Gus the Theatre Cat Part 1 | Cats the Musical

Watch part 1 of Gus the Theatre Cat.
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Lyrics:
Gus is the cat at the theatre door
His name, as I ought to have told you before
Is really Asparagus, but that's such a fuss to pronounce
That we usually call him just Gus
Continued: bit.ly/1MhV1zi
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About:
Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is set amongst a larger- than-life junkyard playground and is alive with our favourite feline characters including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella and Skimbleshanks.
The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year - the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

[@LadyBloodyWrists]

The fact that the original Jellylorum reprises her role here and that Gus is portrayed by an old age respected theatre actor completely establishes for me the true meaning of this song

[@5Mariner]

Even at 90, John Mills still had it.

[@dillonohlemiller9027]

5Mariner he was 90 here????

[@celamantia]

@@dillonohlemiller9027 He was born February 22, 1908, so he was indeed 90 here.

[@araceli3353]

@@celamantia omg

[@amanogirl1]

And this was John Mills last appearance

[@bglidden1962]

What I love about this is that when Gus is about to start singing, he looks genuinely confused. And even though I know it's acting, I always worry about whether he will pull it off!

[@katesszz]

Wasn't this actor blind and mostly deaf? That's why he looks so confused.

[@jkrfan7]

@@katesszz he was pretty much blind. That’s why the actor playing Jelly is guiding him around the stage

[@paulinegallagher7821]

@@katesszz He was the father of Disney actress Hayley Mills, who is in her 70s now. Poor guy was pretty old when he played this part

[@gunnersfan111]

That's the great Sir John Mills and I wouldn't be surprised if he was acting all of that. He was legitimately nearly blind and of course advanced in years but it's one of my favorite dramatic performances of all time

[@amylouise6646]

Gus is kept in the props cupboard

[@two_average_girls5526]

My blind old cat is laying beside me and is on his death bed. This reminds me of him so much. I’m going to miss him

[@eroupopper]

This song reminds me so much of my grandmother. She loved this song and would tell me story about what she was young. I still miss her so much.

[@christopherwhitelaw1197]

I hope your ok. To love and care for an animal is the purest form of love, and they take it with them when they leave us.

[@tannersconcerts]

I hope he had a great time in the heaviside lair and is enjoying his life as a brand new kitten now.

[@tiariapotaka6981]

It’s gonna be okay, the tribe let him go this year my friend.

[@diapollockal8962]

My favorite cat passed away on June 16th, 2020 at the age of 16. His name was Friend, but I called him Boy because he was the only male in the house. He looks just like Mistoffelees since he's a Tuxedo cat, besides his face of course. My mother found him crying for food in the fall of 2008. Another cat came and they both sat outside. I was 4 at the time. We decided to keep Boy with our 3 cats and give the other to my mother's cousin. She named him Star. I believe that Boy and Star were brothers. Well, I'm glad to have kept Boy 'cause he was the most relaxed and loving cat I've ever met. He'd always purr unless he's sleeping and loved his belly to be rubbed. When my door was open, he'd come in and hop on my bed and try to find my face. He liked going under the covers. He was so gorgeous with his shiny coat, wide forehead, big green owl eyes and deep meow. At some point he had a gum disease, so my mom removed most of his teeth. His tongue would occasionally fall out of his mouth if he was relaxed. Then he got a cataract in an eye one day, and another in the other about a month later. (Don't read if sensitive) I open my window for my cats to sit on and look out of. Well I guess Boy really liked it because he wanted to go outside real bad. On June 12th, Boy ran out the door when my mom walked in. She didn't mind because he hung around the house. A cat usually stays within a mile of your house. Sometime later, he was on the back porch. That was the last we heard from him in 3 days. It was quite hot that day. In the meantime, my mom looked around the neighborhood in case anyone had him. - - - Someone up the street said the lady across the way took in cats. That was a relief because there were coyotes (In the city of all things) and the guy 2 doors over had an illegal Pitbull, had guns, was aggressive, likely a drug seller, and exclaimed that the Pitbull kills cats. The old lady was a bit rude to my mother when she described Boy and shoo'd her away. Later that night, mom shouted his name and she could've sworn she heard Boy cry in that lady's house. Which gave me hope cause I would've killed the druggie's Pitbull or exterminated every coyote. - - - So on June 14th, a local shelter called and said that a couple dropped off Boy. The couple found him beside a rural street not less than a mile from my house and took him in. We couldn't get him until the next day. Poor old boy was so thin and shook in the cage they put him in. I immediately opened it up and carried him to the car. It was like carrying nothing. He quivered and barely mewed. He just looked out the window. When we got home, he wouldn't eat or drink until later that night when he took licks at the water bowl. He slept with me that night, stretched out and happy. He didn't even purr. The next day, my mom had to take him to the vet. I prayed for the best and didn't wish to go with her in case for the worst. My last goodbye to Boy was head pets and a nuzzle on the nose. Then I slept. Mom came back with Boy in a box. The doc said he was to far gone to bring back... They also said that he had puncture wounds _as if a coyote dragged him away._ I tried not to cry, but Boy was my only friend. He was there for me when nobody else cared. He loved me unlike anyone I've known. I wept that night. Star died a couple months before Boy did. He's currently buried on the side of our house. I promise I'm gonna take him and the 2 other dead cats with us. 2020 took a lot of things from people, I had nothing to lose except him. I already miss you Boy, my sweet Friend. I hope you and you brother are together at last.

