Excerpts from Eliot's poems and Nunn's "Memory" Tim Rice was initially brought in to provide the lyrics but his version was considered too dark, so instead Trevor Nunn wrote his own lyrics that draw on imagery and text from T S Eliot's poems "Rhapsody on a Windy Night" and "Preludes", both from Prufrock and Other Observations (1917). It was hearing the melody of the song that persuaded Elaine Paige to accept the role of Grizabella. "Memory" was written rather late in the development of the show, with the final version only completed during previews for the original London production. By the end of the song, everyone understands her plight, and she is finally accepted by everyone, and escorted by Old Deuteronomy "Up, Up, Up to the Heaviside Layer". Again Jemima/Sillabub sings with her, the first of the Cats to understand her. This is Grizabella's last chance to be accepted, and although again met with hostility from the tribe, she sings again, the full version of "Memory". Suddenly, Grizabella appears on stage once more. The next iteration of the "Memory" melody is at the beginning of Act 2, after Old Deuteronomy sings " The Moments of Happiness", Jemima/ Sillabub sings:įinally, Old Deuteronomy comes to choose the cat to be taken to the Heaviside Layer. Although Old Deuteronomy has been watching, he is too far away to reach out to her, and she leaves with what little pride she has remaining. She sings a single verse of "Memory", and reaches out for anyone to touch her. She is left alone to contemplate her memories of the time when she was a part of the Jellicle tribe. Once the other Cats leave the stage, Grizabella begins to copy their dance moves, but alone and frail, she cannot capture the magic of the Ball. The audience has already been introduced to Grizabella by Bombalurina and Demeter in " Grizabella: The Glamour Cat", and during " The Jellicle Ball", Grizabella is seen watching the Cats. After they finish, she approaches and tries to join them, but is rejected. The song "Memory" is first heard in a short version at the end of Act 1.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |