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{{Short description|Character from Cats}} |
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[[File:Ausschnitte aus dem Musical Cats mit dem Orignal-Ensemble (cropped2).jpg|thumb|Old Deuteronomy as he is typically depicted; from a promotional event in Germany in 2011.]] |
[[File:Ausschnitte aus dem Musical Cats mit dem Orignal-Ensemble (cropped2).jpg|thumb|Old Deuteronomy as he is typically depicted; from a promotional event in Germany in 2011.]] |
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'''Old Deuteronomy''' is a character in [[T. S. Eliot]]'s ''[[Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats]]'' and its musical adaptation, ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]''. He is a wise and beloved elderly cat, further serving as the [[Jellicle]] patriarch in the musical.<ref name=oldd>{{cite web|url=https://www.catsthemusical.com/characters/old-deuteronomy|title=Old Deuteronomy|publisher=Cats the Musical (official website)| |
'''Old Deuteronomy''' is a character in [[T. S. Eliot]]'s 1939 ''[[Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats]]'' and its 1981 musical adaptation, ''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]''. He is a wise and beloved elderly cat, further serving as the [[Jellicle]] patriarch in the musical.<ref name=oldd>{{cite web|url=https://www.catsthemusical.com/characters/old-deuteronomy|title=Old Deuteronomy|publisher=Cats the Musical (official website)|access-date=20 March 2019|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325153739/https://www.catsthemusical.com/characters/old-deuteronomy}}</ref> The role of Old Deuteronomy originated by [[Brian Blessed]] in the [[West End theatre|West End]] in 1981, and by [[Ken Page]] on [[Broadway theater|Broadway]] in 1982. [[Judi Dench]] plays Old Deuteronomy in the [[Cats (2019 film)|2019 film adaptation]]. |
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==Poem== |
==Poem== |
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In Eliot's original poem, Old Deuteronomy is described as an ancient, wise cat who has "lived many lives in succession" and is respected by the other cats and humans (and perhaps even dogs) around him. His name derives from |
In Eliot's original poem, Old Deuteronomy is described as an ancient, wise cat who has "lived many lives in succession" and is respected by the other cats and humans (and perhaps even dogs) around him. His name derives from the biblical [[Book of Deuteronomy]], which shares the central element of law with the character (who is a magistrate). |
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==Musical== |
==Musical== |
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[[File:Koty ZMacias IZając.jpg|thumb|Zbigniew Macias as Old Deuteronomy (''left'') and Izabela Zając as [[Grizabella]] in the non-replica Polish production of ''Cats'', 2007.]] |
[[File:Koty ZMacias IZając.jpg|thumb|Zbigniew Macias as Old Deuteronomy (''left'') and Izabela Zając as [[Grizabella]] in the non-replica Polish production of ''Cats'', 2007.]] |
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''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]'' expands on the theme of wisdom by depicting Old Deuteronomy as the leader of the show's [[Jellicle]] tribe, providing comfort and guidance to the other characters.<ref name=oldd/> He also has the task of making the "Jellicle Choice" and choosing the cat who will ascend to the |
''[[Cats (musical)|Cats]]'' expands on the theme of wisdom by depicting Old Deuteronomy as the leader of the show's [[Jellicle]] tribe, providing comfort and guidance to the other characters.<ref name=oldd/> He also has the task of making the "Jellicle Choice" and choosing the cat who will ascend to the Heaviside Layer. Much of the plot of ''Cats'' is fueled by this premise; several characters perform and try to convince Old Deuteronomy to choose them. Towards the end of the show, Old Deuteronomy is kidnapped by [[Macavity]] and eventually rescued by [[Mr. Mistoffelees]]. He then persuades the other cats to listen to [[Grizabella]], selects her to be reborn, and escorts her to the Heaviside Layer.<ref name=story>{{cite web|url=https://www.catsthemusical.com/about-the-show/the-story|title=The Story of Cats|publisher= Cats the Musical (official website)|access-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323165730/https://www.catsthemusical.com/about-the-show/the-story|archive-date=23 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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More has been revealed about Old Deuteronomy's past than most of the other Jellicle cats, although how much of it is true is debatable. He is alleged to have been alive long before [[Queen Victoria]] was crowned and has been mated numerous times (supposedly, anywhere between nine and ninety-nine). Though Old Deuteronomy has outlived his partners, he has had numerous progeny. |
More has been revealed about Old Deuteronomy's past than most of the other Jellicle cats, although how much of it is true is debatable. He is alleged to have been alive long before [[Queen Victoria]] was crowned and has been mated numerous times (supposedly, anywhere between nine and ninety-nine). Though Old Deuteronomy has outlived his partners, he has had numerous progeny. |
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Old Deuteronomy has three songs in ''Cats'', including the final number, "The Ad-dressing of Cats." He is traditionally played by a high [[baritone]] or [[tenor]] who can hit [[G♯ (musical note)|G♯]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themusicalcompany.com/show/cats/cast-requirements/|title=Cast / Vocal Requirements: Cats|publisher=The Musical Company| |