[@The-bi5ry]

I feel like laughing when people say Cats is just a weird furry musical with no story or theme. It's a beautiful love poem dedicated to the lives of these fictional cats.

[@treyowen9213]

Indeed.

[@Dualis58]

I mean, this song's lyrics are literally just a TS Eliot poem sung almost verbatim.

[@danielnuttall6964]

That’s not a story though. Doesn’t mean there has to be a story

[@winterwithawhyknudsen5166]

“I had a voice that would soften, the hardest of hearts.” 🥲

[@roseroyce15]

It's really about sooo many different "people" / personalities from all walks & different phases of life. If you look & listen closely, it's not just about cats at all.

[@yomilemondragon1721]

"His name is really Asparagus, but that's such a fuss to pronounce" Oh but names like Mr Mistoffelees, Old Deuteronomy, and The Rum Tum Tugger are all fine XD Anyway this song still makes me cry every time :'( When Gus starts singing I lose it without fail.

[@Sassaparilla]

Yomi ShadowWraith yeah, but those all roll much better than Asparagus the Theater Cat.

[@classicmail8239]

His name is "Asparagus The Theatre Cat."

[@liresaknight4185]

How come there are two Asparafuses

[@Sassaparilla]

@@liresaknight4185 there's only one Asparagus...

[@liresaknight4185]

Yea look at the cast there Gus and a young cat Asparagus look at the cast

[@BeruBeruIce]

John Mills was blind when playing this role, he was in his 90s already. He deserves all the respects for performing although his condition wasn't good. And I don't know, this song and Memory, makes me kinda tear up. Both talk about their good times, when they felt happiness, and both are wholesome. May he be remembered as an awesome actor.

[@ZachGatesHere]

These are the most vulnerable songs in the show. They're so bare. It's gorgeous.

[@KhoiV]

He was BLIND??? 😭😭 AND HE WAS 90?? 😭😭

[@BeruBeruIce]

@@KhoiV Check on how confused he look and how someone needs to guide him. Also yes. He was in his 90s

[@KhoiV]

@@BeruBeruIce i have respect for him more than for my father 😭😭

[@Tara_Li]

I don’t think T. S. Eliot meant it quite this way in the original Old Possums poems, but by adding in Grisabella, this becomes something of the story of older performers losing the spotlight.

[@MrMrMrprofessor]

This is the quintessential version of this song. You have Sue Jane Tanner, the original Jellylorym, reprising her role, and Gus is literally being played by an incredibly accomplished theatre actor with Sir John Mills. Flawless.

[@RobbieL1977]

I agree and to me the quintessential version of Mr Mistoffelees was the one with Tim Scott he actually had a singing part in the song as Mr Mistoffelees

[@ameliamorgan2287]

@Blair Bart the London production came first so she's the original

[@juliuscaesar8152]

Sir John Mills was in his 90s and was almost completely blind when he played this role

[@rosenrot234]

I still like to think Gus made it to next years ball and got to go to The Heavyside Layer. Sure he's lived a good and full life but cmon look at him! I just wanna hug him.

