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[0:15] Mike Abrams: Welcome to The Wrong Cat Died, the podcast breakdown of the cat's atrophy. I'm your host, Mike Abrams, and today we have another amazing guest. We have been working with the Fulton Theatre's Amusement Park production of CATS to bring you a series of episodes this summer. And up next, we have Sara Sheperd, who is playing Grizabella. So welcome, Sara, and thank you for joining me.

[0:30] Sara Sheperd: Hi, thank you for having me.

[0:33] Mike Abrams: It's always fun to talk to Grizabellas, because I have a show anti-Grizabella. But I saw your Grizabella, I loved your performance, and I love actually the way that this Grizabella story is kind of told. So we'll get into that, because by the time this comes out, there'll be no spoilers, so we can really dive into it. But before we get into that, I want to ask your CATS history. So when is your introduction to it? Did you see it growing up? How familiar were you before you started as Grizabella?

[1:00] Sara Sheperd: I mean, I think I saw the national tour when I was five or six, young. And I sort of remember sitting on an aisle and they were like, you know, cats were really up in there. But honestly, that was the only time I had seen... Actually, that's not true. I did just see the most recent off-Broadway revival, CATS, The Jellicle Ball.

[1:27] Mike Abrams: The Jellicle Ball, okay.

[1:29] Sara Sheperd: Yes, which I loved so much.

[1:31] Mike Abrams: Amazing. Different show, though.

[1:31] Sara Sheperd: Totally different show. But same material, you know, it was just, it was incredible. And then, of course, I know a lot of the music, just because it's just in the canon. And I grew up, you know, knowing music or learning about musical theater. So I've always loved memory, you know. But that's sort of it, really. I didn't have a whole lot of history with the show.

[1:53] Mike Abrams: So this wasn't a show that you were like, this is bucket list. I've got to be Grizabella. I got to do this show. It was more of a, this is a cool opportunity and a cool contract.

[2:01] Sara Sheperd: Yeah. And I knew, when I saw it on the Fulton's season, I was like, oh, God, that would be interesting. But yeah, it wasn't always in the back of my head, like, gotta do Grizabella. But I do think the older I get, you know, some of these roles, you sort of grow into like these roles that you are more right for now with age. And so that sort of excited me, too. Like, oh, that would be fun to tackle.

[2:28] Mike Abrams: Yeah. Cats is an interesting one, because you can do it throughout your career. And there's not as many shows that you can really play all the different roles. So it's fun to hear that you are, you know, I don't want to even say this stage in your career, you're not Grizabella age here to be ready to do that. But it is cool to be able to kind of, as you said, grow into that role.

[2:50] Sara Sheperd: Yeah.

[2:51] Mike Abrams: So what was your first reaction then when you booked the role? Like, are you the five-year-old being like, I'm about to climb all over these other children on the aisle? Or is it excitement? Or like, what is it with cats?

[3:04] Sara Sheperd: Oh, it's like, I mean, so much excitement. There's obviously the idea of like playing a cat is just wild in general. You're just like, well, I've never done that before. And honestly, I don't know if you know this, but I have Beautiful, the Carole King musical has been a part of my life for a very long time. And this is the first production outside of Beautiful that I have done in almost a decade. So when I tell you the excitement of just like leaning into and embracing just a good old musical theater piece and a new piece for me, I was so excited.

[3:40] Mike Abrams: Yeah, I didn't realize it was a decade because I know you did it on tour and on Broadway and all the different versions. So you've been in Carole King's life forever. And now you're a cat. Does Carole King have a cat?

[3:52] Sara Sheperd: Well, if you recall the Tapestry album, she does have a cat.

[3:57] Mike Abrams: Yeah, she does. I mean, not in the show, but she does have a cat.

[4:01] Sara Sheperd: Yeah, yeah. No, I've definitely seen the show. So I know it was not featured in there.

