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CATSMusic by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Based on Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot
Performances: Friday, September 6, 2024 through Sunday, September 15, 2024
Auditions: All audition materials will be provided.
General Auditions: Sunday, June 23 and Monday, June 24 – 7:00 pm
Callbacks Only: Tuesday, June 25 - 7:00pm
Please come prepared to sing and dance and dress appropriately for movement. Open to those ages 10 and up. Kids will be required to dance.
CATS is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with purr-fect felines including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Skimbleshanks and Grizabella.
The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year - the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.
Roles available in Cats:
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
There are non-dance roles available, as well as pit-singer positions.
Bombalurina and Demeter – Sensually lying across the stage and moving with elegance these two beautiful Jellicle Queens are best friends and are rarely seen apart. Their remarkable friendship contains some contrasting traits and they use this to their advantage. Bombalurina is the more self-possessed, flirtatious cat of the two. Although she’s confident, kind and touching, she can also be harsh. This personality is shown when she is angry towards Grizabella, although she eventually grows to respect and welcome her. Ladylike and mature, Demeter seems uninterested by Rum Tum Tugger but is extremely paranoid of Macavity and his whereabouts. Beneath her dignified shell, she is a tortured soul and always looks to her best friend for help in uncomfortable situations. These two young adults both share a stirring hatred towards Macavity and his sly, evil personality, shown through their duet ‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat’ and this ultimately creates an even stronger bond between them.
Bustopher Jones – Strutting his way round in his fastidious black coat and white spats, this distinguished cat is older and wiser than most of his fellow cats and has gained a respectful reputation amongst the Jellicle Tribe. Due to his frequent visits to gentlemen’s clubs to eat winkles and shrimp, his figure has grown ‘remarkably round’. Yet this has no effect on the way his fellow friends respect him… Quaxo has grown particularly fond of Bustopher and holds a significant bond with him. This leisurely, preserved gentleman has a proud personality and a daily routine.
Grizabella – Slinking out of the shadows, Grizabella appears, wearing a ragged and worn out coat, her once beautiful dress torn to shreds. She moves slowly and carefully, cautiously watching the Jellicle Cats who eye her with suspicion. After leaving the Jellicle Tribe many years ago, the cats refuse to accept her back into the fold. Grizabella is a sad and lonely cat, who spends her days lost in her memories of when she was young and adored. The older Jellicles remember her time in the tribe, and how she left them, so as she crawls back, begging forgiveness, many of them scratch and claw at her, turning their backs as she slinks slowly away. All alone in the moonlight, she reflects on her ‘Memory’ of a happier time…
Jellylorum – Jellylorum is one of the more mature Jellicles, alongside Jennyanydots, Skimbleshanks and Asparagus. She is often seen trying to bring order to the Jellicles or scolding kittens when they misbehave.
Jemima – Jemima is the youngest member of the tribe, and is seen to represent the innocence, emotion and playfulness of Cats. She is very friendly and welcoming, accepting Grizabella when she continues Grizabella’s song after she collapses in Memory (reprise). She is also attracted to the Rum Tum Tugger and is part of his fan club.
Jennyanydots – This old Gumbie Cat could easily be mistaken for being lazy. She spends her days seeking out the warm and sunny spots where she sits, and sits, and sits, and sleeps as the hours tick by. But when the moon rises in the sky, Jennyanydots comes alive. She bakes and fries, she teaches the mice ‘knitting, crocheting and tatting’ and she employs the cockroaches to be her troop of helpful boy-scouts. It could be said her greatest skill is turning household pests into productive and organized creatures.
Macavity – Suddenly a thunderous crash, followed by the sound of police sirens and flashing red lights signals that the villainous cat Macavity is on the loose! The cats scatter, leaving an empty stage. Macavity the Mystery Cat has the nickname ‘The Hidden Paw’ for a reason… While his crimes are widely known, he is a master criminal who is too clever to leave any evidence of his crimes. He is a well-known escape artist and is well versed in the art of eluding Scotland Yard. This fiery, unkempt criminal has an evil personality and is rarely seen behaving himself. In fact, he spends much of his time attempting to kidnap Demeter, only to take off with Old Deuteronomy.
