Mr. Mistoffelees
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2014) |
Mr. Mistoffelees | |
---|---|
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and Cats character | |
Created by | T. S. Eliot |
In-universe information | |
Alias | Quaxo |
Species | Cat |
Mr. Mistoffelees is a character in
The role of Mr. Mistoffelees was originated by
Poem
He is quiet and small, he is black
From his ears to the tip of his tail;
He can creep through the tiniest crack,
He can walk on the narrowest rail.
He can pick any card from a pack,
He is equally cunning with dice;
He is always deceiving you into believing
That he's only hunting for mice.
He can play any trick with a cork
Or a spoon and a bit of fish-paste;
If you look for a knife or a fork
And you think it is merely misplaced--
You have seen it one moment, and then it is gawn!
But you'll find it next week lying out on the lawn.
Mistoffelees' name derives from the demon Mephistopheles. However, the character is not sinister as the name implies, and instead is described by Eliot as being "the original conjuring cat", who is "always deceiving you into believing that he's only hunting for mice" — a mysterious, quiet and small black feline capable of performing feats of magic and sleight of hand. These traits are portrayed as amusing, not fearsome or particularly deadly.
Although originally published as part of a collection of poems, "Mr. Mistoffelees" was published as a standalone book by
Cats
In
In most productions, Mistoffelees also sings the "Invitation to the Jellicle Ball" in the first act. In the original
The role is usually played by dancers with extensive ballet training.[8][9] Because the role's technical demands necessarily trump the performer's vocal abilities, the show permits multiple vocal tracks for the character—thereby allowing some dancers to sing quite a bit, while others do no singing at all. In productions where Mistoffelees does sing, he is played by a high baritone.[10][8][9]
In the 2019 film adaptation, however, the role has been significantly altered. Mistoffelees, depicted by Laurie Davidson, is more nervous and unsure of himself. He is shown to actually have magical powers, including being able to levitate objects and able to pull objects such as mice and flowers out of his hat. He saves Victoria from a dog when Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer abandon her in a house and becomes her friend and confidant by the end of the film.
Costume
Although Eliot's poem is specific about Mistoffelees's appearance being "black from the ears to the tip of his tail", the practicalities of stage costume mean he is usually portrayed as a black-and-white tuxedo cat, as a pure black costume would be completely lost under stage lighting. He wears two costumes, a basic black hatched leotard with white chest and fluffy warmers through the majority of the show, and, for his feature song, a more glamorous black velvet and rhinestone costume, with a black jacket fitted with electric flashing lights to make for a more spectacular entrance.
Notable casting
The role of Mr. Mistoffelees was originated by
Laurie Davidson portrayed him in the 2019 film adaptation.[14]
In popular culture
In 1980 the British actor Paul Nicholas released the song Magical Mr Mistoffelees as a single.
When Neil Patrick Harris hosted Saturday Night Live in 2009, Bobby Moynihan played Mr. Mistoffelees in a "Save Broadway" sketch.[15]
In The Adventure Zone Versus Dracula, Mr. Mistoffelees is a ghostly shopkeeper who resembles the musical character, selling monster hunting gear with his “shopkeeping turns.”[16]
References
- Faber and Faber. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- ^ "Mister Mistoffelees". Cats the Musical (official website). Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
- ^ a b Willmott, Phil (28 August 2015). "Who's your favourite Cats Cat?". LondonBoxOffice.co.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
- ^ Sternfeld 2006, p. 132
- ^ a b "Cats: The Musical Numbers". Really Useful Group. Archived from the original on 13 August 2008. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
- ^ Sternfeld 2006, p. 156
- ^ Hom, Elaine (22 March 2018). "Happy Birthday, Andrew Lloyd Webber!". BroadwayHD. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
- ^ Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Archivedfrom the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ a b "Cats Audition" (PDF). Vereinigte Bühnen Wien. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ "Cast / Vocal Requirements: Cats". The Musical Company. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ "Original London Cast List". Really Useful Group. Archived from the original on 15 August 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
- ^ "Original Broadway Cast List". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
- ^ "Preview and Cast of Cats". PBS. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (25 September 2018). "'Cats' Cast Grows: Tom Hooper-Directed Musical Adds Laurie Davidson". Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ [1] Archived 2 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "The Adventure Zone Versus Dracula - Episode 3". Maximum Fun. 25 January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
Print sources
- Sternfeld, Jessica (2006). The Megamusical. ISBN 978-0-253-34793-0.
General references
- Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, T. S. Eliot, Harcourt, 1982, ISBN 0-15-168656-4
- A Cat's Diary: How the Broadway Production of Cats was born, Stephen Hanan, Smith & Kraus, 2002, ISBN 1-57525-281-3
- Mr. Mistoffelees and other poems, T. S. Eliot, ISBN 0-571-15347-X