The ‘Top Star #1′ series was published in GRAPH in 2016, and surveys all the troupe members about their favorite roles, personality attributes, and mannerisms of the respective Top Stars. Hokushou’s ran in the October issue. It’s being posted in 2 parts due to length—Part 2 can be found here.
[T/N: Hokushou’s commentary is in italics]
Hokushou Kairi’s #1!!
We surveyed all the Star Troupe members about what was Hokushou Kairi’s ‘Number One’!! And now, what are the results? Have a look, along with Hokushou Kairi’s comments!
What are your favorite roles she has performed?
#1 Sky Masterson, Guys and Dolls (22 votes) Wow!
“When Sky and Sarah are singing ‘My First Love’ on the Silver Bridge… That bit always got me so emotional. And then after Sarah rejects him, he’s left all alone on the main stage, and sings ‘My First Love’ again, and turns his back 💖 her back was so cool~” – Seo Yuria
“There are too many to choose from…!! However, as a Star Troupe member, I have to choose her Star Troupe Grand Theatre debut show as Top Star, where she played Sky Masterson ✨” Aya Ouka
Thank you so much. I think maybe it was because it was a show with so many characters all enjoying themselves that I was able to manage without straining to make it work. ‘My First Love’ is the part where Skye’s feelings are the most conflicted, so it was hard.
#2 Talleyrand, Napoleon: The Man who Does not Sleep (12 votes)
“I played her lover, and every day she would gaze at me with that nihilistic smile… 💖″ – Mari Yuzumi
“I heard Michiko-san (Hokushou) sing for the first time in rehearsals, and it gave me goosebumps – it was unforgettable” – Sazanami Reira
[Due to another performance] I joined the rehearsals a month late, so I had goosebumps for rather a different reason (laughs)
#3 Nezumi no Jirokichi, Jirokichi of the Wind (6 votes)
“She was so cool! No complaints! ✨ Someone who defies the powerful to protect the weak is totally suited to Hokushou-san, so I loved this role!” – Shidou Ryuu
I really like it too!
#4 Nakamura Hanjirou/Toshino Kiriaki, Samurai THE FINAL (5 votes)
“It was a role that really let Micchan-san demonstrate her full capabilities.” – Kurenai Yuzuru
“Ever since we first read through the script, I thought it was perfect for Michiko-san ✨” – Nanami Hiroki
What, this made it into the ranking!? Well, then, everybody, make sure you come to the theatre to watch it and see for yourself! (laughs)
#4 Dr. Falke, Die Fledermaus (5 votes)
“Michiko-san’s singing and comedy were so wonderful!” – Toudou Jun
#6 Franz Josef, Elisabeth (4 votes)
“I cried when I heard her sing ‘Boote in der Nacht’” – Yuuhi Maki
#6 Nick Wells, Brilliant Days (4 votes)
“I can still perfectly remember how moved I was during my debut when I heard Michiko-san sing as Nick” – Mito Kurara
Other
Hiraoka Yasu, Gin-chan’s Love
“He was so kind-hearted and generous, and gave his all no matter what, so he’s really a great human being 💖″ – Sayaka Rin
Lina Lamont, Singin’ in the Rain and Ralph Brown, Paradise Prince
“I love Hokushou-san’s comedy, I always end up smiling really naturally <3″ – Murasaki Rira
You all have such good memories~ I’m so happy!
FROM Hinami Fuu
Sky Masterson, Guys and Dolls
In terms of looking good in a suit and that swept-back hairstyle, I think she’s the best in the world!! Also, I got to be close with her so much during that show <3 (laughs)
Right, because I’m never close with Fuu-chan apart from that show (laughs)
What are your favorite revue scenes of hers?
#1 THE ENTERTAINER Scene 6, ‘FOREVER ENTERTAINER!’, THE ENTERTAINER! (32 votes)
“It’s something that only Micchan-san could have done. And her voice sounded so amazing 💖″ – Kurenai
“It was right after the 102nd Class’s rockette, and even though she had been exerting herself so much she sat down to play the piano. I think only Micchan could provide that kind of pure entertainment.” – Kiwami Shin
Since I went into that scene right after the peak of my exertion during the show, it made me learn a lot about my own concentration and control over my energy.
#2 THE ENTERTAINER scene 3, ‘ROAD TO THE ENTERTAINER’, Mitchel (12 votes)
“It was so fun every time because you never knew what kind of adlib she would do ✨” – Nanami
I was only able to do the one reaction during that scene. I feel like it would have been nice if I could have talked a little more or been able to do a bigger variety of things (laughs)
#3 THE ENTERTAINER scene 5, M’S COOL ENTERTAINMENT!, COOL ENTERTAINER “M” (6 votes)
“Sparkling there in the middle of all the grown-up looking performers, Micchan looked just like Mickey Mouse 💖″ – Rei Makoto
Oh my gosh (laughs) But that performance was only possible because of how much we practiced it as a group.
#4 One Voice act 1 scene 14, ARTHUR’S THEME, Saxophone man (4 votes)
FROM Hinami Fuu
THE ENTERTAINER Scene 6, ‘FOREVER ENTERTAINER!’, THE ENTERTAINER!
I watched her working on it from the very start of rehearsals. She read all the sheet music and then was practicing at the piano night after night so diligently…it was such a good example to me of the importance of effort.
I practiced that piece more than an hour a day. It’s a little embarrassing to think that someone might have seen that (laughs)