jacopo Sarno, anch’egli molto bravo, seppur un pochino troppo adolescente scenicamente, veste i panni di Sky, fidanzato della bella Sofia.

Un grande allestimento in cui emerge la qualità di tutte le maestranze già citate e a cui si aggiungano i costumi con tanto di paillettes e volant di Cecilia Betona, il suono curato da Alfonso Barbiero e Stefano Gorini, le luci di Daniele Ceprani e ovviamente la produzione esecutiva di Francesca Piparo per PeepArrow Entertainment.

Mamma mia! con i suoi ritornelli che non conoscono tempo è la giusta proposta per Capodanno, che chiude e allo stesso tempo apre una stagione all’insegna della spensieratezza. Due ore e venti di puro intrattenimento confezionato con tanto amore e tanta passione, che trasmette inesauribile energia in grado di scaldare il cuore e impegnare brillantemente la mente. E per citare uno dei testi presenti nel Musical Grazie a tutti voi per questo dono che è la musica… per questa musica!

Mammamia2852foto Antonio Agostini

Mammamia2710foto Antonio Agostini

Mammamia2614foto Antonio Agostini

Mammamia2021foto Antonio Agostini

Mammamia1758foto Antonio Agostini

Lo spettacolo continua: Teatro Sistina via Sistina 129, Roma fino a domenica 7 gennaio orari: da martedì a sabato ore 21.00, domenica ore 17.00, martedì 26/12 ore 17.00, lunedì 1/01 ore 18.00, sabato 6/01 ore 17.00 e ore 21.00 (durata 2 ore e 20 minuti intervallo escluso)

Peeparrow Entertainment presenta Mamma Mia! musiche e testi Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus libretto Catherine Johnson originariamente ideato da Judy Craymer regia Massimo Romeo Piparo con Sabrina Marciano, Luca Ward, Paolo Conticini, Sergio Muniz, Elisabetta Tulli, Laura Di Mauro, Eleonora Facchini, Jacopo Sarno coreografie Roberto Croce costumi Cecilia Betona direzione musicale Emanuele Friello suono Alfonso Barbiero, Stefano Gorini luci Daniele Ceprani

Mamma Mia! L'amore maturo di Donna e quello giovanile della figlia Sofia rivive al Sistina col nuovo allestimento tutto italiano della PeepArrow Entertainment.

[fraa-castiglia]

- Sean: Se ti chiedessi sull'arte probabilmente mi citeresti tutti i libri di arte mai scritti. Michelangelo. Sai tante cose su di lui: le sue opere, le aspirazioni politiche, lui e il papa, le sue tendenze sessuali, tutto quanto... vero? Ma scommetto che non sai dirmi che odore c'è nella cappella Sistina. Non sei mai stato lì con la testa rivolta verso quel bellissimo soffitto. Mai visto. Se ti chiedessi sulle donne probabilmente mi faresti un compendio delle tue preferenze. Potrai perfino aver scopato qualche volta. Ma non sai dirmi che cosa si prova a risvegliarsi accanto a una donna e sentirsi veramente felice. Sei uno tosto, e se ti chiedessi sulla guerra probabilmente mi getteresti Shakespeare in faccia: "ancora una volta sulla breccia, cari amici?" Ma non ne hai mai sfiorata una. Non hai mai tenuto in grembo la testa del tuo migliore amico vedendolo esalare l'ultimo respiro mentre con lo sguardo chiede aiuto. Se ti chiedessi sull'amore probabilmente mi diresti un sonetto. Ma guardando una donna non sei mai stato del tutto vulnerabile. Non ne conosci una che ti risollevi con gli occhi, sentendo che Dio ha mandato un angelo sulla Terra solo per te, per salvarti dagli abissi dell'inferno. Non sai cosa si prova ad essere il suo angelo, avere tanto amore per lei, vicino a lei per sempre, in ogni circostanza, incluso il cancro. Non sai cosa si prova a dormire su una sedia d'ospedale per due mesi tenendole la mano, perché i dottori vedano nei tuoi occhi che il termine "Orario delle visite" non si applica a te. Non sai cos'è la vera perdita, perché questa si verifica solo quando ami una cosa più di quanto ami te stesso. Dubito che tu abbia mai osato amare qualcuno a tal punto. Io ti guardo e non vedo un uomo intelligente, sicuro di sé. Vedo un bulletto che si caga sotto per la paura; ma sei un genio Will, chi lo nega questo? Nessuno può comprendere ciò che hai nel profondo, ma tu hai la pretesa di sapere tutto di me perché hai visto un mio dipinto e hai fatto a pezzi la mia vita del cazzo. Sei orfano giusto? Credi che io riesca ad inquadrare quanto sia stata difficile la tua vita, cosa provi, chi sei... perché ho letto Oliver Twist? Basta questo ad incasellarti? Personalmente me ne strafrego di tutto questo, perché sai una cosa? Non c'è niente che possa imparare da te che non legga in qualche libro del cazzo. A meno che tu non voglia parlare di te, di chi sei... allora la cosa mi affascina, ci sto. Ma tu non vuoi farlo, vero campione? Sei terrorizzato da quello che diresti. A te la mossa, capo. Sean McGuire: So if I asked you about art, you'd probably give me the skinny on every art book ever written. Michelangelo, you know a lot about him. Life's work, political aspirations, him and the pope, sexual orientations, the whole works, right? But I'll bet you can't tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel. You've never actually stood there and looked up at that beautiful ceiling; seen that. If I ask you about women, you'd probably give me a syllabus about your personal favorites. You may have even been laid a few times. But you can't tell me what it feels like to wake up next to a woman and feel truly happy. You're a tough kid. And I'd ask you about war, you'd probably throw Shakespeare at me, right, "once more unto the breach dear friends." But you've never been near one. You've never held your best friend's head in your lap, watch him gasp his last breath looking to you for help. I'd ask you about love, you'd probably quote me a sonnet. But you've never looked at a woman and been totally vulnerable. Known someone that could level you with her eyes, feeling like God put an angel on earth just for you. Who could rescue you from the depths of hell. And you wouldn't know what it's like to be her angel, to have that love for her, be there forever, through anything, through cancer. And you wouldn't know about sleeping sitting up in the hospital room for two months, holding her hand, because the doctors could see in your eyes, that the terms "visiting hours" don't apply to you. You don't know about real loss, 'cause it only occurs when you've loved something more than you love yourself. And I doubt you've ever dared to love anybody that much. And look at you... I don't see an intelligent, confident man... I see a cocky, scared shitless kid. But you're a genius Will. No one denies that. No one could possibly understand the depths of you. But you presume to know everything about me because you saw a painting of mine, and you ripped my fucking life apart. You're an orphan right? [Will nods] Sean McGuire: You think I know the first thing about how hard your life has been, how you feel, who you are, because I read Oliver Twist? Does that encapsulate you? Personally... I don't give a shit about all that, because you know what, I can't learn anything from you, I can't read in some fuckin' book. Unless you want to talk about you, who you are. Then I'm fascinated. I'm in. But you don't want to do that do you sport? You're terrified of what you might say. Your move, chief.

