Joel Grey portrayed Amos in the 1996 Broadway revival. A veteran of musical theatre, Grey added charm and subtle humor to the character, making his version of Mister Cellophane moving and memorable.
In the 2002 film version, John C. Reilly played Amos and delivered the song with gentle sorrow and honesty. His heartfelt performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and brought quiet power to the role.
Together, these performers and writers gave Amos Hart a voice, and Mister Cellophane a lasting place in musical theatre history.
About the Song
Mister Cellophane is a standout solo from the musical Chicago, performed by the character Amos Hart, the quiet husband often ignored by everyone. The song captures his inner pain, as he compares himself to cellophane.
| Artists | Joel Grey | John C. Reilly |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | January 27, 1997 | November 19, 2002 |
| Album | Chicago The Musical (New Broadway Cast Recording (1997)) | Chicago (Music from the Miramax Motion Picture) (2002) |
| Writers | Fred Ebb, John Kander | Fred Ebb & John Kander |
| Producer(s) | Jay David Saks | Randy Spendlove & Ric Wake |
Complete Lyrics of Mister Cellophane by Joel Grey
AMOS, spoken
I’m the father! Papa! Dada. Did you hear me? No you didn’t hear me. That’s the story of my life! Nobody ever knows I’m around- nobody! Not even my parents noticed me. One day I went to school, and when I came home… they moved
AMOS
If someone stood up in a crowd
And raised his voice up way out loud
And waved his arm and shook his leg
You’d notice him
If someone in the movie show
Yelled “Fire in the second row
This whole place is a powder keg!”
You’d notice him
And even without clucking like a hen
Everyone gets noticed, now and then
Unless, of course, that person it should be
Invisible, inconsequential me!
Cellophane
Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name
Mister Cellophane
‘Cause you can look right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I’m there…
I tell ya
Cellophane
Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name
Mister Cellophane
‘Cause you can look right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I’m there…
Suppose you was a little cat
Residin’ in a person’s flat
Who fed you fish and scratched your ears?
You’d notice him
Suppose you was a woman, wed
And sleepin’ in a double bed
Beside one man, for seven years
You’d notice him
A human being’s made of more than air
With all that bulk, you’re bound to see him there
Unless that human bein’ next to you
Is unimpressive, undistinguished
You know who…
Piano Solo
Amos: Shoulda been my name
Mister Cellophane
‘Cause you can look right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I’m there…
I tell ya
Cellophane
Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name
Mister Cellophane
‘Cause you can look right through me
Walk right by me
And never know I’m there
Never even know I’m there
Spoken
Hope I didn’t take up too much of your time
Mister Cellophane Lyrics by John C. Reilly
AMOS
If someone stood up in a crowd
And raised his voice up way out loud
And waved his arm and shook his leg
You’d notice him
If someone in the movie show yelled
“Fire in the second row!”
“This whole place is a powder keg!”
You’d notice him
And even without clucking like a hen
Everyone gets noticed, now and then
Unless, of course, that personage should be
Invisible, inconsequential, me
Cellophane, Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name, Mister Cellophane
Cause you can look right through me, walk right by me
And never know I’m there, I tell ya
Cellophane, Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name, Mister Cellophane
Cause you can look right through me, walk right by me
And never know I’m there
Suppose you was a little cat
Residing in a person’s flat
Who fed you fish and scratched your ears
You’d notice him
Suppose you was a woman, wed
And sleeping in a double bed
Beside one man, for seven years
You’d notice him
A human being’s made of more than air
With all that bulk, you’re bound to see him there
Unless that human being next to you
Is unimpressive, undistinguished, you-know-who
Shoulda been my name, Mister Cellophane
Cause you can look right through me, walk right by me
And never know I’m there, I tell ya
Cellophane, Mister Cellophane
Shoulda been my name, Mister Cellophane
Cause you can look right through me, walk right by me
And never know I’m there
Never even know I’m there
(spoken)
I hope I haven’t taken up too much of your time
Similar Songs Like Mister Cellophane
Joel Grey brought heart and humor to the stage like no one else. If Mister Cellophane moved you, these other songs will entertain and stir just the same:
- Two Ladies: Bold and cheeky, this number delivers double entendres and confident swagger. Joel’s timing makes the lyrics sparkle and entertain.
- Willkommen: This energetic opening number invites audiences into Berlin’s Kit Kat Club with playful style, theatrical charm, and a mischievous wink.
- If You Could See Her: A haunting song performed with irony, blending light humor and dark reflection as Joel addresses society’s hidden prejudices.
Similar Artists Like Joel Grey & John C. Reilly
Like Joel Grey? Here are five more artists with the same Broadway magic—each one known for powerful performances and timeless musical recordings.
- Danny Kaye
Genre: Musical Theatre / Comedy Vocal
Top albums: The Best of Danny Kaye (1950), Hans Christian Andersen Soundtrack (1952), The Court Jester (1956) - Robert Preston
Genre: Musical Theatre / Broadway
Top albums: The Music Man (Original Broadway Cast, 1957), I Do! I Do! (1966), The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964, film soundtrack) - Raul Julia
Genre: Musical Theatre / Vocal Drama
Top albums: Nine (Original Broadway Cast, 1982), Threepenny Opera (1976), The Castro Complex (1970s stage recording) - Len Cariou
Genre: Musical Theatre / Dramatic Baritone
Top albums: Sweeney Todd (Original Broadway Cast, 1979), A Little Night Music (1973), Applause (1970) - George Hearn
Genre: Musical Theatre / Operatic Broadway
Top albums: Sweeney Todd (1984 TV version with Angela Lansbury), Sunset Boulevard (1994), Putting It Together (1993)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It called Mister Cellophane?
The metaphor of cellophane—a transparent, see-through material—symbolizes Amos’s sense of being unnoticed and ignored.
What Is The Emotional Impact Of Mister Cellophane In The Musical?
It provides a moment of genuine pathos and vulnerability amid the show’s otherwise satirical and flashy tone, highlighting the human need for recognition.
How Is Mister Cellophane Staged?
Amos often performs the number alone on stage, emphasizing his isolation and invisibility to the other characters and the world.
