Question about male characters in CATS
Question about male characters in CATS
sleepyguy1717
Broadway Star Joined: 8/1/07
#1Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/19/08 at 5:12pm
I just found out that the summer show at my local children's theater was decided over the weekend, and its to be Cats. Not my first choice, but I'm not a hater. The good thing is, at this particular theater, I'm probably one of the stronger dancers (only because I've been taking dance for so many years) and I'm one of the older kids. So I'm hoping I can get a lead. But I was wondering, what male character sings the most? Which dances the most? I was thinking about going for Munkustrap, but Rum Tum Tugger seems fun too. I could also realistically try out for Old Deuteronomy, but it wouldn't be my first choice, because I want to go for a character who does a lot of singing and dancing, if I can. Same goes for Mistoffolees.
Thanks!
#2re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/21/08 at 1:56amTugger, Mistoffeles, Munkustrap, Mungo Jerrie, and Macavity, also the police cat(his name escapes me)
vmlinnie
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/19/06
#2re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/21/08 at 3:15pm
Police Cat, is that Bustopher Jones or something?
All of the male roles have decent singing parts, as mentioned by Mr. Mistoffeles above. Deuteronomy obviously sings but doesn't dance, otherwise all are very balanced mixing dance and song roles. Tugger mostly struts, Macavity has to be balletic and disturbingly graceful at times, Mistoffeles is a high-kicking pastiche sort.
deep-delving, dark, deliberate you would say
browsing on spire and bogland; but today
our sky-blue slates are steaming in the sun,
our yachts tinkling and dancing in the bay
like racehorses. We contemplate at last
shining windows, a future forbidden to no one.
Derek Mahon
"Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets."
Arthur Miller
#3re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/21/08 at 3:34pm
no. Bustopher Jones is the fat society cat.
"Bustopher Jones is not skin and bones, in fact hes remarkably fat"
Demeter!! Thats his name!
also look at skimbleshanks, growltiger, and Jellylorum
sleepyguy1717
Broadway Star Joined: 8/1/07
#4re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/21/08 at 9:25pmWell I don't neccessarily want to be the character who sings the most or dances the most. I'm just looking for a character who does a lot of both. So I'm guessing Munkustrap would have a mix of the most singing and dancing followed by Tugger?
#5re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/21/08 at 11:23pmgo for Munkustrap! he is sort of the "Second in Command" to Deuteronomy. He sings a lot. and dances a lot. If you are looking for both of those things go for him!
#6re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/22/08 at 2:07amYou asked a general question and I gave a general answer. Im sorry if I was not of help. I do hope you get whatever you decide to go for
chinto1984
Leading Actor Joined: 8/6/07
#7re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/22/08 at 4:33pmThere is really no lead male role in CATS. Munkastrap or Rumtum Tugger have more stand out roles. Also there is alot of flexibility in how to divy up the songs. Some times Mr. Mistofelles doesn't sing but dances. Munkastrap is the narrator of them all but it is easy to give his songs to other people. Even you get like Munkastrap, you might not get all of his songs. If any thing go after Rum Tum Tugger because he has a very fun and active song.
#8re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/22/08 at 4:51pm
Munk- is a sort of "leader" and has a lot of lead singing and dancing parts.
Mistofelles- has a big dance solo
Tugger- sings two songs
Also if you cast the same actor as Bustopher/Gus/Growltiger then you will get a lot of singer too. However, not much dancing.
#9re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/22/08 at 9:40pm
Demeter's a girl...
Anyway, Munkustrap is probably your best bet, but Rum Tum Tugger would have to be the most fun, I'd imagine. Especially if you're a ham. 
#10re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/22/08 at 10:51pm
hahah
thanks justagirl.
when its four am, your eyes on casting lists are kind of crossed. Sorry for the mess up :)
#11re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/24/08 at 3:12pmJellylorum is also a girl :)
#12re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/24/08 at 9:41pm
my god lol.
I need to see this show again
dont listen to anything I say lol
#13re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 2/26/08 at 2:33pm
If you're wanting to go really strong on the dancing, I would lean more towards Munkustrap...just because in all of the productions I've seen the Rum Tum Tugger is more of a sexy, jump around kind of guy. His come hither, shake my hips kind of moves are almost human-like and really flashy but from the rehearsals I've witnessed Munkustrap had to undergo alot more physically demanding moves.
Of course...the Rum Tum Tugger is a possible show stealer.
#14re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 3/31/08 at 8:38pm
if you're going for a song that will make everyone cry, there's Gus the theatre cat. it's kinda boring, but if done right it can be a tear jerker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyAWslaDvz4
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PalaceRent06
Understudy Joined: 1/18/06
#15re: Question about male characters in CATS
Posted: 4/6/08 at 10:20pmmunkustrap sings...but he doesnt really sing the greatest stuff...if you want singing and dancing rum tug tugger is a great role...mistofelees would be great for dancing.
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