[4:07] Mike Abrams: Okay, so then walk me through what the beginning of like, the process like I know you all did, it was Memorial Day, you all did like you're learning the story. But what was your like, you learned your Grizabella, and you've got to kind of almost create a story. There's more to work with here than a normal Grizabella. I think it's with just the amusement park side. But how did you start crafting that?

[4:29] Sara Sheperd: I mean, it was really exciting. Mark was obviously just so helpful and sort of shaping what our version of this story is. And he, we're not going to spoil so I can say things, right?

[4:42] Mike Abrams: Yeah.

[4:43] Sara Sheperd: Like, there's normally Grizabella does not start the show. We meet her about 20 minutes into it. So I do think it's really kind of neat that we sort of see, we see her right away. So we at least sort of are introduced to her before all of a sudden the cats are with her. And then we see the reactions of how what the cats feel about her. And then, you know, he, he said very clearly, like, we want this to sort of be a huge, he and Joey, we want this to be a human story. And so Cillabub is meant to be my kitten that I had and basically abandoned. And so, you know, I think just thinking about the guilt and shame of what that would bring, even as a human, you know, I sort of bring that into the piece as well.

And then it was just so fun, finding the different relationships that I have with other cats, such as like, Mistoffelees, we, he has created this story where Mistoffelees and Grizabella had this magic act. So now I immediately when I see Mistoffelees, when I come on stage, it's he's not mad at me, like, he's like, wow, she's come back. This is exciting.

[5:55] Mike Abrams: Yeah, because I've also heard and I like I said, I'm not so so familiar with how, how the original cats was, but I've heard a lot that most times when Grizabella comes out, everyone's just like, like hissing at her.

[6:01] Sara Sheperd: Yeah, they don't want her around. And I think it's sort of really interesting to have maybe some cats that are so excited that she's come back or and then obviously, we have the story of Bob Millerina, who is the cat that I have sort of left Cillabub with, and is very angry at me. And so there's that dynamic that we get to play too. So that was just like, a little bit of how this sort of this journey started. And then we, you know, the more we got on stage with each other, it was just really fun to start to explore what that looked like.

[6:38] Mike Abrams: Yeah, it's, there's a lot of stuff you covered. I love this, because I know so much of the lore. And also, again, like, even the, the beginning started here to where it is today, every production takes a slightly different tweak on a lot of those things, like the one that did the circus cats, they actually published their family tree. And there were some interesting takes in there, you know, like, there were some things that some people were like, No, absolutely not. And some people were like, Oh, I love that. And so it's like, it's cool, because there's not most of it's not written. Most of it's not like definitive, there are a few definitive things. But I love I want to start back with the first follow up question for you.

I have a lot of follow up questions from that. First one is, I love that you mentioned the starting point, because the Grisabella usually is actually on tours or in the most recent productions is a different cat dancing in the ensemble, because they just want to they need another dancer. And so there's like, I think it's called baby Gris, or some version of that, where they're, they're just, they're a younger kitten dancing in the opening number, and then they go and then they're Gris from that point forward.

[7:40] Sara Sheperd: Totally.

[7:40] Mike Abrams: You all flip that, by having her kind of come out in the beginning, and early on, and you, you start with this, like Grisabella Mostofoli's act that used to happen. So have you all like, discussed what that act was? Like, I'm fascinated by that, because it's like such a unique piece of, here's this like connection point you have to this beyond you mentioned, still about being your daughter, which we'll get to. But like, there's this whole moment of like, you left, like, it wasn't just you left the tribe, like you left the amusement park as one of the featured act, like acts with Mostofoli's.

[8:20] Sara Sheperd: Yeah, I guess. So Mostofoli's and I, the idea was that I was his assistant, I guess we haven't really discussed specifically, I'm assuming people are like disappearing, and I'm over here by the box, you know, presenting. I sort of came up with the idea that I left. Well, because there's sort of a bigger opportunity for me outside of this park. And maybe I sort of toyed with the idea of maybe that I'm now the feature act. I'm not the assistant anymore. I have tried to sort of take on, I had an opportunity, which is why I left and sort of abandoned everyone.

