The 40th anniversary Australian tour of CATS the Musical officially opens in Sydney tomorrow night. The Scoop had the chance to sit down at the Media Call today with Gabriyel Thomas. Gabriyel is playing Grizabella, and sings the iconic song Memory. She talked to us all things CATS, including what she loves most about playing this role and what this musical means to her. Read the full interview below.
Can you tell us a bit about your character Grizabella and how she fits into the Jellicle universe?
How to start with Grizabella? She’s had a long story. She was originally a part of the tribe in her younger days, but she had a couple of scratches throughout life and found herself a little down on her luck. She has found herself coming back to the tribe to regain that connection that she had and has lost throughout her time. So when we meet her, she’s at her wit’s end in life and coming back to needing that connection.
What do you love most about playing this role?
I would say, this is the most challenging role I’ve ever played in my life. And not only do I love the show so much, and I really connect to Grizabella. I love how honest she is about where she is. But she still has her dignity. And I think that is really important to, I don’t know, just to us as human beings. Sometimes we go through things, and it’s okay to be hurt and to be down, but to still have your voice and your dignity. And I just feel like I’ve learned a lot from her.
Can you tell us a little bit about growing up with this musical?
Well, I was first introduced to the 1998 version of the movie when I was four, and I just know that I do not remember life without CATS. I used to watch it on repeat. I had the VHS tape, I would dance to it in my living room. Then my Mom got the car with the DVD player, and then I was watching it in the car! So I’ve been very obsessed with the film since I was a little girl.
Why do you think this musical has resonated with you so personally?
I think it always takes me back to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music. It’s the music for me, it is so beautiful. But I think my journey with the musical has evolved. When I was younger, it was about the music and the dancing. And then, as I got older, I was able to connect with the story. CATS is one of those shows that you really have to see more than once. It’s important to come see it for the spectacle, the dancing and the staging. But then, when you come see it again, you can focus on one cat and follow their journey, and see what’s really going on.
What’s been one of the biggest challenges bringing this role to life?
I think because I am such an enjoyer of the film, it’s important for me to find a Grizabella that feels like myself. Even though Elaine Paige is iconic, and I’ve been inspired by her, the hardest thing has been trying to find a way to bring a Grizabella to the stage that’s Gabriyel.
I think the most important thing with a character such as this is to find little details that you relate to. I think everyone relates to feeling like an outcast and needing that connection. A lot of times we find ourselves needing a genuine hug and we don’t even know it. I think that’s how I find my connection to her, because I’ve felt that way before too.
What can audiences expect from this 40th anniversary tour?
I feel like audiences can expect a new life in this production. Obviously, with a show that’s been around for years, it’s very easy for things to get stale. But I think the reason why the show continues to play on around the world is because each production that goes on brings a new life, brings a new energy, and ups the ante a bit. And so even if you’ve seen the show when it was here last time, you haven’t seen this version. There’s some different things for you to grasp on to.
CATS the Musical runs to 6 September at the Theatre Royal, 108 King Street Sydney.
It then tours to Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Tickets: https://catsthemusical.com.au/tickets/sydney/
Website: https://catsthemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/catsthemusicalau/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/gabriyel.thomas/
Hero image: Photo by Daniel Boud