[@CeltycSparrow]

I agree. Honestly, if I were Old Deuteronomy and I had to choose between Gus and Grizabella, I couldn't do it. I would have to choose both. I would want Gus to have a happy life again. Honestly, as I listened, I just wanted to wrap Gus in a warm, soft blanket and hold him to stop his poor paws from trembling. Jellylorum is so sweet and gentle with him. You can clearly hear the respect she has for him shining in her voice as she sings of his triumphs as the Theatre Cat.

[@baiwatch1]

I like to think that too but... there's just so much competition. And he might not even make it.

[@FreakDaMIghet]

But the difference is that Gus had his nice life. His glory days might be over, but he lived them and everyone loves him. Grizabella squandered her youth with partying and faulting her beauty, and all it earned her was distain. She learned the hard way what life is about and she deserved the second chance to do better.

[@Rose_Nightingale]

I look up John mills, Gus theater cat, guys! He was already 90 years old when he took this part.

[@javiarcamaro7178]

Just proves to show that it's never to late to act or any excuse, you can be near 100 and be blind and you can still do it.

[@janleopold4359]

He is also the only one in this cast who had not played his role on stage before, and he totally nails it. No wonder, he is one of England's most famous movie actors

[@Broadwaygirl918]

I know right?

[@darbylynch9391]

Whu

[@maryhaynes8633]

@@janleopold4359 Sir John Mills has always been a great actor, one of my favorites.

[@diz9606]

1:10 Her expression changing from joyfull and proud to a little disapointed when she reach the word "pub" is what make the subtle humor one of the best part in this musical.

[@nicholasvandervelden450]

And Gus does a half-apologetic, half-unrepentant smile too

[@eisaac2568]

I love that bit

[@acorneroftheinternet4179]

She does tease him a bit but it's clearly in a very friendly manner like "you sly dog, you got into so many hijinks!"

[@GenderIsNone]

​​@@acorneroftheinternet4179 **cat :>

[@katherineislora3266]

You can see the care Jellylorum has for Gus. She brags about him like a role model, and gets sparkles in her eyes when he talks.

[@KittyAwesomnessgirl1]

Gonna be honest, Gus should've went to the heaven side layer and Grizzabella should have simply been let back into the tribe and get together with old deuteronomy. Like become the old nanny cat to the kittens and all that

[@arthurhenriqueguimaraes4969]

Also, Griz should wait for the next Jelicle choice a year from then, while I don't think Gus can last a year.

[@kateyepawtch]

I also thought that, Gus made me cry so much and I didn't understand why wasn't he chosen, he was in a far worse situation than Grizabella

[@dannyspoons]

I get where you're coming from, but I've gotta disagree. Gus, though very old, has lived a very fufilling life. And at the end of it, everyone still respects him and loves him. For most of the musical, nobody loves Grizabella. She is hated by everyone, and probably would've still been hated if she didn't go to the heavyside layer. She deserved a second chance more than anyone, you get what I mean? But that's just what I think. I love Gus, too.💕💕

[@Tanyableu]

e probaly went the next year. Likely, he had something still to teach...

[@abc_jv_xyz]

Cat years aren't as long as human years, please correct me if I'm wrong but one cat year is only three human months, if he survives more three months he will go to the heaven side.

[@ianhimmelstein5915]

I always loved the relationship between Jelly and Gus. It reminds me of a daughter taking care of her father after many years of the father taking care of the daughter

[@treyowen9213]

True perfection indeed.🥲😿😹😭

[@ashleywalton2758]

Looked it up, the actor passed away in 2005.. Oh man

[@Rose_Nightingale]

Ashley Walton well yeah by the time he took this party was already 90 years old literally

[@classicmail8239]

This scene is cut due to his age, it is longer on the live show.

[@liresaknight4185]

I caused his death oh no I was born 2005 I killed him!!!

[@hamiltontrash9255]

@@classicmail8239 really I never knew that

[@hamiltontrash9255]

@@classicmail8239 if u mean the movie well no it's still there I have the movie on Amazon prime video it's still part of the movie um not sure if it was cut from the musical

[@justnimi_3348]

I'm not crying. You're crying.

