Magical Mister Mistoffelees

"Magical Mister Mistoffelees" is a song about Mistoffelees and his magical feats. The song is usually performed by Rum Tum Tugger, although in some versions, Mistoffelees also sings.

Context
After Macavity has been fought off by the tribe, they are left in the dark and without their leader, Old Deuteronomy, who had been kidnapped earlier. They decide they must find him. The Rum Tum Tugger suggests they ask Mr Mistoffelees, but the tribe are inclined not to take Tugger seriously. Tugger performs the song in an attempt to convince the Jellicles of Mistoffelees' magical abilities. Mistoffelees enters and uses his powers to restore the lights and perform magic tricks. By the end of the song, the tribe is convinced of his powers and, to everyone's relief, he conjures back Old Deuteronomy, typically with the assistance of Cassandra.

Mistoffelees' solo number is typically a dance showcase for the actor playing him, as well as an opportunity to showcase multiple magic tricks around the set using special effects. The role was created by Wayne Sleep, and the original choreography featured his signature moves. Mistoffelees performs some of the most difficult choreography in the show, including 24 consecutive fouettés en tournant (or pirouettes à la seconde) and dancers cast in the role generally have extensive ballet and gymnastic experience.

Lyrics
You ought to ask magical Mr Mistoffelees

The original conjuring cat

There can be no doubt about that

Please, listen to me!

And don't scoff,

All his inventions are off his own bat

There's no such cat in the Metropolis

He holds all the patent monopolies

For performing surprising illusions

And creating eccentric confusions

The greatest magicians have something to learn

From Mr Mistoffelees conjuring turn!

And we all say

"Oh! Well, I never!

Was there ever a cat so clever as

Magical Mr Mistoffelees?"

He is quiet, he is small, he is black

From his ears to the tip of his tail

He can creep through the tiniest crack

He can walk on the narrowest rail

He can pick any card from a pack

He is equally cunning with dice

He's always deceiving you into believing

That he's only hunting for mice

He can play any trick with a cork

Or a spoon and a bit of fish paste

If you look for a knife or a fork

And you think that it's merely misplaced

You've seen it one moment,

But then it is gone!

But you'll find it next week

Laying out on the lawn

And we all say

"Oh! Well, I never!

Was there ever a cat so clever as

Magical Mr Mistoffelees?"

(Presto!)

"Oh! Well, I never!

Was there ever a cat so clever as

Magical Mr Mistoffelees?"

His manner is vague and aloof

And you would think there was nobody shyer

But his voice can heard on the roof

When he was curled up by the fire

And has sometimes been heard by the fire

While he was about on the roof

At least, we all heard that somebody purred

Which is incontestable proof

And of his singular magical powers

I've known the family to call

Him in from the garden for hours

While he was asleep in the hall

And, not long ago, this phenomenal cat

Produced seven kittens right out of a hat!

And we all say,

"Oh! Well, I never!

Was there ever a cat so clever as

Magical Mr Mistoffelees?"

I give you:

The magical,

The Marvelous,

Mr Mistoffelees!