Jellylorum

Jellylorum is a principal vocalist in Cats. She is usually portrayed as a more mature queen, patient and nurturing when dealing with the elderly Gus and the young kittens.

She usually doubles as Griddlebone, who is a larger-than-life pastiche of an operatic soprano. The role thus requires a versatile actor with a strong soprano voice.

Origins
"Jellylorum" was the name of a cat T S Eliot had in the 1930s. He wrote about her in a letter to his godson:

"I am glad you have a Cat, but I do not believe it is So remarkable a cat as My Cat. My Cat is a Lilliecat Hubvously. What a lilliecat it is. There never was such a Lilliecat. Its Name is JELLYLORUM and its one Idea is to be Usefull!!"

Eliot later included his cat's name in "The Naming of Cats".

Personality
"Practical, Busy, Cheery"

- Three Words

Jellylorum is down-to-earth and nurturing, acting as a caretaker for the elderly Gus. She is typically portrayed as one of the more mature Jellicles, alongside Jennyanydots and Skimbleshanks. She is often seen trying to bring order to the tribe or scolding the kittens when they misbehave. In some productions, Jellylorum is portrayed as much younger and more playful, while still taking care of Gus as if he were an elderly relative.

She is initially wary of Grizabella and prevents the kittens from touching her. However, she is eventually moved by Grizabella's rendition of "Memory" and comes to touch and accept her alongside the rest of the tribe.

Role
"Jellylorum is practical and loving, a storyteller. Sings "Gus the Theatre Cat" with Gus, and appears as "Griddlebone" in "The Ballad of Billy McCaw". For this role we require an excellent soprano with a crystal clear top C. Very good movement and comedy skills. Playing age 25 - 45."

- Casting Calls

Jellylorum is one of the more prominent vocal roles, she sings as part of the Gumbie Trio in "The Old Gumbie Cat", and has solo lines in "Bustopher Jones". Her main song is "Gus: The Theatre Cat", which she sings as a duet with the titular Gus. She is not featured as a dancer, and her role often puts her at the back or sitting out the most intensive dance sequences. She does however take part in most of the ensemble dances, including the tap dance in "The Old Gumbie Cat".

Jellylorum usually plays Griddlebone in the "Growltiger's Last Stand" dream sequence (although the role is occasionally given to Jennyanydots). She is therefore required to be a strong soprano to be able to sing the Italian Aria (if included in the production). Often, Jellylorum is cast as a strong soprano anyway, even if the version of the show being performed uses either of the less vocally demanding alternatives to the original Aria i.e. "Billy Macaw" or the Palladium version of the Aria. Moreover, the high C in "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" is usually given to either Jellylorum or Jennyanydots.

Appearance
Jellylorum is a golden tabby and white cat. Unlike the fluffy little kittens, she tends to be more elegant and smooth in her outline with neither arm warmers or gloves. Often, she wears a braided fabric collar.

Song
While Jellylorum does not have a song of her own, she is the primary singer of "Gus the Theatre Cat", a song about the life and acting career of the titular character.



Fandom
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