Gus: The Theatre Cat - Gus in Cats, The Musical

Gus in Cats, The Musical

Gus appears shortly after the start of Act II of Cats where he and Jellylorum provide highlights of his career, contrasting his present state with his acting heyday. In that time, it was claimed, "He has acted with Irving, he's acted with Tree." He and Jellylorum stress in particular his creation of the role of Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.

In its only major deviation from the poem, the song modifies one short passage from the poem:

"He once played a Tiger — could do it again — Which an Indian Colonel pursued down a drain."

to

"I once played Growltiger — could do it again"

and uses this to segue into the song "Growltiger's Last Stand", wherein Gus recreates his role of Growltiger, a pirate cat. At the end of "Growltiger's Last Stand", Gus returns in a short reprise.

"Growltiger's Last Stand" does not appear in the 1998 filmed version of the musical – Gus only sings his initial song. This was primarily due to the age of Sir John Mills, who played Gus in the filmed version, as well as time constraints.

Stephen Hanan originated the role of Asparagus 'Gus' and Growltiger as well as Bustopher Jones.

In the most recent US National Tour the role of Asparagus/Growltiger was played by Bronson N. Murphy.

In a cover version of "Gus: the Theatre Cat" recorded by Sarah Brightman, Gus' lines are recited by Sir John Gielgud.