Taylor M. Sheppard
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” will be performing in Washington, DC at The National Theatre for one week only, December 12-17. The musical is “based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. ‘Pretty Woman: The Musical’ will lift your spirits and light up your heart. Are you ready to fall in love all over again?’ “
Taylor M. Sheppard plays Scarlett and is a member of the ensemble in the show. She is excited to be making her tour debut in a show that is based on her mom’s favorite movie. Taylor’s regional credits include “42nd Street,” “Footloose,” and “The Sound of Music.” B.F.A at Shenandoah Conservatory, Class of ’23. She thanks to her parents, family and friends for their loving support.
Tell us more about yourself and when you knew you wanted to be in theater.
I always grew up dancing and/or doing choir in middle school and high school. It wasn’t until I heard the “Hamilton” cast soundtrack that I wanted really wanted to pursue musical theater. Seeing people who looked liked me and sounded like me made me realize that I could also have that same impact on someone else.
How excited are you to be on your first tour and in this production—and fresh out of school, too!
Very excited! I found out I got this job two weeks after graduating college which is pretty rare. So I am very grateful and blessed to be able to do what I trained for right out of college.
Why is the movie, “Pretty Woman” on which this musical is based, so special to your mother?
My mom had a huge crush on Richard Gere in the 90s and this, along with “The Officer and the Gentleman,” is one of her favorite movies of his. We watch “Pretty Woman” every time it pops up on TV!
What is your favorite thing about the tour and also the most surprising thing about touring?
My favorite thing about touring is being able to travel across the country and explore each city where we stop. The most surprising thing about touring is having to adapt to each theater where we perform. Backstage spaces are sometimes really spacious or super cramped so we have to adjust our backstage patterns and be extra cautious.
Talk about your character, Scarlett, and what roles would you like to play in the future?
Scarlett is the singer at The Voltaire. She’s there to provide entertainment for Vivian, Edward, and David Morse. Other roles I would love to play in the future would be: Juliet in “& Juliet” any of the Catherine’s/Katherine’s in “SIX,” Jenna in “Waitress,” and any of the female-identifying roles in “42nd Street.”
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” runs December 12-17, 2023 at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online.
