Caution is always advised before embarking on a dangerous endeavor or a new meta (which many would say was the same thing). Today is no different, take a look around and think about what might be going on before you jump in. I am going to say this MIGHT be a level 3 because the mechanism is subtle and the final answer is implicit, not explicit (besides I've been told never to be TOO explicit so these are all SFW).
With those warnings I will leave you to your own devices. Now hop to it and release that poor cat!
Kitten
Calico
PERSIAN
Puma
Lion
Sorry - I posted a nudge earlier in the MEOW that I di not post here, I guess that makes up for the last time when I did the opposite? Anyway...
To the rescue:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL 1] Look through the clues, do you see any word(s) that are used more than one would assume they should be?
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL 2] What is the puzzle's release date?
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL 3] When you are about to do something dangerous or new what cautionary phrase do people often use?
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL 4] There have not been THAT many SUPER Musicals that ran on Broadway and the East End for years AND had movies, that should narrow it down.
Nudge 5] The puzzle came out on Feb 28th, normally that would be the end of the month..but not this year
Nudge 6] What would Nudge 5 suggest about February then?
Nudge 7] Is there a song from a musical (hint - what city does the graphic look like the guy is staring out over) that might describe EXACTLY what the meta implies?
The REVEAL:
8 Across clues with "leap" related words:
4,7,34,51 = HOP
29, 36, 44, 50 = JUMP
The starting letters of those answers spell LEAP YEAR.
THe puzzle was published 2/28/24 meaning there is, because of the LEAP YEAR, on day more in February. The hit musical "Les Miserables" has as one of it's main songs "One Day More" which was the intended answer.
ALTERNATE ANSWER:
What I did not anticipate is that Clue 1A and 32D both have an answer that could logically be tied to the musical "Annie" which has as one of its main songs "Tomorrow" which makes it a very acceptable answer for this puzzle.
For a more complete, and graphic explanation, please visit: