Saki Masuda performs within the Ensemble of A Christmas Carol – The Musical, enjoying at The Argyle Theatre in Lengthy Island, NY, this vacation season. She additionally performs the Ghost of Christmas Future. Plus, she’s the present’s Dance Captain and Affiliate Choreographer. So, that’s 4 hats for one manufacturing. Let’s simply say Masuda can be fairly busy till January 6, 2025.
“However it’s really a lot enjoyable!” she says enthusiastically. “As soon as the present begins, we don’t cease backstage. We’re always fast becoming subsequent scenes and characters. Complete physique modifications generally, too – footwear, costumes, wigs, make-up!”
Masuda began as a classical ballet dancer, coaching on the native ballet college in her small hometown of Nara, Japan, beginning at 5 years outdated. Her ardour for the performing arts grew rapidly, and in 2007, she relocated to New York Metropolis to proceed pursuing her goals. She was accepted on full scholarship to review ballet, jazz, trendy and musical theater at Steps on Broadway. There, she discovered herself learning with some legendary dance educators – David Howard, Debbie Roshe, Suzi Taylor, Karen Gayle, Michael Owens, Milton Myers and extra.
The passionate and versatile dancer was quickly invited to affix the Steps Ensemble, and has since carried out with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Firm, Catskill Ballet Theatre, Heidi Latsky Dance, The King and I nationwide tour, in musicals Cats, The Bodyguard and Elf: The Musical, and as a back-up dancer for Bizarre Al Yankovic at Radio Metropolis Music Corridor.
Alongside her efficiency journey, Masuda additionally discovered herself working nearer and nearer with Debbie Roshe, a former Broadway dancer and now choreographer and outstanding dance trainer in NYC. “I’ve recognized Debbie since 2006,” Masuda recollects. “I took her class at Steps on Broadway for the primary time once I simply came visiting NYC for 2 weeks as a vacationer. I didn’t converse English in any respect then! I acquired a pupil visa from Steps and got here again in 2007. That’s once I began taking her courses persistently, and he or she requested me to be her assistant for her youngsters’ program. Seventeen years later, now Dance Captain and Affiliate Choreographer for her reveals?! I really feel very fortunate and grateful. By no means surrender!”
Working with such an icon has enriched Masuda as a performer, educator and even viewers member herself. “I feel Debbie is aware of the way to make one thing so highly effective, particularly in ensemble items. She additionally offers everybody the possibility to have their moments to shine. Even small particulars of the timing and angles of the arms or heads make an enormous distinction. It’s so satisfying to do and witness! I by no means get uninterested in it and am nonetheless studying.”
This yr marks Masuda’s second season with A Christmas Carol – The Musical. She was part of the manufacturing two years in the past at a distinct theater and with a distinct director and forged, however nonetheless with choreography by Roshe.
It’s a surprise, with having to put on as many hats as Masuda, how one manages all of it, mentally and bodily — needing to be prepared to leap in at any second to show a swing or assist backstage, but in addition having to deal with your self as a performer.
“Since I turned a Dance Captain, I began seeing the dance numbers as a complete image, not simply specializing in every step,” she says. “That helps me discover one of the best answer when issues occur or must be mounted. And, in fact, I talk with stage administration on a regular basis as a result of they know the present inside and outside!”
Masuda provides, “I all the time attempt to be calm, out there and test in on everybody to see in the event that they need assistance. I like to be on the theater very early. I like quiet time within the theater to prepare and heat up bodily and mentally for myself earlier than others get right here. In order that I’m prepared for everybody when wanted.”
She says she likes the problem of getting so many roles. It’s busy, laborious work, however it forces her to totally decide to the present and to be current. “I adore it as a result of I get to attach and work with the forged and backstage crews much more,” Masuda explains. “I like that I get to know the present extra deeply relatively than simply doing my components. I am keen on this Christmas Carol firm! Everybody genuinely likes to be within the present, and that’s a present! Please come us and rejoice the vacations with us!”
A Christmas Carol – The Musical runs via January 5, 2025, at The Argyle Theatre in Babylon, NY. For tickets and extra info, go to www.argyletheatre.com/achristmascarol.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