[8:54] Mike Abrams: I'm trying to remember, is it Grisabella Mostofoli's or Mostofoli's and Grisabella? Like who got top billing on that box?

[9:01] Sara Sheperd: Misto and Grisabella.

[9:03] Mike Abrams: Okay, so you are second there. Okay, you are very much the assistant.

[9:09] Sara Sheperd: Yeah. And I think actually-

[9:11] Mike Abrams: That's why you leave.

[9:12] Sara Sheperd: Yeah, that's why I left. And I think in the opening, it's cool when they do that like voiceover moment when the sort of the park is coming alive in like 2010. It's like, it's like enjoy the magical mayhem of Misto and Grisabella. So it's called like Magic Mayhem or something like that is what the show is called. It's cool.

[9:33] Mike Abrams: It's unique to hear you have like much more of a reason to leave because that's not always the case with Grisabella in the other ones where you don't meet her till late. You just know that she's coming back. You don't have this like why she left. And so I love that you have a little bit more work with on why she left. And so your version is that she was the assistant. She was the one maybe hopping in the thing and popping out and being the one sawed in half or some version of that.

[10:00] Sara Sheperd: Exactly, exactly.

[10:01] Mike Abrams: And you're like, it's now time for me to be the main act. And so I'm leaving for that.

[10:06] Sara Sheperd: Yes, that's sort of what I've created in my head.

[10:09] Mike Abrams: I like that. I like that.

[10:11] Sara Sheperd: But still, it's like, you know, abandoning a kid, it's hard to ever justify. You can't justify that. But it's like, at least you can have some reason as opposed to just sort of a random, you know, thing. It's specific, which is nice.

[10:28] Sara Sheperd: And it does, it does leave a little bit more of the like, truly the entertainment world of where you're going. Yeah, because there is a, you know, maybe I've made some of these up. But like, since it's so undefined where Grizabella goes, there's a question of what was she doing? And it could be trying to make it big, or it could be like down McAvity's Crying Gang or, you know, like, into some other more nefarious things. Like it could be way worse. Yeah, this seems a little bit more, besides leaving your family, a little bit more of a chasing a dream type of thing.

[10:59] Sara Sheperd: Definitely. Yeah, definitely. And you think about like, why she came back, and maybe it wasn't working out for her. And now she's alone, you know, by herself. So it's like, come back to the people who once loved you, or the cats that once loved you.

[11:14] Mike Abrams: Yeah, yeah.

[11:16] Sara Sheperd: Okay, so then you also had the definition was still about being your daughter. Like, that's clear. And that's like, written in the story. That's not always the case. And then you mentioned that, you know, you leave her with Bombaylorina. So that's why there's some of that. I don't know if I want to say animosity, but more protection when you come back the first time of like, no, you left, like, I'm going to protect the one I've been raising. Yeah, tell me some of the other relationships besides Mustafili is that you've had to kind of build out throughout this.

[11:42] Sara Sheperd: Yeah. So it's cool. Let's see. Demeter is another one. I she's sort of we think of her as like, almost like sisterly to bomb. And it's sort of like an ant to syllabub. So you see there to even like during remark, she's definitely protective of syllabub as well, which is, she sort of starts, we say to like, she's really the only sort of the one that explains to syllabub what's going on, which is what you can sort of justify the lyric of the glamour cat. She's like, finally, someone's telling me who this cat is, you know, who is. So that's one. So there's definitely she has animosity towards me. Um, we, I think, I sort of came up with the idea that the way I stumbled into this, and I sort of came into this amusement, like amusement park, because I was abandoned.

