Old Deuteronomy

Old Deuteronomy is the patriarch character from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, Cats.

Personality
"Wise, Commanding, Spiritual"

- Three Words

Old Deuteronomy is considered to be a kind and just leader to the Jellicle Tribe. He is described as being wise in his many years and is respected and beloved by most the of the Jellicle Tribe. While he is 'old and tottery' and 'must go slow', he is fairly lively and dances along with a variety of songs performed for him.

The poem describes a bucolic English village, where he lives peacefully. He is believed to live near the vicarage, as he rests 'on the vicarage wall'. He seems to care about Grizabella's feelings, trying to accept her, but she doesn't notice until the end.

Role
"High Baritone/Tenor (to G sharp). Must be able to move.  The wise, kind and very old leader of the cats.  He has authority and dignity. He should radiate understanding and warmth."

- Casting Calls Old Deuteronomy is one of the main characters in the show. He's got his own song ("Old Deuteronomy"), but he also plays a major role in a number of other songs ("The Moments of Happiness ", "Invitation to the Jellicle Ball", "The Ad-dressing of Cats".) He chooses Grizabella to ascend to the Heaviside Layer at the end of the show.

According to actor Ken Page, "He's probably the father of a lot of them."

Appearance
Old Deuteronomy is a large, old, grey cat. His coat consists of a full, fluffy robe. He is one of the larger cats, though he isn't mocked for his girth like Bustopher Jones is. He is an ancient cat who has lived 'many lives in succession.' Some fans speculate that he is 'immortal' or has psychic powers with which he guides the other Jellicles through dance and song.

Fandom
For fandom headcanons and theories, CLICK HERE.