Demeter

Demeter is a main character in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats. The musical is an adaptation of T. S. Eliot's 1939 poetry book Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, and the character's name is given in the poem "The Naming of Cats". Demeter is a very troubled and skittish female Jellicle cat. The role was originated by Sharon Lee-Hill in the West End in 1981, and by Wendy Edmead on Broadway in 1982. Daniela Norman played this role in the 2019 film adaptation. Character description Demeter is a refined and mature adult cat. She is best friends with Bombalurina and often turns to the latter for help in unpleasant situations. Unlike Bombalurina, she shows no interest in Rum Tum Tugger's advances. Despite her outward appearances, she is very troubled inside and particularly paranoid when it comes to the villainous Macavity, who she has an intense hatred for. Demeter is the cat who unmasks Macavity when he tries to trick the tribe by disguising as their leader Old Deuteronomy. She is one of the few adult cats to attempt to welcome Grizabella, but cannot bring herself to fully accept her until the show is almost over. The role of Demeter is dance-heavy and usually calls for a mezzo-soprano range with a high belt.