Will Hunting (Matt Damon), Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) dal film "Will Hunting - Genio Ribelle"/ from the film "Good Will Hunting"

[onceinrome1]

Tips for Rome-ance in Rome

Italy travel tip shared by Maria

  Rome ain’t called the Eternal City for fun! It is truly one of the most romantic places in the world.  If you’re in town and want to unlock the best things to do in Rome, we’ve got the answers. And who better to ask for her tips on Rome-ance than the author of popular travel blog HeartRome? A self-proclaimed unabashed romantic, Maria Pasquale teaches you how to turn a vacation to Rome into your very own fairy-tale. Here’s what Maria shared with us on some of the most romantic places in Rome…

HeartRome herself at the Fontanone of Gianicolo

We’re coming to Rome for our honeymoon or for a bit of Rome-ance. What are 3 romantic hotels in Rome that are sure to keep those wedding bells ringing?

For many couples, and especially those on their honeymoon, a trip to Rome is the trip of a lifetime.  The Eternal City is awash with class and style, as well as beautiful and historic sites that will ensure you create romantic memories to last a lifetime.  Here are 3 hotels in Rome that ooze romance, making them perfect for your honeymoon in Rome.

Grand Hotel de La Minerve Piazza della Minerva, 69 (average €320 per night per room)

This hotel is known for its stunning and romantic rooftop terrace from which guests (including myself!) since the 18th century have been treated to a breathtaking view of Rome, including the dome of the Pantheon, the dome of St. Ivo’s church, and the roof terrace of the Quirinale.

Hassler Villa Medici Piazza Trinità Dei Monti, 6 (average €550 per night per room)

Considered one of the world’s finest hotels, the legendary Hotel Hassler stands in a prized location atop Rome’s famed Spanish Steps and affords a panoramic view of the city. Just about every famous visitor to Rome in the past century has passed through the doors of this 5-star hotel.

Intercontinental De La Ville Via Sistina, 69 (average €280 per night per room)

Also situated on the top of the Spanish Steps with a picture perfect view of Rome, many of the upper-level rooms and suites at the InterContinental De La Ville Roma feature a balcony to take advantage of the romantic vista. But don’t despair if you can’t afford one of these rooms – you’ll want to look inward as well because this former 19th-century palazzo has the prettiest open courtyard.

I appreciate that you might be a newlywed budget and would prefer to save your bucks for spending. A less expensive – but equally romantic option – would be Hotel Fontana. Situated right across from the Trevi Fountain, you can’t get more romantic than that! (average €160 per room per night). For a cozy B&B option, check out Caesar House Residenze Romane (from €140 per room per night).

Now how about if you’re broken hearted and coming to Rome to mend! What are your tips?

