Understanding Jellicle Cats: A Comprehensive Guide to the Musical Felines

Cats has long been a musical that divides audiences; however, the themes it presents invite intriguing discussions. Despite the mixed reception, this beloved stage production proudly stands as the fifth longest-running show in Broadway’s illustrious history. In sharp contrast, the 2019 film adaptation of Cats not only faltered at the box office, emerging as one of the largest financial debacles in cinematic history, but it also garnered criticism as one of the most poorly reviewed films ever made. Though widely dismissed, some authentic fans posit that the film occupies a charmingly ironic niche as ‘so bad it’s good.’

No matter the varied opinions surrounding Cats, one mysterious element continues to captivate audiences: the enigmatic Jellicle Cat. Integral to both the film and the musical, the Jellicle Cats embody a magical universe that unfolds for viewers through the captivating opening number, “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats.”While the production is filled with rhythm and vibrancy, it also delves into somber themes, exploring death and the afterlife. This juxtaposition raises the question: what is the deeper significance of the Jellicle Cat?

The Origin of “Jellicle”

Inspiration from a T.S. Eliot Poem

The phrase “Jellicle Cat”is derived from a whimsical poem penned by T.S. Eliot in 1939, titled “The Song of the Jellicles.”In this enchanting piece, Eliot portrays these delightful felines as small and joyous, with distinct bright eyes. The poem reveals that Jellicle Cats are night-dwellers, ruled by the mystical Jellicle Moon. A particularly vivid line evokes imagery of their nocturnal gatherings:

They are resting and saving themselves to be right

For the Jellicle Moon and the Jellicle Ball.

As daylight fades, Jellicle Cats eagerly await the arrival of the Jellicle Moon, preparing for the much-anticipated Jellicle Ball. These fascinating felines practice their social nuances and attentively groom themselves in hopes of enjoying a splendid evening beneath the moonlight. In the musical adaptation, a group of Jellicle Cats congregates in a junkyard, awaiting their moment to shine during the Jellicle Ball.

Interestingly, there’s a playful theory suggesting that the term “Jellicle Cat”originated from a misinterpretation of Eliot’s young niece. Allegedly, she would call out for her cat using the phrase “dear little cat,”which Eliot misheard as “Jellicle Cat.”Contrarily, Andrew Lloyd Webber, who adapted Eliot’s works into the musical, posits that Eliot first encountered the term through a misunderstanding with his grandmother. Regardless of its origins, Eliot’s enchanting narrative effectively conjures a unique breed of magical cats.

Understanding the Concept of Jellicle in Cats

Insights from the 2019 Cast

The concept of Jellicle Cats resonates deeply with the actors embodying them, with each performer bringing a personal interpretation to these fantastical felines. Given the ever-changing nature of Broadway casts, this diversity of insight adds richness to the portrayal of Jellicle Cats. In interviews, the cast of the 2019 adaptation shared their perspectives on this intriguing term.

For instance, Jason Derulo, who plays Rum Tum Tiger, defines Jellicle as denoting a collective of cats, akin to a familial bond characterized by both affection and rivalry. In a discussion with Vanity Fair, he remarked, “That’s what this group of cats is called. It’s kind of like one big family where some people hate each other, some people love each other; but, they’re all on the same quest to get this second chance at life.”

Moreover, certain cast members even align with the theory regarding Eliot’s niece. Rebel Wilson, who portrays Jennyanydots, suggests that the term Jellicle could stem from her attempts to articulate toddler speech.

Other Appearances of Jellicle Cats

Jellicle Cats in Popular Media

Princess Carolyn shrugging in BoJack Horseman

The origin of Jellicle Cats can be traced back to Eliot’s poem, “Five-Finger Exercises,”where they are referenced briefly. Outside of the Cats universe, Jellicle Cats have appeared sparingly in other media. The 1976 film, Logan’s Run, features a scene where an old man offers Logan a Jellicle Cat. Additionally, the picture book The Song of the Jellicles, released in 2017, beautifully illustrates Eliot’s original poem.

Perhaps one of the most humorous adaptations comes from the Netflix animated series, BoJack Horseman. In a recurring gag, whenever a character calls Princess Carolyn, her hold music features “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats”from the original Broadway cast recording. This joke gains additional hilarity when considering that Princess Carolyn herself is an anthropomorphic cat, even if she doesn’t fall into the Jellicle category.

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