Characters of “Beauty and the Beast” come alive together in the fictional town. Among the villagers is Senior Kathy Tu in a long brown dress dancing across the stage with a bright smile on her face.
“It’s the first time I’ve participated in the musical as a member of the cast,” Tu said. “I’m really glad I joined because it’s been an amazing and enjoyable experience so far.”
What started out as a promise to one of her friends about playing in the pit orchestra during their senior year together transformed into a surprising change of events. Because Tu placed 5th in the cello section this year, she was unable to meet the criteria for joining pit orchestra. However, that didn’t stop Tu; she was optimistic and decided to join the musical vocally.
“I just wanted to participate in the musical during my senior year,” Tu said. “Had I known it would be this fun, I would have considered trying out for more musicals in the past.”
When it came time for the auditions of the musical, Tu stunned and impressed Brighterside and Musical Director Mr. Matt Byers with her voice. He then invited her to join Brighterside for her last semester and she has had no regrets about her ultimate decision to accept his invitation. In addition to being a villager, Tu is also an enchanted champagne bottle and the understudy for Madame de la Grande Bouche in the high school’s musical production.
“I never thought I would be in Brighterside or sing and dance in the musical,” Tu said. “This has been such an eye-opening experience and is definitely something I have become very passionate about.”
Before, Tu was involved in the Varsity Girls Tennis team but chose Brighterside over the sport because she wanted to dedicate her time to the musical. Although the team is sad to see her go they remain supportive and excited to see her showcase her talents to the school.
“I am so proud of Kathy because I remember her talented singing during practice and bus rides to tennis matches,” Junior Megan Lee said. “I still cry about her leaving because we were like sisters as doubles partners. She will always be my Kit Kat.”
Currently, she is juggling five AP classes and Honors Orchestra, but is able to manage her time well enough to fulfill her goals.
“I have learned how to function on stage with a large group,” Tu said. “I learned to become one with the crowd in order to perform well on stage.”
Tu has been initially running through the scenes and the choreography with the other cast members. Last week, they ran through the entire play without stopping. This week, they are combining with the orchestra to ensure that the timing of the characters’ lines and choreography will mesh perfectly during the opening night. Next week, they will go to the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium to fuse everything together with the cast, pit orchestra, set, lighting and audio.
Tu sings and dances in the songs “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” “Human Again,” “The Mob Song” and “Transformation/Finale,” and participates in the “Attack on the Castle” scene. Tu’s favorite number is “Be Our Guest” because she enjoys the invigorating choreography and atmosphere of the song.
“I could see myself participating in another musical in college,” Tu said. “I will try to manage my time better in the future, because now I am more aware of how much time and effort goes into producing a musical.”
TCHS School Newspaper