Gabriyel Thomas || Cats The Musical

The Fame Reporter interviewed incredible performer, Gabriyel Thomas she is currently starring as Grizabella in the spectacular revival of the iconic musical CATS during its 40th Anniversary, now playing at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne until 31 January and at Lyric Theatre, QPAC Brisbane from 6-22 February.

Experience the 40th Australian Anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS, coming to Melbourne and Brisbane.

We talked to Gabriyel about her role as the legendary character, Grizabella, her early connection to CATS, growing up and training in the U.S, building her career in Australia and more.

Grizabella is one of the most emotionally demanding and vocally iconic roles in musical
theatre. What has been the biggest challenge—and the biggest reward—of taking her on?
The biggest challenge has been giving myself permission to make this role my own. As someone who has idolized this show for as long as I can remember, I found myself trying to be a replica of Elaine Paige during the rehearsal process.

The biggest reward has definitely been trusting myself as an artist and allowing myself to create my own version of Grizabella that people have been able to connect to.

Some lovely people have taken the time to write to me and express just how much they connected to me during the show and it truly warms my heart.

“Memory” is such a legendary number. How did you approach making it your own while
honouring its legacy? Grizabella is often seen as an outsider within the Jellicle world. How do you tap into her loneliness and yearning when you step onstage each night?
I use a lot of my personal life experiences to charge the emotions of the song.

Growing up I felt many feelings of being othered or not feeling like I truly belonged so I allow myself to go back to those moments and feel those emotions again which allows me to connect to Grizabella.

It’s important to remember that your version of a role is special because it’s coming from you. There have been so many iconic performers that have played Grizabella before me and I will never be them, and that’s okay!

The only thing that I can do is tell the story to the best of my ability and have fun doing it.

You mentioned growing up dancing around your living room to the 1998 film. Has your
childhood connection to CATS influenced the way you approach the role today?
Absolutely! I notice it a lot during the opening number.

I get the opportunity to dance in the opening number with the other Cats and I often find myself recreating little facial expressions that I have cemented in my mind from watching the movie on repeat as a child.

My deep connection to this film has encouraged me to dive as deep as I can into the emotional depth that is Grizabella, the Glamour cat.

You trained in the U.S. How did your training shape the performer you are today? I did a lot of Meisner training back in the states. I’m really intrigued by that type of spontaneous and “in the moment” acting. This has really helped free me up as an performer.

Before studying Meisner I had complications with acting from a place of authenticity.

I used to be very stiff because I was afraid to make the wrong choice. But, there truly is no “wrong choice” as long as it’s rooted in the truth of the narrative you are trying to convey.

Learning that has allowed me to play and explore onstage in ways that I used to find nearly impossible.

You’ve toured across both Australia and the United States. What do you love about
performing for Australian audiences and American audiences respectively? The best
part about touring in Australia has been getting the opportunities to explore another country.

I never thought that I would have the chance to live in another country, let alone perform there.

Performing in America has its perks as well. I love having more opportunities to perform for my friends and family.

You’ve starred in shows like Sister Act and Hairspray. What have these productions taught you that you’ve carried into Grizabella? I truly think that every show had to happen in order to lead me to Cats. Hairspray was the first show I’ve ever toured with professionally.

I had the opportunity to cover Motormouth Maybelle. The role definitely had its challenges but it was just small enough to not feel too overwhelming for a first timer.

Sister Act was the very first time that I got to cover the Lead in a professional musical. This was a much bigger feat for me but it taught me so much about how it feels to be in a big role, and what it takes to maintain yourself to ensure you’re able to perform a lead role 8 times a week.

Now that I’m playing Grizabella I’ve been able to utilize the skill sets that I’ve inherited over the years.

I’m so grateful for all of the experiences that have led up to this show that have shaped me into the actor that I am today.

You’ve performed everywhere from the Ogunquit Playhouse to national tours. What have been some of your favourite cities or theatres to perform in? My absolute favourite city to perform in is Melbourne.

The theatre fans there are on a different level and you can truly feel their excitement from the audience. I also have to mention small towns.

Some towns don’t have ample opportunity to see every show that tours, because some shows prioritize larger cities, so they’re usually very appreciative of the shows that do choose to stop in their town and give them a show.

You’ve spoken so warmly about the friends you’ve made in Australia. What has surprised
you most about building a life and career here? I’ve been so grateful for the hospitality in
Australia. Every show I’ve done, I’ve met so many beautiful people who find ways to make me feel more at home.

Whether that’s celebrating Thanksgiving with me so I don’t have to do it alone, or just simply helping me become accustomed to “the Aussie way”.

Australia really does feel like my home away from home.

What advice would you give to young performers who grew up watching musicals and dream of one day being in them? Always find opportunities to create and learn! There’s
so many opportunities out there to hone your craft and support your love for performing. You could take classes, lessons, or even learn from seeing other shows.