[@fynncarter2327]

Nimi _ yes I am😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@ashlynnheller8400]

Yes I am crying

[@justmonika2899]

Your right😭😭😭

[@DarthSinistris]

Correct.

[@isaac_owens9110]

Always

[@blueturtle3623]

This is so sad, just because he's played by an old actor who's unable to do what he used to.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

And it's ironic that he compares "these modern productions" (like "Cats") to the classical theater (where the Sir John was a star).

[@sandradavis7311]

Maybe that’s the point.

[@classicmail8239]

Sandra Davis I think that's exactly the point.

[@classicmail8239]

Well said.

[@PuffyOne1898]

2:10 You can see Skimbleshanks entering, ready for his song, and he slowly falls asleep through this song.

[@ZestyStupidGirl]

This is easily my favorite version of this song. The preformers really give the lyrics a real personality in how they put empathis on certain words and their facial expresions.

[@Tylendal242]

As horrifying as the new trailer is, I'm glad they cast Ian Mckellen as Asparagus.

[@jeremyreese9452]

that's basically the ONLY reason I wanna see it. I have a soft spot for Cats, and this song is my FAVORITE PART.

[@marcusc9931]

I find it sad, to see him as a fading star reminescing of past glory.

[@Tylendal242]

@@marcusc9931 I mean... it's a role he's playing... I do see where you're coming from, though. You know he's gonna kill the role, though.

[@alexiasrei3594]

Honestly, I fully support Ian Mckellen as Asparagus as well as the other casting choices for the new CATS film. It’s the CGI that’s horrifying.

[@marley9352]

@@alexiasrei3594 Exaclty, like I actually believe that Hudson is also gonna kill it in her role

[@RLS-bu4bj]

I lost my own Gus the Theatre Cat 17 days ago. This is bittersweet.

[@brooklinwattier3645]

Gus needs to be protected at all costs.

[@chrissie627]

god this used to make me cry so much when i was little

[@whynotegg]

Lucy I still cry watching this 😅

[@somethingfromnothing7577]

Omg same

[@DJsaxby16]

What’s this “used to” crap? I still cry lol.

[@bethroseparis3796]

Lucy I still cry every time I watch this oml

[@justsomedudete3320]

I'm crying rn

[@hunterwilder9665]

Just like Gus, John Mills was also once a respected stage actor, but became old and frail and could no longer perform. Having him play this role serves as a perfect reflection of his own career

[@winterwithawhyknudsen5166]

Aww

[@vasilmirchev4555]

He maybe old and sick, but he played Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell!

[@austinpearce5442]

Vasil Mirchev I wish they had been able to film Growltiger’s Last Stand. They had another actor set to do that.

[@madkildee]

Gus is so adorable

[@emma.dessureau]

Agreed. Sometimes his shaking makes me sad

[@buckykattguitar]

This Gus was played by Sir John Mills, who was blind and VERY old by this point...the shaking was all real here. I still cant watch this without getting teary eyed.

[@scttydsntknw]

no he wasn't; watch the behind the scenes he is perfectly fine.

[@ashlynnheller8400]

He reminds me of my grandfather.Well known in my area,and is always willing to tell a story of his youth.

[@Sassaparilla]

scttydsntknw he was blind though. And in his 90's, at the time.

[@sofiah6997]

I believe Jolly is Gus's daughter... their coats are almost the same

[@MmMm-sf7pe]

I was thinking the same thing! :D

[@rasiqcalid8684]

Who's Jolly?

[@graaaaaaaaaaaaaaace]

Rasiq Calid i think they typoed jelly. its jellylorum.

[@Valdagast]

Although with that coat, Gus would almost certainly be sterile.

[@caniofferyousomejewishcrac7318]

@@Valdagast I think you are thinking of calicos. Male calicos are usually sterile. I'm pretty sure Jelly and Gus are tabbies.

[@esmewarmuth8780]

Goodness, this song never fails to make me cry buckets. Gus has so much to be proud of, but you can just sense his sadness and disappointment. He just wants to be young again and do what he loves. It always breaks my heart to see elderly actors in this part, as I know they're in the same shoes as Gus.