Old Deuteronomy has three songs in ''Cats'', including the final number, "The Ad-dressing of Cats." He is traditionally played by a high [[baritone]] or [[tenor]] who can hit [[G♯ (musical note)|G♯]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themusicalcompany.com/show/cats/cast-requirements/|title=Cast / Vocal Requirements: Cats|publisher=The Musical Company|access-date=2 April 2019}}</ref><ref name=royal>{{cite web|url=https://royalcaribbeanproductions.com/featured-shows/Cats|title=Cats|publisher=[[Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.]]|access-date=30 March 2019|url-status=live|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330005639/https://royalcaribbeanproductions.com/featured-shows/Cats}}</ref><ref name=vbw>{{cite web|url=https://www.vbw.at/media/file/1247_CATS_Audition_2019_-_english.pdf|title=Cats Audition|publisher=[[Vereinigte Bühnen Wien]]|access-date=30 March 2019|url-status=live|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330011328/https://www.vbw.at/media/file/1247_CATS_Audition_2019_-_english.pdf}}</ref> |
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===Appearance=== |
===Appearance=== |
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===Notable casting=== |
===Notable casting=== |
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The role of Old Deuteronomy was originated by [[Brian Blessed]] in the [[West End theatre|West End]] in 1981,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/cats/cast/origlondon1981.htm|title=Original London Cast List| |
The role of Old Deuteronomy was originated by [[Brian Blessed]] in the [[West End theatre|West End]] in 1981,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/cats/cast/origlondon1981.htm|title=Original London Cast List|access-date=30 March 2019|publisher=[[Really Useful Group]]|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815020451/http://www.reallyuseful.com/rug/shows/cats/cast/origlondon1981.htm |archive-date=15 August 2008}}</ref> and by [[Ken Page]] on [[Broadway theater|Broadway]] in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=4186|title=Original Broadway Cast List|access-date=30 March 2019|publisher=[[Internet Broadway Database]]}}</ref> [[Quentin Earl Darrington]] played the character in the 2016 Broadway revival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/playbillpagegallery/inside-playbill?asset=00000152-d6f4-d39d-a95f-fef413a00000&type=InsidePlaybill&slide=3|title=Inside the Playbill: Cats – Opening Night at the Neil Simon Theatre: Cast|work=[[Playbill]]|access-date=24 March 2019|url-status=live|archive-date=24 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324054006/http://www.playbill.com/playbillpagegallery/inside-playbill?asset=00000152-d6f4-d39d-a95f-fef413a00000&type=InsidePlaybill&slide=3}}</ref> West End star [[Dave Willetts]] portrayed the role in the 20th anniversary cast of the West End production.<ref>[https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-74501417 The House That Dave Built], ''[[Coventry Telegraph]]'', 14 May 2001</ref> |
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On screen, Page reprised the role for the [[Cats (1998 film)|1998 filmed version]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reallyuseful.com/shows/cats/shows-archive/cats-cast-lists/1998-film|title=1998 Video Cast List| |
On screen, Page reprised the role for the [[Cats (1998 film)|1998 filmed version]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reallyuseful.com/shows/cats/shows-archive/cats-cast-lists/1998-film|title=1998 Video Cast List|access-date=30 March 2019|publisher=[[Really Useful Group]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407095655/http://www.reallyuseful.com/shows/cats/shows-archive/cats-cast-lists/1998-film |
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|archive-date= 7 April 2010}}</ref> being the only cast member from the original Broadway cast to appear in the film. [[Judi Dench]] portrayed a female Old Deuteronomy in the [[Cats (2019 film)|2019 film adaptation]]. |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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===Print sources=== |
===Print sources=== |
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* {{cite book|title=The Megamusical|first=Jessica|last=Sternfeld|year=2006|publisher=[[Indiana University Press]]|isbn=978-0-253-34793-0 |
* {{cite book|title=The Megamusical|first=Jessica|last=Sternfeld|year=2006|publisher=[[Indiana University Press]]|isbn=978-0-253-34793-0}} |
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===General references=== |
===General references=== |
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*''Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'', T.S. Eliot, Harcourt, 1982, {{ISBN|0-15-168656-4}} |
*''Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'', T.S. Eliot, Harcourt, 1982, {{ISBN|0-15-168656-4}} |
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[[Category:Characters in Cats (musical)]] |
[[Category:Characters in Cats (musical)]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Literary characters introduced in 1939]] |
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Revision as of 05:19, 1 April 2024
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Old Deuteronomy is a character in T. S. Eliot's 1939 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and its 1981 musical adaptation, Cats. He is a wise and beloved elderly cat, further serving as the Jellicle patriarch in the musical.[1] The role of Old Deuteronomy originated by Brian Blessed in the West End in 1981, and by Ken Page on Broadway in 1982. Judi Dench plays Old Deuteronomy in the 2019 film adaptation.
