ONE of Applecross music theatre performer Shubshri Kandiah’s biggest hurdles when landing the role of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin the Musical was knowing the animated film version too well.
“I was a massive fan of all Disney movies but especially Aladdin because it was really nice to see people who looked like me on screen,” Kandiah said.
“I always loved A Whole New World and it was actually very hard to learn for the show because the timing is a little bit different to the movie. I had it in my head as the way I learnt it as a kid, so I really had to re-learn it.”
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READ NOWThe 23-year-old grew up performing Indian dance at community festivals, while her grandad also drove her to ballet classes after school.
She discovered her love of music theatre towards the end of her high school days at Penrhos College, studying a certificate course at WAAPA and continuing her training at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University where she graduated in December.
“I saw Aladdin the Musical when it was in Melbourne and absolutely fell in love with it,” she said.
“At the end of my third year they were re-auditioning and I knew they weren’t looking for a Jasmine but I’d been given Jasmine material. I went and did my thing and had an absolute blast in the audition singing the songs. They didn’t need a Jasmine then, but when they did I got the call.”
Kandiah played Princess Jasmine for the final two weeks of the Brisbane season before flying home for Perth, with shows at Crown Theatre Perth until October 28.
“My mum just really wanted me home after I graduated but I had to tell her I was staying on the east coast,” Kandiah said.
“She then hoped I’d get a contract in Perth which I thought was never going to happen. Then the first one that comes along brings me back.”
Kandiah said the reality of the role did not hit her until she began trying on the costumes and took her first magic carpet flight.
“This is a dream so I’ll ride it as long as I can,” she said.
“We still have Auckland and Adelaide to go after Perth, so I’m here for a while. After that, who knows.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Aladdin the Musical
Where: Crown Theatre Perth
When: until October 28
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au