[@strangeandinteresting]

Anyone realise that the actor was completely blind when playing this?

[@austinpearce5442]

I think it was a mistake to cast Sir John Mills. He's the reason they couldn't film Growltiger's Last Stand because his filming took too long.

[@agwatts]

Not a mistake. A great tribute to a veteran stage actor in one of his last roles.

[@strangeandinteresting]

Athens Driver Absolutely

[@austinpearce5442]

I'm just saying that because his health meant time ran out for them to do Growltiger's Last Stand.

[@litigioussociety4249]

If they wanted to do Growltiger, they could have just used two actors. They had to cut a bunch for the tv production due to time constraints. As a result, I think they felt they should focus entirely on this scene instead, and I think they made the right choice, because the emotion here is chilling.

[@eievuiakushaandwaltercdorn8949]

saddest thing is that he died and he will not come back. Grizabella went to the heavysidelayer and was reborn but Gus, and many of the other elderly cats will die soon and won't come back and be reborn

[@alexmayard1511]

for real

[@caroldefender4144]

But I thought cats had 9 lives.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

If I were Old Deuteronomy, I'd have a hard choice between Gus and Grizabella.

[@sandradavis7311]

Maybe not...the Jellicle Ball is held once a year under the jellicle moon. Cat years are shorter that human years. A cat year lasts only three months, so if he held on long enough until the next Jellicle Ball, maybe he got to go to the heavysidelayer then.

[@rebeccasilverman6729]

Sandra Davis has a point... and I think Gus is the solid second choice after Griz. But also think of what the end message of the show would be if Gus was chosen over Griz. Gus has had a full life... Grizabella (according to another actress's behind the scenes video) left the tribe to be with Macavity and then he left her for another cat, and when she tried to go back to the tribe they rejected her... we all know someone who's made a mistake and fallen somehow and the moment of compassion at the end of Jemima singing with Griz first and Victoria touching her first speaks volumes: two of the youngest (both kittens) being the first to reach out to a former family member who's old and remorseful and only wants to be forgiven and accepted again... And I think it's also very telling that (although they look to Deuteronomy for approval) the first cats in the tribe to reach out and forgive and accept Griz are two young female cats. Not saying that poor old Gus with his palsy didn't deserve to go to the Heavyside Layer... Just saying that the ending has meaning. But I still cry when I listen to this song.

[@peacecookie34]

this song makes me so sad because i hate when sweet elderly people/animals pass away/suffer effects of getting older :(

[@Asher_Tye]

He looks so sad there, like he's just remembering all the glory days behind him. It's so beautiful.

[@CeltycSparrow]

Gus is so sweet. I just want to wrap him in a blanket and hold him to stop his poor hands from trembling. And Jellylorum is so gentle with him. You can tell she cares. This is one of the few roles in the new movie that I felt was done well. Ian McKellan was a good Gus. Not quite as fragile, but the dignity was still there.

[@Broadwaygirl918]

2:11 - 2:12 Jemima resting on Old Deut's lap is SOOOOOOO CUTE!

[@bigbrekkieburger3843]

Her voice is so soothing. I love this song

[@discojoe3]

Her voice is pretty, but more shrill than soothing.

[@skullsoul19]

@@discojoe3 Exactly. Can't stand listening to her for too long, actually...

[@brunobucciaratiswife]

Head canon: Gus married Grizabella and had Jellylorum. Jellylorum has two daughters, Demeter and Bombalurina. One of demeter’s daughters is Jemima. That’s why Jemima’s part in “moment of happiness” leads to this song; Gus is inspired by his great granddaughter’s song which convinces him to relive his moment of happiness.

[@jkrfan7]

Headcanon accepted

[@regisspeaks1497]

I'm naming my next cat Asparagus 💗

[@mollyarnold6921]

I actually named my cat Asparagus after this character

[@tinotopak7764]

im naming mine firefrorefiddle..