Poem
In Eliot's original poem, Old Deuteronomy is described as an ancient, wise cat who has "lived many lives in succession" and is respected by the other cats and humans (and perhaps even dogs) around him. His name derives from the biblical Book of Deuteronomy, which shares the central element of law with the character (who is a magistrate).
Musical
Cats expands on the theme of wisdom by depicting Old Deuteronomy as the leader of the show's Jellicle tribe, providing comfort and guidance to the other characters.[1] He also has the task of making the "Jellicle Choice" and choosing the cat who will ascend to the Heaviside Layer. Much of the plot of Cats is fueled by this premise; several characters perform and try to convince Old Deuteronomy to choose them. Towards the end of the show, Old Deuteronomy is kidnapped by Macavity and eventually rescued by Mr. Mistoffelees. He then persuades the other cats to listen to Grizabella, selects her to be reborn, and escorts her to the Heaviside Layer.[2]
More has been revealed about Old Deuteronomy's past than most of the other Jellicle cats, although how much of it is true is debatable. He is alleged to have been alive long before Queen Victoria was crowned and has been mated numerous times (supposedly, anywhere between nine and ninety-nine). Though Old Deuteronomy has outlived his partners, he has had numerous progeny.
Old Deuteronomy has three songs in Cats, including the final number, "The Ad-dressing of Cats." He is traditionally played by a high baritone or tenor who can hit G♯.[3][4][5]
Appearance
Old Deuteronomy has a full beard and, unlike the unitard that the other characters don, his costume consists of a loose-fitting shaggy coat.[6]
Notable casting
The role of Old Deuteronomy was originated by Brian Blessed in the West End in 1981,[7] and by Ken Page on Broadway in 1982.[8] Quentin Earl Darrington played the character in the 2016 Broadway revival.[9] West End star Dave Willetts portrayed the role in the 20th anniversary cast of the West End production.[10]
On screen, Page reprised the role for the 1998 filmed version,[11] being the only cast member from the original Broadway cast to appear in the film. Judi Dench portrayed a female Old Deuteronomy in the 2019 film adaptation.
References
- ^ a b "Old Deuteronomy". Cats the Musical (official website). Archived from the original on 25 March 2019. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
- ^ "The Story of Cats". Cats the Musical (official website). Archived from the original on 23 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ "Cast / Vocal Requirements: Cats". The Musical Company. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ "Cats". Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ "Cats Audition" (PDF). Vereinigte Bühnen Wien. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ Sternfeld 2006, p. 132
- ^ "Original London Cast List". Really Useful Group. Archived from the original on 15 August 2008. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ "Original Broadway Cast List". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
- ^ "Inside the Playbill: Cats – Opening Night at the Neil Simon Theatre: Cast". Playbill. Archived from the original on 24 March 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
- ^ The House That Dave Built, Coventry Telegraph, 14 May 2001
- ^ "1998 Video Cast List". Really Useful Group. Archived from the original on 7 April 2010. Retrieved 30 March 2019.
Print sources
- Sternfeld, Jessica (2006). The Megamusical. Indiana University Press. 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
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