And the idea that Gus and jelly are sort of like family to me a little bit or sort of like raised me or took me in a little bit under their wing. So I especially during memory, like I, when I referenced like the good times and things like that, I look to them. Um, because I think of that sort of as like a happy moment. Um, same with like Jenny Annie dots, I feel like we're sort of in the same age. So it hurt, sorry, Jenny Annie dots is the one that's the candidate. So that's another one where I sort of during memory, I referenced her and even we call her Auntie Jen, I guess who's, she's the Jen that...

[13:17] Sara Sheperd: I don't know how much you know about this, but it's the same actress that plays Jenny and it actually happened. Then she's, she's Jenny through the rest of it, but we think that's like her granddaughter probably, but she's excited to see me. So I think there's when I first come in. So there's like a good relationship there. Trying to think who else we've built out. Demeter bomb is bomb sister, or like, what is the relationship there? When you leave? I think the wait, Oh, bomb. I think she's like best friend, but like basically a sister, but like, no, I don't think necessarily related. Um, and the idea that monkey strap is still above dad. Monkey strap is still above. Okay. So you've defined, define that.

Yeah. So that's too, when I first, when I think when I first learned that still above is mine is the moment in remark when I see her snuggle up to him. And I'm like, Oh my God, that's, and then you sort of see jelly, jelly comes up. And I think I'm like, Hey, can I see her? You know? And she takes her away, which is like even more heartbreaking because I love jelly so much.

[14:31] Sara Sheperd: Yeah. So yeah. And you have Gus and jelly being older than you, like as grandparents, like parents or more of just like caretakers. I feel like jelly would be like an aunt to me. Okay. And Gus would be like a dad or grandfather that sort of like took me under. And actually this was not me. This was James that came up with the idea that we, we, we were sort of like in the theater world together, which is maybe why I got maybe into this sort of like performance magic side of things, which I kind of love. I love. Yeah. Yeah. So that's, it's interesting. Cause I think a lot of times Grisabella is viewed as one of the older cats in most cases, like as clocked as the same as Gus in terms of age. And the reality is, is that like, it has shifted over time as I would say the performers aren't, you know, as old as some of the times the performers were for Grisabella.

[15:24] Sara Sheperd: Sure. So it's become a little bit more of a, like the weathered and fully beaten down Grisabella to now more of a, like you left and there's still like a need for becoming back in the redemption story, but not the like, Ooh, I'm at the, I'm at the very end, end of life. It's more of, I'm at the end of maybe this particular part of my story. Yeah. And I like, if I can say this now, I do love the idea that even in memory, it's like, I come back because I want to see my daughter and I feel like before we get to the big end, it's like, I've decided we're good. Like I got to meet her and now I can go. And then of course she ends up getting picked, but it's like that to me was not the goal to come back with, was not, sorry. The goal to come back was not to go to the Heaviside by her. It was to meet Sylva and I got that and I got that, which is great.

[16:19] Sara Sheperd: So now I can leave. You're coming back. You're coming back for family. Like I want to come back to see my daughter, be part of the family. And, and then you're blessed with being the choice, but it wasn't the goal. Correct. Interesting. Okay. I want to ask about the teens, because that's a different like part to the show is that there's so many of you all it's makes it so fun, but I'm curious. Like I'm still waiting for their stories. Like I know that they wrote detailed stories, but did any of them like put Grizabella into part of their, their own backstories?

[17:01] Sara Sheperd: Oh, the teens, the teens. Yeah. Most of them, cause they're playing kittens. A lot of them said like when we sort of did our circle up of table work that they didn't necessarily know who I was, or there, it was like, there was lore of me, but they, it's not like they necessarily had an opinion of me. So, uh, because they're younger. So they, they, they weren't necessarily around when I was out there doing the magic show, you know, but it's like, they've heard tales of who this cat is. And now the idea that down there, they're seeing it in person or, you know, in happening in life, it's like, oh my God, it's like putting that together. Like, oh, these are the stories and that it's her, that's the thing.

