Born To Sing

She’s just 18, but Shawna Masuda is already starring in her third musical of the year. And her eye remains on the big prize: Broadway

Friday - November 18, 2005
By Alice Keesing
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In costume for ‘Kismet’

She is a saluta - the Italian version of a hostess. Dressed in the no-frills black uniform, the tiny Masuda could get lost in the restaurant’s bustle - until she bursts into song that is. A singing saluta, she will serenade guests for birthdays or special events, or just let loose to bring up the energy in the restaurant.

After a seven-hour stint at the restaurant recently, Masuda made her way across town for rehearsals for Kismet, which opens this week at ACT’s Richardson Theatre at Fort Shafter.

Masuda co-stars with seasoned opera performer Buz Tennent. The musical is set in Baghdad 1,000 A.D., and focuses on a single day in the life of Hajj (Tennent), a witty poet turned beggar whose quick tongue is forever getting him in trouble - and out again. Masuda plays daughter to Tennent’s Hajj.

Tennent, grandson of the artist Madge Tennent, jokes about the large height difference between them (he’s 6-foot-4), but says they have a good rapport.

Tennent, who has performed in Europe and who teaches voice at Chaminade University, also says he’s impressed with his co-star’s vocal talent.

“It’s a very pure, pristine quality; it has a kind of shimmering quality,” he says of Masuda’s voice.

“I think she has great potential, no question about it,” he adds.

It all adds up to a super-busy schedule for the young star. Spare time is all about studying and sleeping - although Masuda does admit to a new relationship with a certain someone. All she’ll say is that she does shows with this “someone” who is a very good dancer. Work that one out.

Her next stop is a performing school on the Mainland, where she wants to major in musical theatre. Then, she shyly states, she wants to make it on Broadway.

At her graduation from Aiea High last spring with dad
Darall, sister April Ota and mom Lynn

“There’s nothing else that I’ve ever wanted so much,” she says, a strong determination beneath that local-girl sweetness.

Theatre lore goes that most people face 40 rejections on the road to making it big. Masuda says she’s keeping a close tally of her rejections - trouble is, there hasn’t been much to count lately.

Army Community Theatre presents “Kismet” at Fort Shafter’s Richardson Theatre Nov. 17-Dec. 3. Tickets, priced at $20 and $15 for adults; $15 and $12 for children, are on sale at the ACT box office; by calling 438-4480; or online at www.squareone.org/ACT

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