Entertainment - Entertainment News

POSTED: Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009

Artist profile: Jasmine Chang

Jasmine Chang, 13, plays the title role in Bellingham Theatre Guild's production of "Bunnicula," Jon Klein's musical adaptation of the beloved children's book by Deborah and James Howe about a dog and a cat who use their sleuthing abilities to find out the truth about the strange goings-on about what happens when a family adopts a new pet - a rabbit with fangs who seems to love sucking the juice out of vegetables. Curtain is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11; and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13 at the Guild playhouse, 1600 H St. Tickets are $11 adults, $9 seniors and students, $7 children. Call 733-1811 or go to bellinghamtheatre.guild.com for reservations or more information. Jasmine is an eighth-grader who attended Whatcom Middle School and now attends Bellingham High School since the fire at the middle school Nov. 5.

Question: What's this show about?

Answer: "Bunnicula" is about a dog named Harold and a cat named Chester. They happily live with the Monroe family until the night the Monroes bring home a mysterious new pet. That pet is Bunnicula. Bunnicula appears to be a normal rabbit, but Chester is suspicious. Could Bunnicula pose a threat to the Monroes? To the world?

Q: Why did you audition?

A: When I auditioned for this play, I didn't really think I'd get a part. My mom talked me into it, and I'm really glad she did. It's been a lot of fun getting to know the other actors and working with them onstage.

Q: Would younger kids like it, or is it too scary?

A: The show is a little spooky, but fun also. The music, special effects and costumes are great. It's a play that an audience of all ages can enjoy.

Q: What other kinds of performance or onstage experiences have you had? Why do you like to perform?

A: I haven't been in too many plays before. I've been in a couple of Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth productions and in 2004 I was in the Bellingham Theatre Guild's production of "Charlotte's Web." I love performing because it's so much fun to become the character, and go over the top with it.

Q: Do you get stage fright?

A: I always get a little nervous before performing, but I don't let it stop me from doing my best. When you're on stage you have to be your character, which helps a lot with stage fright.

Q: What other things do you enjoy?

A: I really love to write. In a way it's like performing because you can create your characters and really get into their mindsets.

Q: Do you think you'll continue to be in performances as you get older?

A: I'm definitely planning to keep performing. Theater is really great. I think it would be really fun to perform in "Cats"

or "Chicago."

Q: Do you have any idea what you'll want to do when you grow up?

A: When I grow up, I'd like to write a couple of books and maybe move somewhere in Europe.

Reach Margaret Bikman at margaret.bikman@bellinghamherald.com or 715-2273.