Bombalurina

Bombalurina is a principal character in Cats. She is one of the main female singers, helping to introduce many of the other cats, and is a featured dancer as well. She is particularly noted for her solo in "Macavity the Mystery Cat".

Bombalurina doesn't lack when it comes to confidence and sensuality. She is especially close to Demeter and the two are rarely apart.

Personality
"Generous, voluptuous, frank."

- Three Words.

Bombalurina is extremely flirtatious and seems to love being the center of attention. She has her sights set on Rum Tum Tugger in particular, and although he rejects her during his number, "for he only likes what he finds for himself", they later dance together during the "Jellicle Ball".

Bombalurina initially regards Grizabella with unbridled disdain, even stopping Demeter from reaching out to the former Glamour Cat. There are strong parallels between the confident, glamorous, attractive Bombalurina and how Grizabella must have been in her youth. During the number "Grizabella the Glamour Cat", Demeter shows the older cat empathy, feeling pain and sorrow for her, while Bombalurina shows disgust that someone once as beautiful as herself is now in such a sorry state. However by the end of the musical, Bombalurina is just as moved by Grizabella as the other cats, and touches and accepts her.

Although she can come across as somewhat superficial, Bombalurina has a protective side shown towards Demeter, who rarely leaves her side, and the female kittens, who in turn seem to look up to her. In "Macavity the Mystery Cat", Bombalurina takes on a more defensive role, looking after and comforting Demeter. Throughout the song, it is demonstrated that she is far less intimidated by Macavity and even finds him dangerously attractive. However, she prioritises Demeter's safety over her own desires, and is as hostile as everyone else to Macavity when he appears.

Role
"Bombalurina is one half of the duo who sings 'Macavity'. Tall and statuesque, a lightly sexual female, who is also a fierce protector of the tribe. Must be an excellent and experienced dancer with fantastic extension, and also excellent mezzo vocals. Playing age 25 - 35. Minimum height 5' 8"."

- Casting Calls

Bombalurina plays a prominent role in the musical, as a principal singer and dancer. She sings select verses in "The Old Gumbie Cat" with Demeter and Jellylorum, "Grizabella the Glamour Cat" with Demeter again, and "Bustopher Jones" with Jennyanydots and Jellylorum. She also sings a few lines during the "The Rum Tum Tugger" and subsequently flirts with him. Her biggest part is in "Macavity the Mystery Cat", which she sings with Demeter towards the end of the musical. She is usually played by an alto or mezzo soprano singer with a "smokey, strong belt". Bombalurina is also a principal dancer, leading a section of the Jellicle Ball and is featured throughout the show.

Many Broadway-based productions pair Bombalurina with Plato, generally at the same time that Demeter is paired with Alonzo. This is due to certain choreographed blocking that was used in these productions, that is notably different to the London Production and the subsequent 1998 film.

Appearance
Bombalurina is a striking red queen with a white chest and black spots and marks, generally considered to be a very stylised tabby and white. She is one of the most eye-catching queens, being tall, elegant and self-possessed. She is generally portrayed as an adult, who occasionally exhibits kittenish behavior. She wears a black spiked, jeweled collar, and gloves rather than arm warmers.

She is a very sensual cat, dancing suggestively around the Toms who find her as attractive as the females do Tugger. She is often referred to as the 'Bombshell Cat'.

Song
While Bombalurina sings in a variety of songs, she has the largest role in "Macavity: The Mystery Cat ", sung by her and Demeter following his abduction of Old Deuteronomy as an explanation of his personality and crimes.

Fandom
For fandom headcanons and theories, click here.