Asparagus

Asparagus is an ensemble character from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, Cats. He is the ensemble identity of the actor who also plays Gus, the Theatre Cat, Growltiger and Bustopher Jones.

Role
"GUS/GROWLTIGER/BUSTOPHER JONES:  Tenor. Range to B flat. Character role. Playing age: 30 - 45. Gus: an old and frail theatre cat.  In his dream, Gus becomes Growltiger - a swashbuckling pirate. Bustopher Jones: a distinguished, aristocratic tomcat. Good living has made him round and plump."

- Casting Calls

Asparagus is generally understood as the name of the chorus character played by the actor who is more recognisable for playing Bustopher Jones, Gus the Theatre Cat, and Growltiger. When the actor is not in one of these featured roles, he blends into the ensemble, mainly at the very beginning and end of the show. His one moment in the spotlight is that he and Munkustrap spot -

There's a man over there with a look of surprise

As much as to say as to say now, well how about that?

Do I actually see with my own very eyes

A man who's not heard of a Jellicle Cat?

Unlike onstage, in the filmed version, Tony Timberlake played Asparagus throughout the show, while Sir John Mills played Gus, the Theatre Cat and James Barron played Bustopher Jones.

Personality
Generally Asparagus is seen with the older Cats or minding the kittens. He is usually slightly absent-minded, a bit grumpy and he prefers to doze in a corner than be too involved in the goings-on around him. He is particularly confused by the start of the Gumbie Cat number, where he remains in a corner of the junkyard while everyone around him dresses as Beetles.

Whether or not he is considered the same character as Gus the Theatre Cat depends on the production, after his solo in act 2 it is usually clear that Asparagus is still old and doddery, cared for by everyone but particularly Jellylorum and Old Deuteronomy. At this point he wears a more distinctive "Gus the Theatre Cat" wig rather than the generic short ensemble wig.

Appearance
Asparagus is a brown, gray and black cat. He blends into the background with no bright colours or bold markings, however onstage he usually has a shawl/collar rather than individual fluffies on his shoulders. As with Admetus/Macavity, Asparagus' makeup is a very simple design that the actor can enhance and replace quickly as he moves between roles. The actor starts the show as ensemble Asparagus, changes to Bustopher Jones, then back to ensemble for the rest of act 1. During the interval he layers Growltiger underneath Gus's blanket/coat, and after his solo, changes back to his ensemble look. However after his solo he sometimes retains Gus' wig rather than his shorter, neater ensemble wig, this helps the audience identify him as the old cat Gus without the bulky coat.

Fandom
For fandom headcanons and theories, CLICK HERE.