Who is Gabriyel Thomas?
Gabriyel Thomas (she/her) is a New York City and Melbourne-based Actor. Hot off the Australian national tour of CATS The Musical, where she portrayed the role of Grizabella the Glamour Cat, Gabriyel has established herself as an Australian theatre favourite. Some of her other recent Australian theatrical credits include Michelle/Deloris Van Cartier (alt.) in the Australian national tour of SISTER ACT The Musical (Crossroads Live) and Lorraine in the Australian national tour of HAIRSPRAY.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
This is such a hard question because I cannot think of anything else I’d rather be doing than what I do now. I love having the opportunity to live my dreams of being a musical theatre actor every day. I constantly feel the need to pinch myself because I truly cannot believe that I get to live such a beautiful life filled with creativity, art and support!
Who inspires you and why?
I’d definitely have to say my peers inspire me the most. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the most talented creatives, and it is so inspiring to watch them work and continue to grow into even better artists. I’m so lucky to be in a position where I’m constantly being inspired to become a better performer by the people I work closely with.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
This might be a bit of a taboo answer but I would put a limit on social media usage and implore people to build more connections with other people. I think social media is the root of a lot of things that harm us as a society and I think we’d benefit from logging off and being present. This would help make people feel less alone and more grounded in things that matter.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Believe it or not, but I actually haven’t had that much time to travel in my adult life so I don’t have a favourite holiday destination as of now, but I would love to visit Rio de Janeiro in Brazil! It just seems like it’s so filled with culture, beauty and adventure. It looks like it would be so much fun to visit!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
This isn’t technically an attraction, but I absolutely love introducing people to The Night Cat, where they have salsa dancing on Sundays with live music played by the most amazing band and the absolute best vibes.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. I’m trying to get better at reading the classics instead of solely focusing on whatever TikTok tells me I should read.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been spending a lot of time listening to podcasts like Higher Learning or Upstairs Neighbors, but lately whenever I’m in the mood for some tunes, I’ve been listening to Raye’s new album. I think it’s such a special showcase of artistry and range. Her ability to think outside of the box along with her usage of theatrical and cinematic influences really impressed me!
Happiness is?
Ever changing. The things that made me happy in my 20s are not the same things that made me happy now. As I continue to evolve and grow my wants and desires have shifted in many ways. Life is constantly in flux, but I think the most important thing is having gratitude for all the wonderful things that have happened to/for me, and that always make me feel happy.
What does the future hold for you?
Oh man, what a big question to answer! Hopefully lots of opportunities and experiences that are fulfilling and a life that’s full of abundance. I don’t know exactly what that looks like but when it finally happens I’ll be grateful for the journey!
Gabriyel stars as Becky in the Australian premiere of Waitress the Musical – which plays at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from 1 May, before playing the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 1 August 2026. For more information, visit: www.waitressthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Gabriyel Thomas (supplied)