[17:36] Sara Sheperd: Yeah. So, which I think is kind of cool. Yeah. So it's not like necessarily like relationships with them, but just the idea of me and now I'm there alive in front of them, we're going to take a quick break and then we'll be back for more of the wrong cat died.

[17:49] Mike Abrams: How much of you flushed out where you went? Like, I know you said you went to be a solo act, basically. What do you, what do you, what do you do? Like, have you thought about that?

[18:01] Sara Sheperd: I guess, I guess maybe not. Maybe I should have thought about it more, but I sort of thought maybe I went to another, even just like another amusement park and like putting on my own thing. Um, yeah, no, I, I, I didn't necessarily flush it out that deep. I wish I had more juicy details of like what I'm out there doing, but I, I just don't think, I don't think it has panned out for her.

[18:23] Mike Abrams: How she necessarily thought.

[18:27] Sara Sheperd: Yeah. Mine.

[18:28] Mike Abrams: So you need to come back to an amusement park and we're singing only Carol King.

[18:36] Sara Sheperd: Entertaining. I mean, we love, I love that. That's, that's what you need to do. You go backstage, you sing a couple, a couple of songs, get it back, you know, get it back from your pause, from your 10 year hiatus of it and bring it in. I, how materially do you think that that matters?

[18:54] Sara Sheperd: Like it doesn't really matter, right? Like, like I'm fascinated by like that particular part of Grisabel's story to me is fascinating because it's not written, it's not flushed out and transparently as a performer, you probably don't need to flush it out. Like you can, you can get away, like you just need the nuts and bolts of it. But I'm fascinated by it because I feel like depending on what that answer is, yeah, could significantly dictate what this return is actually meaningful about.

[19:20] Mike Abrams: Like, I think about, I, for a long time thought it was bald Britney. That's what I kept calling Grisabel as like the part where it's like, she had her, you know, that was her moment and then, and then she kind of had her coming back and then it kind of went off the rocker again recently, but I was like, no, she's going to have her chance to get out of this, you know, this negative stuff and retake over her life and come back and, and have it, but I'm like, is it that where it's like, that's a, that's a very bad negative type of thing or is it just, you're going and what you're attempting didn't work and now you want to be back?

[19:53] Sara Sheperd: Well, I think what she's attempting didn't work. I also think, which is why the falling keeps happening and there's pain. I do think she's sick. And so the idea that I, I want to meet my fam, I want to meet my kiddo before I go is really important, which I just think raises the stakes because now there's a time crunch on things, you know?

[20:15] Mike Abrams: Um, what else?

[20:18] Sara Sheperd: Yeah. But I think that is the, and the, just the idea of like, I don't know, not to get so dark, but I think about, I don't think I'm someone who's going to have kids, but like, I just, the, that idea of like, you know, when you get older and you go, it's like not wanting to be alone. You want to be surrounded by people that love you. You know, that, just that thing of like, I have to come back to my tribe before I leave, before my final go, you know?

[20:49] Mike Abrams: Yeah.

[20:49] Sara Sheperd: So maybe you didn't go to another amusement park. Cause I feel like that would give you another tribe, right? Like that would be another family to be a part of, or at least in some small capacity that way.

[20:59] Mike Abrams: Yeah, maybe.

[21:01] Sara Sheperd: Okay. Or unless it's not, unless, you know, for her, she was sort of, it's not like her performance maybe isn't going well and she's not necessarily accepted by this group of cats or, but why, what else, what other thoughts do you have?

[21:15] Mike Abrams: I'm curious. What was she?

[21:17] Sara Sheperd: Well, my original thought was, is that she went down Macavity's Crime Gang and it was kind of almost like a sex worker type of thing. Like she went like much more drug, cause like I didn't, when I started this, it's not from the amusement park lens.

