She is left to contemplate her “Memory” of the time before she left the tribe. Grizabella appears once more, wanting to rejoin her family and be a part of the celebration. It is time for “The Jellicle Ball,” the great annual dance in which all of the cats celebrate. Old Deuteronomy soothes them as they come back one by one. ‘And now that the Jellicle leader is here, Jellicle Cats can all rejoice!’ Yet another crash from the villainous Macavity is heard, which sends the cats scurrying. The entire tribe re-enters as their benevolent and wise old leader Old Deuteronomy arrives. Two off stage giggles signal the entrance of Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, a fun loving, frolicking team of pranksters who are always getting into trouble with the family with whom they live. 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. He spends his time eating, eating and eating in one of the many English pubs and clubs that he frequents. She left the tribe years ago to explore the outside world and now wants to return.īustopher Jones is a large ‘twenty-five pounder’, always clad in his signature white spats. Grizabella, the Glamour Cat, is shunned by the rest of the tribe despite being a Jellicle Cat. The Rum Tum Tugger is a playful prankster that the female cats find extremely attractive, and who enjoys being the centre of attention. ‘She sits and sits and sits and sits, and that’s what makes a Gumbie Cat!’ Jennyanydots, the Old Gumbie Cat, sleeps and lounges all day long.

Victoria, a young white cat, dances to signal “The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball.” Munkustrap, a large grey tabby, explains that the Jellicle Cats meet once a year to rejoice! They are waiting for their leader, the wise Old Deuteronomy, who will choose which one of the Jellicle Cats will journey to the Heaviside Layer to be ‘reborn’ into a new life! It is the contemplation of these secret names which keeps felines deep in thought.

They are proud, however, and in “The Naming of the Cats” explain to their human visitors who they are and reveal that cats have three different names: the one the family uses daily, a more dignified name and a secret name. The cats are at first suspicious and reluctant to allow the audience into their domain. They emerge singing of their unique abilities and special traits. Tonight is the one special night each year when the tribe of Jellicle Cats reunites to celebrate who they are. Probing car lights tear across the darkened landscape of bottles and boxes, briefly catching the darting image of a running feline. Suddenly an explosion of music and lights reveals a larger- than-life junkyard.

Moment by moment musical synopsis