Singer and actress KC Concepcion took a trip down memory lane as she revisited her experience playing the role of Disney princess Belle in the local production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
On social media, KC shared photos and memorabilia from her time in the stage musical, including the song list featuring numbers such as “Home” and “A Change in Me.”
“Once upon a time, I had the incredible honor of stepping into Belle’s shoes for the Manila Cast of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ 🥀🫖 Thanks to #D23 bringing back all the @disney magic, I found myself going through these old photos and feeling a little emotional and super grateful 🌹✨,” KC wrote.
Beyond getting to portray one of Disney’s beloved princesses, KC said one of the greatest gifts she received from the experience was being mentored by Filipino singer and Broadway icon Lea Salonga, who also lent her singing voice to two Disney princesses: Jasmine and Mulan.
“One of the greatest gifts of that chapter was being coached by the GOAT 👑@msleasalonga - my mama lei, who so generously guided, mentored, and shared her brilliance with us,” she added.
KC recalled how the Broadway icon taught her the importance of being meticulous and prepared when taking on a role.
“She taught me the value of attention to detail, precision, preparation- and something that has stayed with me ever since: “You will sound like that because of the way in which you prepared.”,” she expressed.
Photo Credit to @KC Concepcion on Instagram
KC went on to recall the many lessons she learned from Lea, from the technical aspects of performing to the responsibility that comes with leading a cast.
“Beyond learning how to sing like a Disney princess when the moment called for it- shaping vowels, sealing them with consonants, learning that every movement should have intention, and telling a story through music- she taught me to respect the work, bring heart and brightness to a character, and understand the responsibility of leading a cast,” she said.
“She, and that entire Disney production, gave me lessons I still super carry with me today,” she added.
Looking back at her experience, KC shared: “I can still hear the backstage announcement: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the Mouse is in the house!‘ whenever Disney executives came to watch our Manila cast perform. And wow, did I get nervous… but SO excited!! 🥹✨”
The experience also left KC with a dream that she still hopes to fulfill someday, saying: “Do you see Mickey on the back of the CD? Somehow, somewhere in me, that little dream is still secretly alive… to one day be the speaking or singing voice in a legendary animation! Haha 🤭🌹 And maybe Belle said it best: ‘I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.’”
“Here’s to faith, a lot of love, and a big sprinkle of pixie dust!! Let’s keep making memories worth treasuring! 🧚✨✨✨,” she continued.
Photo Credit to @KC Concepcion on Instagram
KC was among the cast members of the local Beauty and the Beast production in 2005, alongside Pinky Marquez, Jett Pangan, Luke Mejares, and Karel Marquez.
Her former castmates and fellow celebrities also joined her trip down memory lane in the comments section.
“Awwww, Kace! 🥹❤️🔥🏰🏆⭐️👗 It was literally a dream. 😍,” Karel commented.
Gian Magdangal also said, “Still one of the most unforgettable experiences!!!✨😊😊😊🎭.”
Gab Pangilinan also expressed, “I saw this too many times because of you and ofc little chip @kpangilinantan they could NOT keep me away from the theater! 😍❤️🔥.”