Judson student to put cabaret show Sept. 14
Judson University student Tiger Khokunthod of Elgin will present his own cabaret show, "I'd Rather Be Me: A Musical Theatre Cabaret," at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, in the Thulin Auditorium in Thompson Hall, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. The event is free and open to the public.
The music composition (theater) major wanted to find a way to combine his love for theater with his ever-growing passion for music, especially Broadway tunes.
His cabaret project will do just that and include an eclectic array of Broadway numbers and at least one of his own original songs.
"I wanted to put something on that would showcase my love for the theater - something that has really fun songs," said Khokunthod, who created his individually designed major himself with input from administrators in the Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts.
That's why he wanted to produce a cabaret - the premise of which he says is simple: "It's OK to be exactly who you are."
Khokunthod will have a cast of 27 to help him convey that message by assisting with the set, makeup and hair, sound and performances.
"Tiger is one of our more ambitious students," noted Demoss Center Director Dr. Warren Anderson, Class of 1986. "This cabaret is a fitting amalgamation of many of Tiger's passions. He's just beginning his junior year, so I'm looking forward to what other creative expressions come from him in the next two years!"
During his freshman year, Khokunthod was a music business and entrepreneurship major. Then he switched to worship arts before settling on music composition late last semester. He said he has always appreciated theater, but only since he's been at Judson has he realized his strong connection to it.
"In high school, I did all the productions and really loved it. But at Judson, I realized that I enjoyed musical theater, maybe more than other people. I was a lot more interested in how it's crafted and the inner workings of the music in it," he said. "I realized that it was a way for me to express myself by writing music."
While he has never seen the Tony Award-winning musical "Dear Evan Hansen," he is quite familiar with the tunes in it, as he's listened to them all "countless" times. "It tells the story of how, with a community around you, you have the opportunity to be known and found. It really touched me in a special way," Khokunthod explained.
In fact, the show's premise inspires his own production, which he promises will be "very warm" and "welcoming."
Around campus, Khokunthod is quite busy. He serves as the videographer with the Judson Student Organization; he is a member and officer with the University Choir; he is a student ambassador with the Admissions team; he is a musician with the campus chapel ministry; and he has performed in Judson's play productions. Last spring, he independently produced a wildly popular Murder Mystery Dinner Party that attracted numerous students. "I love to celebrate other people," said Khokunthod, who will play the supporting lead character of Crutchie in Judson's October presentation of "Newsies."
Khokunthod hopes to inspire others with his cabaret. "Anyone who comes to watch, (I hope) they leave feeling more empowered about who they are and who God created them to be," he said. "I want them to know that they have a community around them who will celebrate their success."