Cats (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Grizabella was once a proud and celebrated member of the Jellicle tribe, but she became an outcast after falling under the influence of the villainous Macavity. Her ties to him caused the other Jellicles to shun her, viewing her as tainted by his corruption. Despite her past mistakes, she yearns to reconnect with her community.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Munkostrap and Victoria share Grizabella's bittersweet backstory, hinting at her former glory and her association with Macavity.

• grizabella
• jellicles
• macavity
• exiled
• outcast

The Heaviside Layer is a mystical realm above the Jellicle world where cats are reborn for a fresh beginning. Each year, one cat is chosen during the Jellicle Ball to ascend to this magical space, the ultimate honor known as the Jellicle Choice. It's depicted as a second chance at life.

Foreshadowing: The Jellicles explain the Heaviside Layer during 'The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball,' establishing it as the central goal of the story.

• heaviside layer
• jellicle choice
• rebirth
• ascension
• jellicle ball

When Macavity kidnaps Old Deuteronomy and the captured Jellicles, Victoria urges Mr. Mistoffelees to use his magical powers. He performs 'Mr. Mistoffelees,' unleashing his enchanted abilities to restore Old Deuteronomy and free all the captive cats, breaking Macavity's dark magic and turning the tide against the villain.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Mr. Mistoffelees proves his magical prowess by rescuing Victoria from being trapped behind a vase, demonstrating his abilities before the final confrontation.

• mr mistoffelees
• macavity
• magic
• rescue
• old deuteronomy

Victoria, the white cat who arrives unexpectedly in London, demonstrates unusual compassion and empathy. When she performs 'Beautiful Ghosts' and reaches out to include Grizabella, Old Deuteronomy recognizes her pure heart and predicts she is destined for great things within the Jellicle tribe. Her compassion inspires the others to accept Grizabella.

Foreshadowing: Old Deuteronomy's prediction that Victoria is destined for great things foreshadows her role in Grizabella's redemption.

• victoria
• grizabella
• jellicles
• compassion
• chosen

The Jellicle Choice is the annual honor bestowed upon one cat during the Jellicle Ball. The chosen cat ascends to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn with a fresh start. This coveted gift represents renewal and transformation, making it the central competition driving the entire narrative.

Foreshadowing: The Jellicle Ball invitation explains the significance of this choice, establishing it as the story's primary goal.

• jellicle choice
• heaviside layer
• jellicle ball
• ascension

Macavity, the villainous cat, seeks to claim power over the Jellicle tribe by capturing their wise and beloved leader, Old Deuteronomy. By taking her, he attempts to assert dominance and prevent the Jellicle Choice from proceeding legitimately. His treachery represents the story's main conflict.

Foreshadowing: Macavity's manipulations and traps throughout the story build toward this confrontational moment.

• macavity
• old deuteronomy
• kidnap
• villain
• capture

The Naming of the Cats is an ancient Jellicle tradition where every cat reveals their true name. According to this custom, each cat carries multiple names reflecting their complex nature. Munkostrap encourages Victoria to discover and share her true name, highlighting the tradition's importance to Jellicle identity.

Foreshadowing: This tradition is introduced early in 'The Naming of the Cats' number, establishing it as a key cultural element.

• naming of cats
• tradition
• jellicle names
• customs

After Grizabella performs the heartbreaking ballad 'Memory,' her poignant tale of sadness and longing moves the entire tribe. Victoria's compassion and inclusion of her touch the Jellicles' hearts. Recognizing her genuine remorse and the community's forgiveness, Old Deuteronomy names Grizabella the Jellicle Choice, allowing her to ascend to the Heaviside Layer.

Foreshadowing: Victoria's earlier performance of 'Beautiful Ghosts' evokes memories that foreshadow Grizabella's emotional breakthrough.

• grizabella
• jellicle choice
• memory
• ascension
• forgiveness

After Macavity's failed attempt to follow Grizabella to the Heaviside Layer, his greedy and desperate pursuit ends in failure. The villain is unable to ascend with her, and his reign of terror over the Jellicles comes to an unsuccessful conclusion as the tribe celebrates their victory.

Foreshadowing: Macavity's earlier bold claim that he is 'the only cat left standing' sets up his ultimate failure.

• macavity
• defeat
• heaviside layer
• villain

When Victoria gets trapped behind a large vase while attempting to steal from a house with Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Mr. Mistoffelees uses his quick thinking and magical abilities to rescue her. This act demonstrates his intelligence and magical prowess, foreshadowing his later heroic role against Macavity.

Foreshadowing: This rescue establishes Mr. Mistoffelees as a magical figure long before the final confrontation.

• mr mistoffelees
• victoria
• rescue
• magic
• mungojerrie