Mr. Mistoffelees – Sprinting onto the stage the incredible Mister Mistoffelees makes a grand entrance for a grand performance… The magical conjuring act – Mistoffelees is an energetic stage performer, his illusionist act has the Jellicles dazzled and enchanted by his surreal tricks and conjurations. The young kitten sports a black and white flashing tuxedo to boost his incredible performances. These occur in ‘Mister Mistoffelees’ and the emotive dance with Victoria in ‘The Invitation To The Jellicle Ball’ and yet he is still not confident within his own fur…
Mungojerrie / Rumpleteazer – Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are a notorious couple of cats. Whispers about town know them as ‘knockabout clowns, quick change comedians, tight rope walkers and acrobats.’ The cheeky pair, who have a remarkable way of working together, have an extensive reputation that leaves families in their Victoria Grove neighborhood cursing ‘that horrible cat. Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer are identical twins and work completely in-sync, leaving the families in the neighborhood wondering which cat made which mess!
Munkustrap – Munkustrap is an energetic, dignified adult tabby cat that acts as a guide for the Jellicles, a protector of the kittens and a fighter of the infamous Macavity! His mature judgement and strong imposing figure sees him as the second in command of the Jellicles, and he is proven worthy of this position when he courageously throws Macavity out of the junkyard. He is strongly connected to Old Deuteronomy and shows his responsibility for the by overseeing the entire show, letting the cats and audience members know when it is time to nominate and choose the cat who will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new Jellicle Life.
Old Deuteronomy – Old Deuteronomy moves slowly underneath his shabby old coat. The Jellicle Tribe spring to greet the ancient cat ‘who has lived many lives in succession’ with many having to be restrained by Munkustrap as he moves through the junkyard. Old Deuteronomy is the Jellicle Cats’ wise and respected leader who spends much of his days sitting in the sun ‘on the vicarage wall’. He cares about and respects each and every cat in his tribe, including Grizabella who he tries throughout the show to accept back into the fold. Old Deuteronomy can see the value of each and every cat within the Jellicle Tribe.
The Rum Tum Tugger – Adding an extra spark to the Jellicle Ball, Rum Tum Tugger arrives ready to steal the limelight. This rebellious young kitten likes to cause mischief amongst the Jellicle tribe. Never one to shy away from being center stage, he takes center stage and enjoys the attention from Bombalurina, Cassandra and Demeter. Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat who always prefers what he doesn’t have. If you set him on a mouse, then he only wants a rat, but if you set him on a rat then he’d rather chase a mouse. He is artful and knowing and doesn’t care for a cuddle but is more than happy to jump in the middle of your sewing and create a horrible muddle.
Rumpus Cat – Smash! The foolish Rumpus Cat dramatically dives in to the junkyard! He may be a superhero in The Battle of the Pekes and Pollicles but this character is simply one of the Jellicle cats dressed up in order to entertain Old Deuteronomy.
Skimbleshanks – Skimbleshanks is an older ginger tabby cat that considers himself very important within the tribe. His cheerful energetic personality is constantly at the forefront yet he shows his soft, loving side regularly and is often seen with Jennyanydots or tending to the kittens. However, his main role is to work on the mail trains travelling at nighttime, which he considers a vital contribution to the Jellicles and sings about in ‘Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat’. The night mail train can’t leave without Skimbleshanks!
Victoria – Victoria’s pure white fur shines under the Jellicle moon whilst she gracefully pivots and glides across the junkyard. Victoria is an innocent, timid kitten although she becomes surprisingly confident in the presence of Rum Tum Tugger. She is the most beautiful of the Jellicles and her sheer flexibility is presented in her solo dance after ‘The Naming of the Cats’. She is the principle ballerina in the show.
Asparagus (Gus the Theatre Cat) – The ‘theatre cat’ who was famous in his youth, as he was a cat of the stage. However, he is now very old, and soon will be gone, but he proudly tells the rest of the tribe of his youth and his roles on stage.
Featured Ensemble Cats
*Please note this list is not conclusive as it will depend on cast size following casting and characters may be removed or added accordingly.
Admetus-friendly, easygoing, protective
Alonzo-vain, uncertain, bravado
Bill Bailey-chaotic, imprudent, funny
Carbuckety -acrobatic, energetic, accident-prone
Cassandra-haughty, disdainful, aloof
Coricopat-telepathic, unruffled, instinctive
Electra-adolescent, inquisitive, daring
Etcetera-hyper, nimble, creative
Exotica-mysterious, shy, quiet
George-shy, excitable, humble
Griddlebone-vain, attention seeking, flamboyant
Grumbuskin-brave, independent, adventurous
Plato-playful, slightly immature teenager
Pouncival-young, troublesome, fun loving kitten
Quaxo-nimble, inquisitive, assured
Sillabub-dreamy, yearning, curious
Tantomile-telepathic, suspicious, sensitive
Tumblebrutus-self-conscious, timid and eager to please
Victor-supportive, young, brave
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
417 S Dargan St, Florence, SC, United States, South Carolina 29506