Old Deuteronomy

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

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.

Personality
Old Deuteronomy is considered by most fans 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. He is believed to live near the vicarage, as he rests 'on the vicarage wall'. He seems to care about Grizabella's feelings, he tries to accept her, but she doesn't seem to notice. It seems he can't stand to see her broken down and sad.

Role
Old Deuteronomy is one of the main characters in the show. He not only has a song in his name ("Old Deuteronomy") but he 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 is also responsible for choosing Grizabella to ascend to the Heaviside Layer at the end of the show.

Relationships

 * Alonzo: Some fans believe Alonzo is Old Deuteronomy's son.


 * Grizabella: Some fans believe that they were mates.


 * Gus the Theatre Cat: Some fans believe that, due to their age, Gus and Old Deuteronomy are close friends.


 * Macavity: Some fans believe Macavity is Old Deuteronomy's son, while others believe they are brothers.


 * Mr. Mistoffelees: Some fans believe Mistoffelees is Old Deuteronomy's son, nephew, or grandson.


 * Munkustrap: It is commonly believed among fans that Munkustrap is Old Deuteronomy's son.


 * Rum Tum Tugger: Some fans believe Rum Tum Tugger is Old Deuteronomy's son.


 * Skimbleshanks: Some fans believe Skimbleshanks and Old Deuteronomy are good friends.
 * Victoria: Some people believe Victoria is Old Deuteronomy's daughter.
 * Jemima: Some fans believe Jemima is Old Deuteronomy's daughter.

Song
The song "Old Deuteronomy" is sung by the tribe as he arrives at the Junkyard and tells of his life with great respect.

Old Deuteronomy's lived a long time

He's a cat who has lived many lives in succession

He was famous in proverb and famous in rhyme

A long while before Queen Victoria's accession

Old Deuteronomy's buried nine wives

And more I am tempted to say ninety-nine

And his numerous progeny prospers and thrives

And the village is proud of him in his decline

At the sight of that placid and bland physiognomy

When he sits in the sun on the vicarage wall

The oldest inhabitant croaks

Well, of all things, can it be really?

Yes, no, ho-hi-oh, my eye

My mind may be wandering, but I confess

I believe it is old Deuteronomy

Old Deuteronomy sits in the street

He sits in the high street on market day

The Bullocks may bellow, the sheep they may bleat

But the dogs and the herdsmen will turn them away

The cars and the lorries run over the curb

And the villagers put up a notice "Road closed"

So that nothing untoward may chance to disturb

Deuteronomy's rest when he feels so disposed

The digestive repose of that felines gastronomy

Must never be broken whatever may befall

The oldest inhabitant croaks

Well, of all things, can it be really?

Yes, no, ho-hi-oh, my eye

My mind may be wandering, but I confess

I believe it is old Deuteronomy

Well, of all things, can it be really?

Yes, no, ho hi oh, my eye

My legs may be tottery, I must go slow

And be careful of old Deuteronomy