[@comewhatmay-]

Gus is the cat at the theatre door His name, as I ought to have told you before Is really Asparagus, but that's a fuss to pronounce That we usually call him just Gus His coat's very shabby, he's thin as a rake And he suffers from palsy that makes his paw shake For he was in his youth quite the smartest of cats But no longer a terror to mice or to rats For he isn't the cat that he was in his prime Though his name was quite famous, he says, in his time And whenever he joins his friends at their club (Which takes place at the back of the neighbouring pub) He loves to regale them, if someone else pays With anecdotes drawn from his palmiest days For he once was a star of the highest degree He has acted with Irving, he's acted with Tree And he likes to relate his success on the halls Where the gallery once gave him seven cat calls But his grandest creation as he loves to tell Was Firefrorefiddle, the fiend of the fell Sir John I have played in my time every possible part And I used to know seventy speeches by heart I'd extemporize backchat, I knew how to gag And I knew how to let the cat out of the bag I knew how to act with my back and my tail With an hour of rehearsal, I never could fail I'd a voice that would soften the hardest of hearts Whether I took the lead, or in character parts I have sat by the bedside of poor little Nell When the curfew was rung then I swung on the bell In the pantomime season, I never fell flat And I once understudied Dick Whittington's cat But my grandest creation, as history will tell was Firefrorefiddle, the fiend of the fell Sarah Then, if someone will give him a toothful of gin He will tell how he once played a part in East Lynne At a Shakespeare performance he once walked on pat When some actor suggested the need for a cat Sir John And I say now these kittens, they do not get trained As we did in the days when Victoria reigned They never get drilled in a regular troupe And they think they are smart just to jump through a hoop Sarah And he says as he scratches himself with his claws Sir John Well the theatre is certainly not what is was These modern productions are all very well But there's nothing to equal from what I hear tell That moment of mystery when I made history As Firefrorefiddle, the fiend of the fell

[@daxbradley4079]

"I have played in my time... every PAAAAW-sible part..." I see what you did there, Gus

[@miaandreatta6037]

In my opinion this is the sweetest moment in the entire show.

[@maryhaynes8633]

It is, and the love the young ones show him, always makes me cry. You can tell they love and respect him so.

[@lydia8526]

Memory: I am the saddest song in the musical. Gus The Theatre Cat: Nice try, bish.

[@beneyweneys]

It’s sad to think that this is probably also a goodbye song.

[@AlexisAnderson]

Ugh they ruined this part in the movie too. I can't believe they took out jellylorum's whole part & just had gus sing it. And they also sped it up which took away from the emotion of this heartbreaking performance. Shame on you Tom Hooper!

[@larsatticus6807]

Having Gus sing more of his own song is interesting. One of the saddest things about this song for me is how Gus isn't even allowed to tell his own story the whole time. If it weren't for everything else about the 2019 movie, I'd be intrigued to see an interpretation where Gus sings more.

[@CowGirlKat8691]

Since when has Hollywood not ruined everything they touch!?

[@MmMm-sf7pe]

Plus cutting away to Old Deuteronomy like five times. If they wanted to show Old Deut's reaction they could have filmed from farther away and had her in the background! It was so distracting.

[@spiritgirl41192]

Ian McKellen did a good job, however nobody but NOBODY will ever beat Sir John Mills' performance.

[@chloeparsons7343]

Exactly! The 2019 movie completely forgot how the Jellicles are one big family and they help tell each other’s stories

[@KimberlyFaith260]

You know what makes this scene ever more precious? Jemima is sitting by both Old Deuteronomy and Munkustrap!

[@slewgumber]

I had this on VHS as a kid and always skipped this song. Now it's one of my favorites, and always gives me chills.

[@CandyCloudsOfLulaby]

Watched this with my sister the other day, it was her first time seeing CATS at all, and this part came up and she started crying because she's a sucker for old people and a sucker for cats, so this was a double punch to the feels for her xD

[@classicmail8239]

Firefrorefiddle is one of the most meaningless characters in Cats with absolutely no relevance or backstory from TS Elliot, or mythology what so ever, yet Andrew Lloyd Webber still managed to portray this character in such an amazing way he's one of my absolute favorites. A beautiful piece of music.

