This interview with Tamaki Ryou was given to Nikkan Sports just before the opening of Elisabeth. This article was written by Murakami Kumiko and posted on August 23, 2018. (Archive link here.)

The 10th Tod is blonde and energetic – Tamaki Ryou interview

(Interview by Murakami Kumiko)

Moon Troupe Top Star Tamaki Ryou is currently facing the challenge of playing the 10th Der Tod in Takarazuka. The 10th production of Elisabeth: Rondo of Love and Death, one of Takarazuka’s masterworks, will be performed by Moon Troupe and opens in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre in Hyogo on the 24th. Director Koike Shuuichirou remarked on his hopes for Tamaki’s individuality, saying “I think she is an energetic Tod unlike any of the past productions.” She will also be a rare blonde Der Tod. The Tokyo production opens on October 19th.

Elisabeth is a famous Viennese musical that centers on the relationship between Elisabeth and the Lord of the Underworld, Der Tod (Death). As the 10th actress to play the lead in the Takarazuka version, Tamaki will not have silver hair, as has been common in recent productions, but will be a blonde Death.

“My wig is blonde, with waves. When I watch the Viennese version, the ups and downs of [Der Tod’s] emotions are very intense, so I want it to be able to show the contrast between stillness and movement.”

Tamaki has been blessed with an amazing physique as an otokoyaku. Besides that, Mr. Koike also has high hopes that she will be “an energetic Tod that has never been seen before.”

“I do feel like I will appear pretty large (laughs). I want to focus on having enough energy to engulf the whole theatre, and making it seem like I have the power to manipulate the downfall of the Hapsburg dynasty.”

When she was younger, Tamaki had the experience of playing ‘Death’ in Romeo et Juliette, a character that is expressed entirely through dance.

“Romeo’s own fear of death gives birth to ‘Death’. I think that Der Tod also comes from Elisabeth. The aspect of them not existing physically is the same. And [in this production] there is also the added aspect of his love and feelings for Elisabeth.”

Top Musumeyaku Manaki Reika, who plays Elisabeth, is “very strong”, Tamaki says. Manaki began as an otokoyaku, and after switching to musumeyaku and spending 6 and a half years as Top Musumeyaku, she is retiring with this production.

“She certainly puts forth her own will so powerfully when she sings ‘Ich gehör nur mir’. And then I have to think about how I will respond to that as Der Tod. I want to make sure this show comes together perfectly in order to see her off.”

She has to express her emotions through the music. The difficulty level of this show’s score is extremely high.

“Each tone is really finely calculated, and so even the emotions come from that. I think there aren’t many other musicals that are at that level. It also requires a very wide vocal range, and advanced singing techniques, so I’m battling with all of that. Every single day.”

The finale is in a ‘Latin rock style’.

“Director Koike said ‘I want it to express the feeling of Tamaki’. Even though I kind of thought ‘What exactly about me, though?’ (laughs)”

She is thankful for this opportunity to challenge herself. Another challenge is performing this difficult show without any appearances from Senka members, casting only the members of Moon Troupe. Even sweat looks good on this Top Star, and she isn’t struggling despite the extreme heat wave.

“We have air conditioning in the rehearsal spaces, after all! And also, Der Tod doesn’t move much at all. I’ve never had a role where I moved so little. The songs are the main thing, but I do feel like ‘is it okay this way?’… Once it opens, though, I’ll have really heavy costumes and gloves too, so I think that will be super warm.”

Tamaki has been an outdoorsy type since childhood. When asked if she shared Elisabeth’s habit of daydreaming, she answered “Do I look that way?”, laughing. “I’ve never really been one to play in a daydream world. I always liked going and playing outside. What kind of worldview will ‘Death’ have when played by the ‘athletic Top Star’? Even Tamaki herself seems interested in finding out.