I call myself the “accidental pet writer” because I had plans to be a New York Broadway star…and instead my career went to the dogs (and cats). There were very few jobs available in a small town in Eastern Kentucky where my husband and I first lived after we got married, and so I interviewed with a veterinarian for an office manager position.

My interview took place during a Chihuahua’s C-section, with the vet asking me questions while handing newborn puppies for me to resuscitate. I think I got the job because I didn’t pass out!
There were so many amazing experiences as a result of working with veterinarians and I used to share them with my mother. She finally said, “Amy, you’ve got to write those stories down!”

And so I did, and my nonfiction pet-writing career was born. A few thousand articles and 30 nonfiction pet books later, my dream of writing fiction became a reality by combining the cat and dog expertise with fast-paced emotion-driven stories in novels. My debut thriller LOST AND FOUND introduced animal behaviorist September Day and her service dog Shadow, and another eight books continues their story.

But I never could have imagined that writing about cats and dogs would lead me BACK to the stage—to the Honey McGee Playhouse as a playwright/composer with my partner-in-thespian-crime, Frank Steele.

Here’s “DREAM CAT” from the preview recording (sung by Amy Shojai)

THE THEATER CONNECTION

We’d already collaborated on other scripts, including KURVES, THE MUSICAL (produced twice locally and once in summer stock elsewhere) but both of us are passionate pet people. I think Frank first brought up the concept of a pet-centric show, with actors portraying cats and dogs in funny or poignant scenes to not just entertain but explain these behaviors. We didn’t want funny animal makeup or elaborate costumes, though. Our characters, we decided, would be developed strictly through the actor’s skill—so they’d need to love pets themselves.

STRAYS was born over countless glasses of iced tea and scribbled notes, developed through back and forth emailed lyrics and dialogue, written and revised music, recording the orchestration, and finally polishing with the help of two different volunteer casts, setting up a “cast recording” and three preview performances. Truly, the show was written in “kitty litter” with final polishing help from the original cast of 30 performers, aged 5 to 70+.

The generosity and support of SCP Theatricks made the performance possible–how often does your own hometown get to debut an original theater production? PLEASE support the arts in your community–Frank and I hope this experience opens the door for other local artists. It’s been quite a journey.

THREE YEAR THEATRE PROJECT

The first scenes were written in August 2011. Then, after a 40 month gestation, STRAYS debuted in November 2014, thanks to a brilliant cast and crew of local talent. Mee-WOW!

STRAYS was written to be performed for (and by) animal rescue organizations as a fund raiser. Frank and I never intended to write a “kids show” and STRAYS was designed for an all-adult cast. Through the review-style performance, the various scenes and a dozen songs highlight the many ways cats and dogs lose their homes—mostly because of “normal” behaviors—and also offer tips to solve problems and preserve that most special loving bond between pets and owners.

Because of the venue and its wonderful support, we cast the show not only with experienced adult performers but also talented young thespians from the Theatricks program. Their own “furry muses” are featured in the curtain call, too!

I originally wrote this post the day after OPENING NIGHT of STRAYS, the MUSICAL. The amazing cast of 30 performers prompted laughter, cheers, and perhaps a few tears in the generous crowd gathered for the event. What a feeling! To have the words and music come to life–and take on a furry life of their own–is every creative’s dream-come-true.

If you’ve never visited the lovely Honey McGee Playhouse, please don’t wait. STRAYS performed two more nights to sold out audiences and a waiting list–Frank and I donated proceeds to the children’s Theatricks program. Purr-haps one day, STRAYS will take the stage again for a new audience to enjoy. It has been produced by a middle school theater program in Houston and we discount royalties to education institutions (hint hint!).

If you’re not local to North Texas, find a theater in your area to support. The arts are a wonderful way to bring people together and celenbrate all our talents, differences, and strengths–just as every kitten, dog, puppy, and cat brings their own shining personality tou our lives.

Here are a few more photos from the show, taken by the amazing Mike Marlow. He also videotaped the entire show last night, so DVDs and photos from the show will be available to the cast. We may be able to make it available to theater groups interested in producing the STRAYS show.

No, I never intended to be a writer. I never planned to be an animal behavior consultant. For sure, I never thought I’d be a choir teacher, or a composer, or heck…never imagined I’d live in Texas…But I did all of that. Sometimes, the unexpected turns into something wonderful.

Please don’t forget to dream up your own “something wonderful.” You just might discover an unexpected, glorious dream-come-true of your own!  Learn more about Shojai & Steele Plays here.

Currently, I’m in rehearsal for a non-musical farce called LEND ME A SOPRANO scheduled to open a week from today (if the ice storm melts in time! For creative types, feeding the muse comes in many7 forms. Have you fed your muse today? Do tell!