
Let's dive into the fascinating world of Cats musical characters. The Jellicle Cats are a tribe of felines that come together once a year to decide which one of them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.
Munkustrap, the leader of the Jellicle Cats, is a skilled hunter and a natural leader. He's the one who keeps the tribe in line and ensures their survival.
Demeter, the mother of Grizabella, is a kind and nurturing figure who has dedicated her life to caring for her daughter. Her love and devotion to Grizabella are unwavering.
Old Deuteronomy, the wise and aged Jellicle Cat, is the keeper of the tribe's history and traditions. He's the one who guides the Jellicles in their decision-making process and helps them understand their place in the world.
Main Characters
Grizabella is an aging starlet, a decrepit, depressed cat who's been rejected by the rest of the Jellicles. Her song "Memory" has been covered by many famous artists, including Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion.
Grizabella's story is a sad one, but her song has become iconic. It's a powerful ballad that showcases her Academy Award-winning talents.
Munkustrap, on the other hand, is a friendly, energetic, and courageous cat who's the leader and protector of his tribe. He's a large, physically imposing cat who loves to tell stories.
Bustopher Jones
Bustopher Jones is a charming feline known for his dandyish demeanor. He's often referred to as the "Brummell of cats" due to his refined taste and elegant appearance.
This black-and-white cat is quite the character, weighing in at a whopping 25 pounds. His love for fine things in life is evident in his frequent visits to gentlemen's clubs.
Grizabella, the Glamour
Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, is an aging starlet with a rough exterior and a sharp sense of self-awareness.
She's a decrepit and depressed cat, rejected by the rest of the Jellicles, much like Norma Desmond from Sunset Boulevard.
Grizabella's song "Memory" has been covered by many famous artists, including Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion.
Jennifer Hudson, an American Idol alum, will bring her Academy Award-winning talents to the role of Grizabella in the film.
Growltiger and Griddlebone
Growltiger and Griddlebone are two beloved characters from the story, with Growltiger being a rough-riding sea captain cat and Griddlebone his fluffy white lover.
Growltiger's character has been featured in some stage productions, where he's played by actors like Gus, who reminisces about playing the part long ago. Gus' experience as Growltiger is a testament to the character's enduring appeal.
The characters have been left out of some productions, including the 1998 film, but Hooper's version will feature them, where they'll be played by British actor Ray Winstone and Australian performer Melissa Madden Gray, also known as Meow Meow.
A different take: Cat Character
Macavity, The Mystery
Macavity is a tall, thin criminal cat with sunken eyes and dusty ginger fur. He's the main antagonist in the show, and the Jellicles are plainly terrified of him.
Macavity is a ginger tabby with striking shades of black, white, and red. He's the most mysterious and dangerous cat on the show, at times being described as “malevolent.”
He's a master escape artist, always up to his whiskers in trouble. Macavity is known for his ability to elude capture and conviction, which impresses the Jellicles despite their fear of him.
Macavity is played by Idris Elba in the Cats musical movie. He's a talented actor who brings this complex character to life.
Mr. Mistoffelees
Mr. Mistoffelees is a tuxedo cat who loves to perform magic tricks with high leaps and pizzazz. He's a fan favorite among the other cats in the story.
Laurie Davidson, the actor who plays Shakespeare in the TV show Will, will be bringing Mr. Mistoffelees to life on stage.
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are partners in petty crime, notorious for smashing vases and stealing pearls.
They describe themselves as "knockabout clowns, quick-change comedians, tightrope walkers, and acrobats", showcasing their playful and mischievous nature.
Naoimh Morgan, who actually played Rumpleteazer in the Cats international tour, will join British dancer Danny Collins to bring the spirited rascals to life in the film.
Munkustrap
Munkustrap is a striking, silver cat who plays a crucial role in the musical. He's arguably the most important character in the story.
As the leader and protector of his tribe, Munkustrap is a large, physically imposing cat. He's a silvery grey tabby with a friendly and energetic personality.
Munkustrap is not only a brave warrior but also a skilled narrator, reveling in his storytelling to his tribe and the audience alike. He takes charge against Macavity's attack, showing his courage and leadership skills.
Robert Fairchild, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer and Tony Award nominee, brings Munkustrap to life on stage, showcasing his musical theater machine skills.
A fresh viewpoint: Cats Musical Songs Memory
Old Deuteronomy
Old Deuteronomy is a large, grey, and old cat. He's the patriarch character of the show, respected as a leader and beloved by his tribe.
He usually moves slow, but has moments of liveliness. Dame Judi Dench will play Old Deuteronomy, the revered town elder who chooses one lucky kitty at the annual Jellicle Ball.
It's not Dench's first time in the junkyard, as she was preparing to appear in the original 1981 West End production of Cats when she had to pull out due to an injury.
Bombalurina
Bombalurina is a red tabby cat who loves to be the center of attention.
She's a confident and glamorous cat who isn't afraid to flirt with Rum Tum Tugger.
Musical Numbers
Cats in musicals are known for their unique and memorable songs.
Jellicle cats, like Mr. Mistoffelees from Cats, are famous for their magical singing voices.
These feline characters often have elaborate musical numbers that showcase their personality and traits.
The iconic song "Memory" from Cats has become a classic example of a memorable musical number in a cat-themed musical.
Rum Tum Tugger
The Rum Tum Tugger is a rock-n'-roll feline with a flair for drama. He's known for his energetic performances and iconic dance moves.
This charismatic cat has a song to his name, and he even takes the stage to sing "Mr. Mistoffelees". He's a bit of a scene-stealer, that's for sure.
With Jason Derulo taking on the role for the film, we can expect a modernized, moonwalking version of this swoon-worthy cat. His dance moves are sure to get the audience on their feet.
Ranking Musical Numbers in (2019)

Ranking Musical Numbers in 2019 was a tough task, but some numbers stood out from the rest.
The top 10 musical numbers of 2019 included hits from the musicals Hadestown and The Prom, with 8 songs from Hadestown making the cut.
The musical number "Wait for Me" from Hadestown was a fan favorite, showcasing the powerful vocals of Eva Noblezada.
The Prom's "Changing Lives" was another standout, highlighting the cast's impressive singing and dancing skills.
Hadestown's "Road to Hell" was a dark and haunting number, featuring the talents of Patrick Page and Amber Gray.
The Prom's "The Lady's Got Potential" was a fun and upbeat number, featuring the comedic talents of Beth Leavel.
Hadestown's "A Sign" was a beautiful and poignant ballad, showcasing the vocal range of Eva Noblezada.
The Prom's "Love Thoroughly" was a romantic duet, featuring the talents of Josh Lamon and Beth Leavel.
Hadestown's "Flowers" was a sweet and tender number, featuring the talents of Amber Gray and Patrick Page.
The Prom's "It's Not About Me" was a powerful and emotional number, featuring the talents of Caitlin Kinnunen.
Hadestown's "Why We Build the Wall" was a haunting and thought-provoking number, featuring the talents of Patrick Page and Amber Gray.
Your Is Macavity
Your cat is Macavity, a ginger tabby with striking shades of black, white, and red.
Macavity is a mysterious and dangerous cat, at times being described as “malevolent.”
This cat is a well-known escape artist among humans and cats.
Cast and Crew
The talented cast and crew behind Cats brought the beloved musical characters to life.
Jason Derulo played Rum Tum Tugger, the charismatic and energetic rockstar of the Jellicles.
The Rum Tum Tugger's iconic rockstar persona was inspired by 1950s rock 'n' roll artists, as seen in the article's section on "Rum Tum Tugger's Rockstar Persona".
Benjamin Millepied, a renowned choreographer, worked with the cast to create the stunning dance sequences that have become synonymous with Cats.
Victoria
Victoria is a standout character in the film, thanks to her gleaming white coat and balletic dance solos. Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward brings her to life in the movie.
The role of Victoria has been expanded into a main character in the film. This is a significant change from the original musical, where Victoria didn't sing any lines of her own.
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Taylor Swift collaborated on a new song called "Beautiful Ghosts" for the movie.
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Jellylorum
Jellylorum is a golden and white tabby cat.
She's a mature character who's often tasked with keeping the younger cats in line.
You might picture her as a no-nonsense mom figure, scolding the misbehaved, but that's not the whole story.
In reality, Jellylorum is a cheery busybody who loves to get involved in the tribe's activities.
Your Is Bombalurina
Your cat is Bombalurina. She's a red tabby with a flair for the dramatic and a love of being the center of attention.
Bombalurina exudes confidence and glamour, with a bit of a protective side. She's particularly fond of flirting with the Rum Tum Tugger.
As played by Taylor Swift in the Cats musical movie, Bombalurina is a sassy and charming feline.
Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots
Rebel Wilson shines as Jennyanydots, a light gingery tabby with white markings. She's a doting, motherly figure interested in the well-being of others.
In the Cats musical movie, Rebel Wilson brings Jennyanydots to life, showcasing her caring and controlling personality. Jennyanydots is a cat who sits and naps during the day, then runs the household at night.
Jennyanydots is a "Gumbie Cat" which, according to the song, sits and sits and sits and sits, allegedly making her a Gumbie Cat. Her laid-back nature is quite the opposite of some other feline characters we've seen.
Rebel Wilson's portrayal of Jennyanydots is a great example of how a cat's personality can be both gentle and in charge at the same time.
Miscellaneous Chorus
In the Miscellaneous Chorus, some characters are omitted from productions or not assigned specific roles. Bill Bailey, Carbucketty, and Electra are a few examples of chorus cat names that haven't been given to anyone in the film.
The film's ensemble members include Corey John Snide, who played Coricopat, and Kolton Krause, who played Tumblebrutus on Broadway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cat names in Cats?
The main cat characters in the musical Cats are Asparagus, Bombalurina, Bustopher Jones, and Demeter. These feline friends are central to the show's storyline and memorable performances.
Who does Taylor Swift play in the musical Cats?
Taylor Swift plays Bombalurina, a sassy and charismatic character in the musical Cats. She brings this rabble-rousing outsider to life with her energetic and captivating performance.
Who is the lead cat in The Cats?
Grizabella is the lead cat in The Cats, a lonely and decrepit feline seeking acceptance from her Jellicle peers. She is a main character in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats.
Is Cats a good Broadway musical?
Cats is a celebration of the beauty and magic of theater, showcasing singing, music, dancing, and more. It's a must-see for Broadway fans and those who love the art of theater.
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