This article about Sagiri Seina and Sakihi Miyu’s first show as Top Stars was written by Harada Junko [approximate reading] and published by Ticket Pia on August 26, 2014. (Archived link here.) Some paragraph breaks have been inserted.

Takarazuka Revue Snow Troupe’s new Top Combi’s introductory performance is “The Count’s Daughter”

Snow Troupe’s new Top Combi, Sagiri Seina and Sakihi Miyu, take their position on September 1. Their introductory production The Count’s Daughter – Je T’aime; I can’t live without your love begins performances at the Nissay Theatre in October.

It is based on the popular manga of the same title by Hosokawa Chieko. The story is set in Paris at the end of the 19th century, and is about the young heir of a Duke, Alain, who is also called ‘The King of Journalism’, and an innocent young girl named Corinne, who was raised in an orphanage. They overcome many barriers in order to be together.

Sagiri Seina plays Alain, who has a strong sense of justice but will sometimes use force to get what he wants. “I haven’t had a part like this before, so I have a bit of inner turmoil at taking on such a formidable role,” she said. “But because of that, the process of getting into character is a lot more interesting, and due to my struggles I feel attached to him. It’s a performance where I will try to show different aspects of my appeal as an otokoyaku.”

Ever since the first promotional performance, Sakihi has turned completely into the adorable Corinne. “I want to make a fully fleshed-out character based on the original work,” she said. “I’m still inexperienced but I want to take on this role as an actress. Corinne is a wonderful girl, so I think the most important thing is that I understand her.

As this work is set in the lovely time period in Paris called “La Belle Epoque”, the visuals such as costumes and sets are made with all the splendour Takarazuka can provide. Furthermore, the finale will be reminescent of a Parisian revue, with a French can-can number.

Sagiri said “it’s a work that incorporates so much of the charm of Takarazuka, isn’t it? Since Flower Troupe is in the middle of performing Elisabeth at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre next door, it’s a great chance to see two really different Takarazuka shows both in Hibiya District.”

“In the Takarazuka version, Alain, played by Chigi-san [Sagiri] becomes the main character, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Sakihi said hopefully.

The new Top Combi charmed the audience excellent acting and beautiful appearance onstage, proving themselves worthy inheritors to “Drama’s Snow Troupe”.

Sagiri said “like those who said ‘we want you do to this kind of show, we want to see Snow Troupe put it on’ I want to keep looking ahead and work together with everyone.”

Sakihi also declared that “as a member of Snow Troupe I want to give it my all as I follow Chigi-san’s lead.” Her attitude is already perfect.