Q&A - First Cats Run

 Q1) What stage is your choreographed song at? 

Almost complete, we are working on finishing the last minute in our next dance lesson.

Q2)How well do you know lyrics?

I almost have the lyrics down as far as learning them goes, now its just making sure the timing is right and not out of order. I have learnt Macavity and I am only unsure on one or two lines. Overall, I am more confident in the group songs, such as the Prologue.

Q3) What thought have you given to the narrative?

I like to give my character there own story line when I'm a show, I have certain ad-lib movements and conversations that i will repeat at certain moments throughout the show. The narrative of Bombalurina is that everyone knows who she is, everyone speaks to her and socialises with her. 

Q4)Have you considered stage movement?

If I find myself doing nothing on stage I will immediately walk over to someone and start conversation. I also like to weary of spacing, I know some people prefer to linger by the sides of the stage but I feel like if i'm on stage I need have an action I will do, I need a purpose. 

Q5)Have you sorted costume?

Yes, but still need to speak to the directer about my decisions.

Q6) Have you completed your production role?

Yes.

Q7) Have you attended any extra rehearsals? Yes.

Q8) Have you cleared your diary? Yes.

First impressions of Cats.

1. How did you initially react to the script? How did you start to create your character?

My initial reaction to the script was surprise, I didn't realise that it was just purely singing, and no speaking dialogue. This concerned me because I find that with some musicals without the aid of characters speaking to each other the help understand the story line, its quiet difficult to understand what is going on. Once I had found out my role I highlighted through the whole script wherever my character appeared and at first was a bit worried about how many songs I was in, once we'd listened to the whole soundtrack, it relaxed my mind to know how long the playoffs were for each song. It made the knowledge I already had about my character grew exceptionally, because I now have the back ground knowledge as to who they knew and who hang around with through the songs. For me learning that Bombalurina is essentially part of a trio involving Demeter and Jellylorum tells me that shes a young playful character, but can still be in charge. 

One main lyric concern that I think the whole class would agree with, was a verse in 'Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats':

Practical cats, dramatical cats
Pragmatical cats, fanatical cats
Oratorical cats, Delphic Oracle cats
Skeptical cats, Dispeptical cats
Romantical cats, Pedantical cats
Critical cats, parasitical cats
Allegorical cats, metaphorical cats
Statistical cats and mystical cats
Political cats, hypocritical cats
Clerical cats, hysterical cats
Cynical cats, rabbinical cats


These lyrics are very challenging because the timing changes after almost every couplet. I know that this section will be a struggle to pronounce not necessarily to remember.

2. What did/do you think of the concept of changing the context to the fashion world?

Our synopsis: "Old Deuteronomy is the head of the fashion house “Deuteronomy Designs” with the help of her right hand women Skimbleshanks and Munkustrap. The elite team of models who are chosen to showcase her designs and the designs of her apprentices are called “Jellicle Cats”. Everyone knows who the Jellicle Cats are and everybody wants to be them or be with them. Each January Deuteronomy releases a bumper magazine called the “Heaviside Layer” setting out the styles and fashion that will be in for that year. Each December the Jellicle Cats come together and Deuteronomy chooses a young model to grace the cover, which can elevate their career to new levels they may have never reached before. However occasionally Deuteronomy can surprise the world and choose an ex “Jellicle Cat” and give them a comeback that will put them back into business for years. Each “Jellicle Cat” model showcases their talent. Look out for Bombalurina, Demeter, Rum Tum Tugger, Jellyorum and Tutti who are the public's favourites. Each designer also puts on a fashion show, such as Mr.Mistoffolees and Jennyannydots who will showcase their sometimes called “wacky” designs, all to try and impress Deuteronomy the most. Will Mungojerrie, and Rumpleteaser’s mischievous antics finally put them out of the competition? Will Grizabella ever be accepted into the “Jellicle Cats” again after her controversial downwards spiral? Will Gus ever get his big break after all these years? Who will it be? Who will it be?"

My Interview - see for response to concept.  (From 6 minutes in.)

Initially, I was rather apprehensive upon hearing the concept. This was due to the fact the when I originally heard we were doing Cats and I was excited about playing an animal, as it would've been a completely new experience for me. The show has always been kept to how it was originally performed, so this change in concept is extremely adventurous and risky, which did concern me. I was worried that the audience wouldn't understand the storyline because we are changing it so much. As the rehearsal process continued and new concepts were established, I began to feel comfortable and take liking to the fashion world spin. 


Mid Way Impression

3. What has changed about your understanding of your character?

Originally,my first impression of Bombalurina is that she act's quite motherly toward Demeter, which I do always try to keep in mind during rehearsals. An example of this protective instinct is seen when she takes Demeter away from Grizabella because she'd be worried about her manipulating her. However, that doesn't mean she doesn't still have fun, when Rum Tum Tugger is involved she becomes very flirtatious and starstruck by him like all of the other girls. She is very excited and acts very carelessly for someone who is supposed to be mature. The more mature female seems to be Munkustrap, who is second in command at Deuteronomy Designs, my character is part of the group of models that work with Deuteronomy Design, and she does many Catwalk shows with with them. She knows every member involved with the magazine and some close bonds with others in the business, you see her socialising with people like Asparagus, Jennyanydots, Rum Tum Tugger and Skimbleshanks, she is of a high status for someone of her age, a well respected and trusted character. 
The serious hard working side of her personality is highlighted through songs such as 'Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats', Old Deuteronomy and Jellicle Ball. Whilst, her playful characteristics show in songs like the beginning acting segment before the song 'Moments of Happiness' and the song 'Macavity'.

4. Discuss a number of the ideas/possibilities that you have tried out whilst rehearsing

• Coming up with brief solo dances during certain songs when the movement on stage needed to be erratic. 
• Keeping eye contact with the audience, by looking up and out.

5. What ideas worked and which didn't?  ...and why?

The main dance number, Jellicle Ball, involves a lot of movement and when we were rehearsing in large space we had no probably with the movement but when we practiced with the staging it made it a lot harder because we had to dodge the runway that runs down the middle of the stage, so this to having to redirect entrance and exit's.

Even though it is, in some places, it is a relatively quick paced number, Macavity works well being populated by only two characters, for the majority of the dance. As an audience member, its intriguing to watch with two characters, it builds up the tension, you also you understand why these only two people on stage, because they are the two people who the most about Macavity.
When everyone else burst on stage with such little notice, it really livens up the movement and entraps the audience attention.