[@FitnessUSAFriend]

The moment in part 2 of this song, where Firefrorefiddle reaches out to Gus, then backs away, is THE best moment in the play, IMO. The real tearjearking moment. So sick of Memory, I know it's a showstopper and rightly so, but give it a rest--this song, and Gus seeing Firefrorefiddle retreating into the shadows, is the part that always, always makes me cry. Bravo! Who played Firefrorefiddle here? Wish this bit got more love.

[@stevenscottoddballz]

0:20 Wait ~ what? They have NO trouble with Jennyanydots, Rum Tum Tugger, Grizabella, Bustopher Jones, Macavity, Mungojerrie, Rumpleteaser, Munkustrop or Skimbleshanks, but they have trouble with "Asparagus"?!?

[@adeledave124]

I was bawling when I heard this yesterday, first time ever seeing Cats musical, it reminded me so much of my grandma and I was in tears asap, truly a wonderful song and amazing performance by Sir John

[@Andi-ex1js]

his voice can still soften my heart

[@mightybfool]

This song always soothed me when I was little. Such a sad song

[@cml08]

Jellylorum's voice is so soothing. ^_^

[@Houndstoothedtartan]

Asparagus should have went to the heavyside layer first instead of Grizabella

[@thewrongcatdied]

Agreed! Check out www.bpn.fm/twcd where my podcast makes this argument!

[@brentleyturner2907]

I disagree. At least Gus knows that he’s had a good life and can go on to glory with a smile on his face. Grizabella, in my opinion, was in a worse situation. But hey, it’s good to have different opinions, it makes us all unique

[@trucetruce335]

Such a contrast to how they treat Grizabella

[@ianrobetson2606]

John Mills (1908-2005) He was Gus the Theater Cat. 0:02

[@missreds88]

Gus 's number always leaves me in puddle of tears T.T

[@jmie5]

I would take a punch for Gus. This cat is BOSS.

[@Seussenshmirtz]

2:08 Skimbleshanks Gets on Stage in his New Vest

[@rafaelamador2278]

I feel so so bad for gus. 😭

[@vintage1520]

I love Jellylorum, She is so tenderhearted in scene!

[@fynncarter2327]

RIP John Mills Amazing man 😩

[@willrexdunn]

This scene is just perfect! Both John Mills and Susan Jane Tanner play the roles so well and so well together. I genuinely think I’m looking at Gus the cat and not John Mills, so emotional! Ian McKellens was great but I felt with him singing it, I was watching more Ian Mckellen as gus and not just gus. This is what I love about John Mills’ performance, he acts so well and really tells the story with his facial expressions

[@GabieApolo]

The sweetest song in the musical

[@huntersmoon914]

this song genuinely makes me want to cry and no i will not elaborate

[@arthurhenriqueguimaraes4969]

I love that "Gus" by Jellylorum at the beginning.

[@katzenpfote6758]

That was my first time watching the original song. I only saw it in the movie. Now I hear the original Gus singing. I have tears in my eyes

[@ApparentlyGoogledislikesmyname]

I come back to this one again and again in awe of Jelly's singer enunciation and diction. Not just the talent of her voice, but the way the words roll out of her...

[@naly202]

God! is that John Mills! how absolutely wonderful!

[@cloudshark8730]

Something about this number makes me cry more than any other emotional song in Cats. I just love Gus so much, and hearing him tell tales of his glory days make me feel things.

[@Emy-fv5ny]

Same...

[@elphaba4674]

I think if grizabella wasnt so important to the story gus would have been chosen!

[@yansanshi4188]

I been to tours and I think they make Gus more energetic and holds more authority in the recent musical versions, but I remember how moved I was watching this version firsthand. So emotional and loving.

[@facemelter8610]

I still feel so bad for Gus. He's really just got the most approachable and kind demeanor to him.

[@dorianveliky8025]

My school is doing CATS and I just got cast as Jellylorum!

[@Phicheee]

That spirit of Fire-fror-fiddle lurking in the background gave me chills... wowwww...

[@GrandiaKnight]

Going to be played by Ian McKellen in the film. Really want to see that!

[@austinpearce5442]

GrandiaKnight I wonder who’s playing jellylorum

[@pianoman021]

She seems to have perfect command of the exact way she wants to articulate every word. The way one would with spoken word only. To be able to combine that with the music is astounding.