[21:30] Sara Sheperd: Like we don't have that Mastoffelees, Grizabella, like act. So connect you through. So it's much more of like, you don't know where she went. You just know it was bad. And then she needs to come back. And so I kind of have pieced together this, like, okay, Macavity does crime. The, you know, Mungojer and Rumpelteazer are kind of like part of that little mischievous group. I've always loved the idea that Bust for Jones is funding it, but James's version is much more wholesome than that.

[22:01] Sara Sheperd: But like, I think that there is some more of her, it's like, she went into a much darker, darker place than trying to be in a amusement park and just not, you know, not performing at the level you would want. I, but that doesn't work in this story as well, because in this story, she clearly left a, a family and a like working, like she had a gig, like she had a thing that she was doing and went to go do something else.

[22:24] Mike Abrams: So it does feel like more of a, like you said, went out to be on her own, got her solo act and then something is not preventing it from, from working. And that's how she's coming back.

[22:35] Sara Sheperd: Well, and maybe it's like, I don't necessarily think, I don't, I think misto is magical and I don't necessarily think Grizabella has the magic, true magic sauce, you know?

[22:46] Mike Abrams: So anyway, but I agree with you. I think there's something about leaving for like, like what you said earlier, like a dream. Like, yeah, like I, I can't not try this thing that I've always wanted to do. So I'm going to go for it. It sort of feels like that to me.

[23:01] Sara Sheperd: Yeah.

[23:02] Mike Abrams: Yeah. I mean, you sacrifice a lot to do that. Like you left a child behind and live with the whole family. If, if truly like the Gus and Jelly, it's like, you're leaving mentors or family members, like you're leaving everything to go do this.

[23:15] Sara Sheperd: And then we start back at that moment where you realize you can't make it anymore.

[23:21] Mike Abrams: Yeah, exactly.

[23:22] Sara Sheperd: And it's like, I'm home.

[23:24] Mike Abrams: Yeah.

[23:25] Sara Sheperd: So not having known the show as like a, you know, you saw it as a five or six year old, like what was your reaction when you started like realizing how much depth there was to the show?

[23:38] Sara Sheperd: Honestly, I was like relieved because it just makes it easier to play. Like, you know, um, it gives you an action that gives you like a purpose and like, you know, I'm only on, I come on stage, I think four times, five times backs, if you count the very beginning, which I guess you would count, but it's like, it does feel so alive and full and intense for those brief little moments.

[24:06] Sara Sheperd: And I think it's because what we are able to play is so specific because we have taken the time to like carve out these relationships. And I genuinely feel like when I look around during memory, which I love how it's, how it's staged, the fact that I can see everyone's eyeballs, I'm not just like singing off into the abyss.

[24:23] Sara Sheperd: I love that. I, for each line, it feels like there's a reason I'm saying it to this person. Like when I say, when I say, uh, I was, uh, uh, I was beautiful then. Uh, what's the end of the second verse. But I look at Mistoffelist cause I'm like, I remember this time when, you know, we got to do this amazing thing and it was with you and I was beautiful and young, but like things like that.

[24:51] Sara Sheperd: Or when I, when I say let the memory live again, I'm saying that to bomb because the whole time she's breaking us apart and I'm like pleading with her, like, please let this happen. So like, that's makes it fun and specific.

[25:03] Mike Abrams: Yeah.

[25:03] Sara Sheperd: And it's, it's such an iconic song. So to be able to kind of like take those moments and almost direct them to different parts of the family brings the emotion out almost probably more than just like singing it to the audience.

[25:16] Sara Sheperd: Oh yeah. Makes it way more interesting for me. And I hope to the audience, but that as opposed to cause like, yes, trust me. I mean, you could just stand at a mic and sing this tune and people will love it. But when I think when you can actually relate it to what's happening on stage, you know, and make it specific to the story that we're trying to tell, it only can inform it more and make it more, um, powerful, I think.

[25:40] Mike Abrams: Yeah.

