This article on the opening of Anastasia was published by The Sankei News on November 21, 2020. The original article, written by Tadokoro Ryuuichi [estimated reading] can be found here with photos. (Archive link here.)
Cosmos Troupe ‘Anastasia’ – Audiences charmed by Makaze’s rich voice
The Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe’s production Anastasia (adapted and directed by Inaba Daichi) opened in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre, Hyogo, to great enthusiasm. As their previous production, FLYING SAPA (which played in the Umeda Arts Theatre in August) was a straight play focused on acting, Top Star Makaze Suzuho said that for the cast as well “It was like going from 0 to 100. Each day we came in feeling ‘We’re doing a musical, awesome!’
The production is a romantic story based on the ‘legend’ of Anastasia, youngest daughter of Russian Emperor Nicholas II, who was said to have been the only member of the family to escape assassination in the Russian Revolution. The story was made into an animated film in 1997. In 2017 a musical adaptation opened on Broadway and became popular.
Makaze also saw the production once in New York. “It’s a fantasy story that anyone can enjoy, from little children to old people,” she said.
Hoshikaze Madoka plays Anya, a girl with no memories in search of ‘herself’. Makaze plays Dmitri, a con artist who turns Anya into Anastasia in hopes of obtaining the reward.
“In the rough world of Russia at the time, Dmitri had to decieve people in order to survive. But he’s actually a pure and kind-hearted man. I want to focus on that real side to him, and convey his human kindness in my performance.”
The two of them go to meet Anastasia’s grandmother, Dowager Empress Maria, who lives in Paris. The stage sets have been made with great attention to detail. With the background projections and the regular rotations of the stage, it conveys the trip from Russia to Paris and the flow of time.
The story is full of songs, songs, and more songs. One of the solo songs Makaze sings during the play, ‘She Walks In’ is a new song created specifically for Makaze by the original Broadway staff1. Makaze’s rich voice and Hoshikaze’s clear vocals charmed the audience.
The clever casting is also something to watch for. Inaba, the director, said “For each and every actor, I am focusing on how I want them to challenge themselves.”
Serika Toa plays Gleb, an operative of the new Russian government who is conflicted between his father’s order to kill Anya and his own secret feelings. Sakuragi Minato shows her comedic acting skills as Dmitri’s partner Vlad. Kumichou Kotobuki Tsukasa gives a stately performance as the Dowager Empress Maria. Kazuki Sora’s ‘onnayaku’ (female role) character of the Empress’ acquaintance Lily brings new attention to her impressive vocal and dance skills.
Cosmos Troupe’s Anastasia will be the final performance in the Grand Theatre this year.
Reiwa 2 has been an incredibly turbulent year–the state of emergency due to the coronavirus announced in April; the sudden cancellation of performances; months of self-isolation; re-opening; a cluster of infections; more self-isolation.
Makaze looked back on it this way: “Until then we had all been pushed along by the flow of time, but then it all suddenly stopped. At first I didn’t even know what to do.”
She read books, watched films and cooked. After running for so long she had the time to calmly look over her life.
“I realized, ‘Ah, I really do love Takarazuka’. When I met up with my colleagues again, it made me feel that people can’t live alone. And also, even in a situation like this there are people who will come to see us. It all made me fully understand how grateful I am for everything,” she said.
They learned ‘strength’ from living through the closures and self-isolation, and ‘kindness’ towards their fellow performers. And now that they have returned to the stage, the Takarasiennes have gained a new ‘indomitability’. This turbulent year has certainly not been in vain.
Anastasia plays in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre until December 14. It then plays in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre from January 8 to February 21.
1 – Apparently this may actually be a demo song not used in the Broadway production.