Who is the main character in the musical "Cats"? - briefly
The main character in the musical "Cats" is Grizabella, also known as the Glamour Cat. She sings the show's most famous song, "Memory," which highlights her longing for her past glory.
Who is the main character in the musical "Cats"? - in detail
The musical "Cats," based on T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," does not have a traditional main character. Instead, it features an ensemble cast of Jellicle cats who each take turns in the spotlight. However, one cat stands out as the central figure through whom much of the story is experienced: Grizabella.
Grizabella, played by Elaine Paige in the original London production and Betty Buckley in the original Broadway run, is a former glamour cat who has fallen on hard times. Once admired for her beauty and grace, she now lives alone, shunned by the other cats because of her age and faded glory. Her signature song, "Memory," is a poignant reflection on her past and longing for acceptance.
Throughout the musical, Grizabella's journey serves as an emotional core. Her isolation and eventual redemption provide a powerful narrative arc that resonates with audiences. While other cats like Old Deuteronomy, Munkustrap, and Rum Tum Tugger have significant roles and solos, it is Grizabella who embodies the themes of love, acceptance, and the passage of time.
In conclusion, while "Cats" does not have a singular main character in the conventional sense, Grizabella's story and emotional depth make her a central figure around which much of the musical revolves.