[25:41] Sara Sheperd: Yeah. No, I think that's, that is unique. I'm always fascinated by people who are doing the show now who didn't have a ton of history with it, because as someone who only knows the plot and the backstories and character stuff, like there's so much more depth than I would have ever thought. Like when I saw it, I'm just like, oh, this is an athletic feat with some really powerful singers. Like, I don't know how they did that. And then I was like, and it's a bunch of weird names.

[26:01] Sara Sheperd: And, but then I kind of started thinking like, what is this story? And as I read more, it's like, wow, there's a lot more to this than you could ever, could ever play with. And then to the, you know, even beyond that, it's not just like what's stated. There's so much lore of like, you could do it this way. You could go this way. A little bit depends on how they stage you for dance numbers of like, okay, they're going to be more together because they're going to dance together. And this particular, you know, version. And I kind of love that. It feels very world building.

[26:33] Sara Sheperd: I think what’s really interesting about this production is that we’re starting with Grizabella. Normally, Grizabella does not start the show. We meet her about 20 minutes into it, and I do think it’s really neat we see her right away.

[27:03] Sara Sheperd: It gives the audience a chance to connect with her from the very beginning, and it sets up her journey in a way that I think is really powerful.

[27:33] Sara Sheperd: My history with CATS goes back quite a ways. I first saw it when I was a kid, and I remember being completely captivated by the music and the choreography.

[27:43] Sara Sheperd: I always felt a connection to Grizabella, even at a young age. There’s something about her story that resonates deeply with me.

[27:53] Sara Sheperd: As I grew older and started performing, I realized how complex her character is. She’s not just a sad cat; she has a rich backstory and a lot of emotional depth.

[28:03] Sara Sheperd: Crafting Grizabella’s story for this production has been a journey in itself. I’ve had to dig deep into her motivations and what drives her.

[28:13] Sara Sheperd: It’s important to understand her relationships with the other characters, especially the Jellicles, and how they perceive her.

[28:23] Sara Sheperd: Exploring those dynamics has been really enlightening. It’s not just about her being an outcast; it’s about her longing for acceptance and love.

[28:33] Sara Sheperd: Grizabella’s return to the Jellicles is a pivotal moment. It’s about her seeking redemption and a second chance, which is something everyone can relate to.

[28:43] Sara Sheperd: The audience engagement has been incredible. People really connect with her story, and I think they see parts of themselves in her journey.

[28:53] Sara Sheperd: The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s been rewarding to see how much people care about Grizabella and her arc.

[29:03] Sara Sheperd: I love the rapid-fire questions segment we’re about to do. It’s a fun way to get to know me a little better and share some insights into my experience.

[29:13] Sara Sheperd: I think it’s important to keep the conversation light and engaging while still being meaningful.

[29:23] Sara Sheperd: The rollercoaster ride experience of performing Grizabella is something I cherish. Each performance feels like a new adventure.

[29:33] Sara Sheperd: I’m excited for audiences to experience this unique take on CATS and to see Grizabella in a new light.

[29:43] Sara Sheperd: It’s a beautiful story about resilience and hope, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

[29:53] Sara Sheperd: I hope everyone comes to see the show and connects with the characters as much as I have.

[30:03] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for having me on the podcast today. It’s been a pleasure sharing my thoughts on Grizabella and this production.

[30:13] Sara Sheperd: I can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic of CATS at the Fulton Theatre.

[30:23] Sara Sheperd: You can find me on Instagram @shepnailsit, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the show!

[30:33] Sara Sheperd: Make sure to check out the Fulton Theatre’s Instagram @fultontheatre for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

[30:43] Sara Sheperd: And don’t forget to visit thefulton.org for tickets to see CATS!

[30:53] Sara Sheperd: It’s going to be an unforgettable experience, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

[31:03] Sara Sheperd: Thank you again for this opportunity to share my journey with Grizabella and the production.

[31:13] Sara Sheperd: I look forward to connecting with all the fans and sharing this incredible story together.

[31:23] Sara Sheperd: Let’s keep the conversation going about CATS and what it means to each of us.

[31:33] Sara Sheperd: I appreciate everyone tuning in and supporting the arts.

[31:43] Sara Sheperd: It’s been a joy to discuss my role and the impact of this musical.

[31:53] Sara Sheperd: I hope to see you all at the Fulton Theatre for CATS!

[32:03] Sara Sheperd: Thank you so much for listening, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

[32:13] Sara Sheperd: Let’s celebrate the magic of theatre and the stories we tell.

[32:23] Sara Sheperd: Until next time, keep dreaming and believing in the power of music and storytelling.

[32:33] Sara Sheperd: Goodbye for now!

[32:43] Sara Sheperd: I’m excited for what’s to come in this production and beyond.

[32:53] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

[33:03] Sara Sheperd: I look forward to sharing more insights and experiences as we move forward.

[33:13] Sara Sheperd: Let’s keep the love for CATS alive!

[33:23] Sara Sheperd: I appreciate all the support from the fans and the community.

[33:33] Sara Sheperd: It means the world to me to be able to share this role with you all.

[33:43] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for joining me today, and I hope to see you at the show!

[33:53] Sara Sheperd: Until next time, take care and keep enjoying the magic of theatre.

[34:03] Sara Sheperd: I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect with you all.

[34:13] Sara Sheperd: Let’s continue to celebrate the arts and the stories that bring us together.

[34:23] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for listening, and I can’t wait to share more about my journey with Grizabella.

[34:33] Sara Sheperd: See you at the Fulton Theatre!

[34:43] Sara Sheperd: I’m looking forward to an amazing run of CATS.

[34:53] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for your support, and let’s keep the conversation going!

[35:03] Sara Sheperd: I appreciate everyone who has tuned in today.

[35:13] Sara Sheperd: It’s been a pleasure sharing my thoughts and experiences with you.

[35:23] Sara Sheperd: Let’s keep celebrating the magic of CATS together!

[35:33] Sara Sheperd: Thank you, and I hope to see you soon!

[35:43] Sara Sheperd: Until next time, take care!

[35:53] Sara Sheperd: I’m excited for what’s ahead in this production.

[36:03] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

[36:13] Sara Sheperd: Let’s keep the love for theatre alive!

[36:23] Sara Sheperd: I appreciate all the support from the fans and the community.

[36:33] Sara Sheperd: It means so much to me to share this role with you all.

[36:43] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for joining me today, and I hope to see you at the show!

[36:53] Sara Sheperd: Until next time, take care and keep enjoying the magic of theatre.

[37:03] Sara Sheperd: I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect with you all.

[37:13] Sara Sheperd: Let’s continue to celebrate the arts and the stories that bring us together.

[37:23] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for listening, and I can’t wait to share more about my journey with Grizabella.

[37:33] Sara Sheperd: See you at the Fulton Theatre!

[37:43] Sara Sheperd: I’m looking forward to an amazing run of CATS.

[37:53] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for your support, and let’s keep the conversation going!

[38:03] Sara Sheperd: I appreciate everyone who has tuned in today.

[38:13] Sara Sheperd: It’s been a pleasure sharing my thoughts and experiences with you.

[38:23] Sara Sheperd: Let’s keep celebrating the magic of CATS together!

[38:33] Sara Sheperd: Thank you, and I hope to see you soon!

[38:43] Sara Sheperd: Until next time, take care!

[38:53] Sara Sheperd: I’m excited for what’s ahead in this production.

[39:03] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

[39:13] Sara Sheperd: Let’s keep the love for theatre alive!

[39:23] Sara Sheperd: I appreciate all the support from the fans and the community.

[39:33] Sara Sheperd: It means so much to me to share this role with you all.

[39:43] Sara Sheperd: Thank you for joining me today, and I hope to see you at the show!