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The lights go down, and the orchestra starts. A bright spotlight lands on a girl, dressed head to toe in blue, seemingly being scolded by her father for rejecting another suitor.
The audience learns that she is none other than the beloved character Princess Jasmine; the spirited main female character in Aladdin, the embodiment of empowerment for young girls all around the world.
The only one of two Disney princesses who hail from Asia, Princess Jasmine holds more meaning to us Asians also because the Philippines’ Lea Salonga, one of the most famous stage performers from Southeast Asia, is her original voice.
Now, the torch has been passed from one Southeast Asian actress to another, with Indonesia’s very own Desmonda Cathabel portraying Princess Jasmine on the touring cast of Aladdin in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
On how she came to fill the shoes of one of the most titular roles on stage is a story that may inspire musical-enthusiasts, girls and boys, in Indonesia. It is one that started in her hometown of Jakarta in 2013.
Act I: Creating opportunities
Desmonda was in love with musical theater long before she came to London.
After watching the 2012 movie adaptation of the iconic Les Misérables, now known as the longest-running musical in the West End, she was hooked.
“[My best friend and I] were just obsessed, and I tried to get into the original stage version. I saw it on YouTube on the internet and then started finding out about musical theater there. Since then, it’s just kind of been an obsession,” she recalled.
However, Jakarta is not exactly an oyster for musical theater enthusiasts. Desmonda and her friend were disappointed to find out just how small the community was in her home country. In fact, back in 2013, there were barely any who did musical theater.
A naturally gifted singer with a powerful voice, she stepped up to the plate to create that avenue. She, along with seven of her friends, cofounded the Jakarta Performing Arts Community. Today, the community puts on annual performances of famous musicals, including West Side Story, Company and Legally Blonde.
Moreover, she finally found her start by debuting on stage with a small community theater. Recounting the story with glitter in her eyes, she said, “It’s that small of a community, but that was the start of my love of performing.”
In 2014, she landed a role in Musikal Sekolahan, the first-ever production by Jakarta Movement of Inspiration (JKTMovin). She also became a soloist for the 18th concert for the Jakarta City Philharmonic in 2018.
Then in 2019, she got a scholarship to go to New York for a five-day workshop, the chance of the lifetime offered by the Indonesia Manager Broadway, organized by the Djarum Foundation.
Even while maintaining a corporate job, it seemed Desmonda was well on her way to realizing her musical theater dreams.
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Act II: The pandemic
And then the COVID-19 pandemic happened.
“The scholarship happened and I met more people who loved musical theater – and then [COVID-19] happened, and at that point, [I thought] if I have to try it, I will just try it. Everything was suddenly changing, everything was suddenly opening in a weird way,” she said.
In the end, even the pandemic could not deter her as she got casted in Malin Kundang a part of a virtual series #MusikalDiRumahAja by Indonesia Kaya.
Looking to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom finally led her to a virtual audition for the Royal Academy of Music.
Highlighting the bright side of the pandemic, she said, “That was one of the biggest changes that actually made it possible for me to even be fully considered for this program. And I didn't have to travel because I couldn't afford to travel to London just to audition.”
Doors appeared all over London, each with different opportunities for Desmonda. Fast forward to three years later, a girl from Jakarta realized her dream and ended up on West End. To most, the story sounds like a Disney fairy tale.
Act III: Becoming Jasmine
“When I see musical theater, I see the culmination of [acting, singing and dancing] in one form. I don't even have to compromise; I get the acting, the storytelling, the singing, as well as seeing people with crazy voices just singing all of these stories, and also seeing people dance and just really showcasing their abilities. For me, it's such a complete art form of everything I love in one. So, when I found it, I was like, ‘wow, I can't believe it; I literally can have everything!’” she explained.
Behind the curtains, of course, is a grueling process of auditioning for various shows and getting rejected even after going through several rounds. But there was no other choice for Desmonda but to keep going.
“I got to the point where I physically and mentally couldn't let myself live if I didn't give my biggest dream a go. I had to know for myself that even if I did fail, I gave it my best chance. I’m very fortunate that it worked in the end. Being realistic about all the planning and also failing, but at the same time not letting that fear stop me from doing it anyway was the final key to it,” she said.
To become Jasmine, she went through six rounds of auditions, all the while also doing a television reality show, Mamma Mia: I Have a Dream. In fact, she almost had to pass up on Princess Jasmine because of a scheduling conflict. But a genie was looking out for her, and the creative team of Aladdin waited for her.
After rehearsing for the whole month of September, Desmonda finally stepped into the princess’ shoes in October 2023 and Abracadabra! She became Jasmine.
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“Even though she is a princess, she is this character that everyone knows and loves. It's so important for me to be able to play this character with her essence, to make it real, to really feel like she is a real person, a real young woman who just wants to be free, who wants to be independent, who wants to live her life in freedom. I think there's a lot of truth in that, and I can connect with that in Jasmine,” she said.
As for life after Agrabah, she revealed that her dream roles include strolling as Dot from Sunday in the Park with George, and building a wall as Eurydice in Hadestown.
While she’s not picky, she added that being Elle Woods or portraying Kathy in The Last Five Years was quite high on her imaginary soon-to-do list.
The winner of the 14th annual Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2022 competition, she’s definitely got a bright future ahead of her, especially among the blinding spotlights.
“Every day, there's no cut, no edit, no being off character for a second; you just have to be in the moment. I think that bit really speaks to me because it feels like when I'm on stage, I'm literally living in the moment; I'm living in an entirely different world,” Desmonda concluded.
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