McCavity the mystery cat, called the Hidden Paw, was accused of stealing “Old Deuteronomy” during a non violent flash raid upon the Jellicle Gang near the “Russell Hotel”.
However, the cat so clever, Magical Mr. Mistoffelees is the cat that brings back Old Deuteronomy via a cheap conjuring trick. Magic, as the skeptical among us must agree, is just that. . . a cheap trick.
Ergo it is my contention that the cat, so clever Magical Mr. Mistoffelees is the true kidnapper. Because magic is trickery he could not have conflated the elements to conjure Old Deuteronomy from thin air or his confinement within the halls of The Mystery Cat .
It follows then that Mr. Mistoffelees knew where Old Deuteronomy was all the time. After a degree prestidigitation, the waving of paws, all he had to do was release Old D at the right moment creating to illusion of magic.
Ipso Facto the whole event was a ploy to denigrate the “Hidden Paw” and bolster the sagging stock of the clever cat. Thus rendering the classic musical “Cats” a sham pandering to a lie. What say you?