[@tsungadog7081]

Sir John. What an amazing inclusion. All the others must have been in awe

[@thescumbagofnewyork9397]

Everyone remembers Memory, but this has to be my favorite song in the show.

[@AlexisAnderson]

Susan Jane Tanner is such a delight. This version is far superior to any of the London or Broadway versions. Sir John Mills gives the best performance of anyone in his small scene. This is the most endearing & emotional scene of the whole film also.

[@casswoodland7256]

Tears.

[@annakim9870]

Great performance by Sir John Mills, who would have been about 90 at the time and had his own history of theatre so relatable to Gus. Susan Tanner is one of the best Jellylorum's and this song in the way she performs it with an almost lullaby quality really seals the piece.

[@maryhaynes8633]

NOt just Theatre but movies too. He always was a great actor.

[@daxbradley4346]

Everyone talks about Grizabella pulling at your heart strings. It's true, she does, but the Gus sequence kills me Every. Time.

[@JohnDoe-gk7ok]

Brilliant to include this character because he actually was a prime candidate for the Jellicle choice. Otherwise, Grizabella would’ve been too predictable.

[@cardwitch91]

I always though that if he made it to next year, he might well get picked as the Jellicle Choice

[@3dnygma]

college freshman year vs college senior year

[@shenshenlisapaly3130]

I love Gus so much I'm cryin

[@ashlynnheller8400]

This song always make me sad.This version has me sobbing though.

[@Aramanth]

👉 I always felt (based on their coat patterns) that Gus is probably Old Deuteronomy's brother (and in that fact Grizabella's brother too.). And that Jellylorum might be his daughter. I love the idea of a family of cats! And this performance deserves endless acclaim! 😽🥇🥉

[@GenderIsNone]

I like the idea better that Gus and Grizzabella may have gotten married, metting in the preformance field, and had Jellylorum

[@Aramanth]

@@GenderIsNone I like the theory. But then Jellylorum seems to relish being mean to Grizabella during the reprise. Kind of cold to her own mother. Still... Griz may have left her tribe AND her family to search for fame. LOL I love mythologizing _Cats!_

[@GenderIsNone]

@@Aramanth Ooo!! Yes!!!

[@TheWolfsHowl666]

2:15 I love that Sir John Mills is like "oh shoot, that's my cue" and starts singing

[@ryandevlin8274]

I don't know why, but this song always makes me cry.

[@treyowen9213]

This was beautiful.

[@thecalicocat6657]

Just the singing

[@emdeejay7432]

I love her voice the first couple lines of the song are my favorite, just the way she sings it, the whole thing when she sings is great but the first 10 seconds are my favorite and the faces when she's saying "his name as I ought to have told you before" and kinda nods a little and smiles, she just does it so great. I love it.

[@juniwa692]

I always remember my grandfather who had dead when i was a child. This song makes me cry. I want to meet granpa.

[@aaronspangler3001]

she reminds me of a british carol burnett

[@sandradavis7311]

Aaron Spangler yes! I thought it was her at first

[@newglappy2389]

This comment has become so much sadder

[@astraphel1896]

This still makes me cry today.

[@itssj974]

I don't know what it is about this song that makes me feel so much-besides the sad message behind it. Whether it's the key, the intonation, the whimsical tone of the melody...it's one of my favorite songs from this musical. I think it may be because this song kind of reminds me of the distinct, overall sound of the "The Wizard of Oz" soundtrack. Which I love.

[@williamrichmond4655]

John Mills' acting in this scene is brilliant. More than makes up for the weakness of his singing. Rest in Peace Gus.

[@stallfus]

I love jelly's voice it's so beautiful 😭😭

[@Andi-ex1js]

Oh my gosh This is just beautiful I loved how scruffy and old he is But hearing him sing is just gorgeous

[@NekoPink]

Awww :( this part always made me think of my grandpa

[@Broadwaygirl918]

I also miss my grandpa😢

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

John Mills (1908-2005) was 90 here; today, he would be 112.

[@Broadwaygirl918]

Yeah, he would have lived longer than 97 years as a result

[@GustavoGplay]

With all due respect to the legend Ian McKellen, but this is way better than his number in the 2019 movie.