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MUNGOJERRIE
and
RUMPLETEAZER


Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer were a notorius couple of cats.
As cnockabout clowns, quick-chance comedians, tight-rope walkers and
acrobats.
They had an extensive reputation, they made their home in Victoria Grove.
That was merely their center of operation for they were incurably given to rove.

When the family assembled for sunday dinner,
their minds made up that they wouldn't get thinner on.
Argentine joint, potatoes and greens.
Then the cook would appear behind the scenes
And say in a voice that was broken with sorrow
"I'm afraid that you must wait and have dinner tomorrow.
The joint has gone from the owen like that!"

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer.
They are a notorius couple of cats.
They are always causing troubles for everyone!


Are they brother and sister? Maybe a couple?
They could be twins because their costumes are almost identical,
but I still think that they are a couple. However, in original London Show, they were sister and brother,
and I know that because they meaned to be guys. (Gee, that would've been interesting!) They live in Victoria Grove and
They will steal just about anything and everything.
They are working for MacAvity,(Demeter suggests "I might mention:Mungojerrie"), but still members of jellicles.

Their song comes after Bustopher's song.
During this slightly swanky, thoroughly invigorating song,
the mischevious pair comes out carrying sacks
of presumably stolen goods and proceeds to sing about their reckless lifestyle.
We hear of how they are continually in trouble and constantly covering for each other.
This is notably the only song in which
a)the cats being discussed sing the whole thing themselves and
b)the singers (or addresses of song) have the stage to themselves for the entire song.
In the original London show, Mungo and Teazer's song was SO different.
It was very Jazzy, and little bit faster. If you haven't heard it, don't fret.
It's no where near as good as the current one (featured on the video),
and to me it left the fealing that they really do work for Macavity.
ALW rewrote the song for the Broadway opening.

During the opening number they ask (in order) "Are you mean like a minx?"
"Are you lean like a lynx?"
And during the Jellicle Ball they declare in unison,
"Jellicle cats are of moderate size."
In Jennyanydot's song, they both portray cockroaches.
Also, at the very beginning of the song, there are two short clips of the duo
making fun of Munkus and Mistoffelees!!
During skimble's song, watch the backroung for Jerrie running around with his hands behind his back,
Imitating the stiff Railway cat;)
Later on in the same song, Rumpleteazer causes some "hilarity and riot" and then sneezes.
Finally, watch the battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles very closely.
The first two dogs on stage are none other than Mungo and Rumple,
barking at each other with relish and basically stealing the show from Munkustrap!

Aside for Coricopat and Tantomile, Mungo and Teazer are the only two cats to have an official relationship.
Their obvious devotion to one another is touchin.
They are both comfortable dancing alone (during the Jellicle Ball, Skimble's song, Mistoffelees, etc.)
but when the slow and serious numbers start, they gravitate instantly
toward one another (watch them during Deuteronomy's contemplations,
and cuddling on the car roof before Old-D enters).
They are independant yet always close at hand.
They are lively,and troublesome. that they are They work for Macavity, but who cares, they are still the wonderfulest couple of cats in the whole musical.
I adore them.

Rumpleteazer is played by:

  • Bonnie Langford: Original London cast, 1981.
  • Christine Langner: Original Broadway Cast, 1982.
  • Renee Bonadio: U. S. National Tour IV Cast.
  • Sasha Kane: West End cast.
  • Jo Gibb: Video, 1997-98.


    Mungojerrie is played by:

  • John Thornton: Original London Cast, 1981.
  • Rene Clemente: Original Broadway cast, 1982.
  • David Petro: U. S. National Tour Cast
  • Nick Searle: West End cast.
  • Drew Varley: Video, 1997-98.

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