As most of us know too well, love does not always last (well until you find true love they say!) and when it ends, you are allowed to cry! You gotta let it out, girl! (or boy!) Rome is known as the city of fountains – so there isn’t a better or more cathartic place in the world to sit and cry.

Many Romans say that la miglior fontana per piangere la fine di un amore (the best fountain to mourn the end of a love story) is the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (or as Romans call it er Fontanone – the big fountain). And it is big! It sits proudly on Gianicolo – one of the hills of Rome that is a comfortable climb from Trastevere. The bonus is that the location offers a breathtaking view of the city, and believe me – it will reignite your passion for life and make you forget all your worries! And history tells us that in 1849 during the battle for Rome on Gianicolo, the Fontanone sustained damage from French cannon fire – but over 150 years later, it’s still standing – a reminder that broken hearts hurt, but they mend too!

Now that you’ve done the Italian thing and cried for your lost love – let it go already! Then head straight down the hill to the fun and oldest Roman quartiere (district) of Trastevere. Get lost in the winding streets and have a drink (or 5) in the endless selection of bars. You will find new love here (well ok, maybe not Mr/Ms Right… but nothing wrong with a Mr/Ms Right Now!). Couple of bar tips include Freni e Frizioni (Via dei Politeama 4), Ma che siete venuti a fa (Via Benedetta 25) or Trastevere institution Bar San Calisto (Piazza San Calisto, 3).

The amazing view from Gianicolo of all of “Rome-antic” Rome

Tell us your itinerary for an unforgettable night in some of the most romantic places Rome?

Gentlemen, if you want to impress a lady, meet her in the early evening at the Spanish Steps (Piazza Spagna – very romantic!) and take a short stroll to Hotel Locarno for an aperitivo. Aperitif time in Rome is between 6.30 and 9.30 pm and is the best thing to do at this hour. This stylish art deco hotel is located near Piazza del Popolo and has an intimate garden terrace perfect for drinks as the sun sets on the Eternal City.  After drinks, I suggest you walk to the river, il Tevere, where on one of Rome’s beautiful bridges you might share a first kiss under the lights of the beautiful Castel Sant’Angelo.

Alternatively, what better way to woo your special someone than to wine and dine them while learning how to pair Italian cuisine and wines from a Master Italian Sommelier? That’s what you’ll do during this fabulous wine-tasting dinner (and Marco, the sommelier, can probably give you some tips on Roman-style romance too…)!

I’ll bet you didn’t know that….

An estimated €3,000 worth of coins are thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day, which also guarantees at the very least 3,000 kisses between lovers daily.

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Voted one of the best things to do in Rome, Eating Italy Food Tours offer walking food tours through Rome’s oldest and most authentic neighborhoods: Trastevere and Testaccio.

This post was originally published on August 5, 2012 and was updated on January 31, 2017.

The post Tips for Rome-ance in Rome appeared first on Eating Italy Food Tours.

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[cassandra-has-moonlit-eyes]

I think in the recent productions one of the best make up for the Queens was done by the Il Sistina Production, which is a non replica  As far as I understand the make up was designed by two women.

For the first time I saw a picture that made me think, which was which cat.

They have quite different make up but because of the same colour palette and the leaving out the vibrant lip stick they do look very similar which I love.

To be fair Rumpletazer has a coloured lower lip on some pictures but it is never the bright red that was used by London based productions for years.

Also Tantomile and Coricopat: Peak design. They both used red in their general make up and costume, they both have, again a black upper lip, and a red lower lip. While Tantomiles lower lip is much more prominent, Coricopats is smaller but it’s still there. So when you give red lips to one of the “twin” characters, give it to both.

Also big fan of the fact that the queens do not have same face syndrom. I remember one video where the actors only wore make up, no wigs or costumes but you could still tell the women apart very well. With some of the newer production this becomes more difficult sometimes, especially with characters like Bombalurina, Demeter and Jemima, while Jellylorums make up seems to become less and less in contrast in some replica producitons.

I’m also so in love with Demeters make up. It’s very classical “femine” with the dark eyes and the contouring on her cheeks but at the same time it gives her a very edgy (literal) look. I’m also such a big fan of her long black upper lip. It looks so cool and cat like. And she looks different from Bomba. She is very beautiful but in her own way. They kind of do have stronger make up than some toms but at the same time the make up artists get the idea that there a very different way to give a woman hot make up, not just to slap red lips on her.

Not using the red lips on every female character also makes Bomba stick out. With her character design you can see that she is supposed to be the sexy, beautiful lady. She has more lashes and redder lips than most other female characters. It’s still towened down in a shade which fits her furr colour.

Last point is that red lips are also used for the toms. George (on the left) had a little bit red on his lower lip similiar to coricopat. Electra (on the right side) which I would argue was also to be intended one of the sexier female characters in this production by make up and costume design, has very prominent red lips too and sticks out compared to the other female “kitten” characters, a little bit like Bomba does.

Also to be fair again: The make up of the characters changed  slightly. But what is very promiennt is the black upper lip which I love because it’s so cat like.