Saki Masuda performs within the Ensemble of A Christmas Carol – The Musical, taking part in 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 truly a lot enjoyable!” she says enthusiastically. “As soon as the present begins, we don’t cease backstage. We’re continuously fast turning into subsequent scenes and characters. Entire physique adjustments typically, too – footwear, costumes, wigs, make-up!”
Masuda began as a classical ballet dancer, coaching on the native ballet faculty in her small hometown of Nara, Japan, beginning at 5 years previous. 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 check ballet, jazz, fashionable and musical theater at Steps on Broadway. There, she discovered herself finding out 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 distinguished dance instructor 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 communicate English in any respect then! I acquired a scholar visa from Steps and got here again in 2007. That’s once I began taking her lessons 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 exhibits?! 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 believe Debbie is aware of the right way to make one thing so highly effective, particularly in ensemble items. She additionally offers everybody the prospect 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 bored with it and am nonetheless studying.”
This 12 months marks Masuda’s second season with A Christmas Carol – The Musical. She was part of the manufacturing two years in the past at a unique theater and with a unique director and forged, however nonetheless with choreography by Roshe.
It’s a marvel, 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 give attention to your self as a performer.
“Since I turned a Dance Captain, I began seeing the dance numbers as an entire image, not simply specializing in every step,” she says. “That helps me discover the perfect resolution when issues occur or must be fastened. And, in fact, I talk with stage administration on a regular basis as a result of they know the present in and out!”
Masuda provides, “I all the time attempt to be calm, out there and examine 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, onerous work, but it surely forces her to totally decide to the present and to be current. “I find it irresistible 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 reasonably than simply doing my components. I like 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 by 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.
