Munkustrap

Munkustrap is a principal character in Cats. He fulfills the narrator role, breaking the fourth wall to explain the plot to the audience and introducing many of the featured characters.

Etymology
His name is mentioned in "The Naming of Cats". "Munkustrap" is believed to be a nonce word i.e. a word that is coined for a single purpose with no meaning beyond said purpose.

Personality
"Imposing, Energetic, Courageous"

- Three Words

Munkustrap is a leader and protector to the Jellicle cats. He is the responsible older brother, who despairs of the wild Rum Tum Tugger. He loves and enjoys the company of his tribe, who in turn hold him in high regard. When not alarmed by a perceived threat, he is genial and friendly. In London-based productions, after fighting Macavity to save Demeter, they often appear as a couple.

According to the 1998 film actor Michael Gruber -

"'Munkustrap is really the story-teller. He's entrusted with giving the information to the other, maybe younger cats who have not been to the Jellicle Ball before. He gets up and says exactly what they're here to do, and he's also a caretaker of the kittens. He wants to make sure everybody's safe; in all the Macavity scares, he's there to protect the tribe. So he is the protector.'"

Role
"Excellent singer/actor, who must be able to move. Baritone. In the absence of Old Deuteronomy he is the leader of the cats. He stands out due to his imposing, energetic and courageous manner, and exudes maturity and dignity. Playing age 25 – 35. Ideally over 6' tall."

- Casting Calls

Munkustrap is the narrator of the story, opening the show and explaining the Jellicle tribe's yearly meeting. If Old Deuteronomy is the beloved wise head of the tribe, Munkustrap is the practical leader, organising defences when Macavity appears. He directs "The Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles", which he has clearly organised and rehearsed, but doesn't go according to his plan. He is first introduced in the opening number "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats", where he crawls to the front of the stage, stands posh and mature, and sings the first line.

Appearance
Munkustrap is a silver/gray tabby. In some productions his costume has warm brownish tones to the greys, otherwise he is pure silver and black.

He is usually one of the tallest Cats in the tribe, physically imposing as the actor has to be strong enough to fight Macavity, which includes lifting and throwing another male dancer.

Trivia

 * In the original London Production of "Growltiger's Last Stand", Munkustrap played Grumbuskin.

Fandom
For fandom headcanons and theories, CLICK HERE.