To the Future is a GRAPH interview feature for up-and-coming young performers that has gone through various versions over the years. This was published in the February 2010 issue and features Star Troupe performers Toa Reiya and Kitori Mariya.
To The Future
Kitori Mariya – Star Troupe
Debut: Enter the Revue, 2005
Major Roles: El Halcon (Junior performance), Gilda Lavanne; Treasure Sword of the Hapsburgs, Olga
Motivation for trying out
I’ve loved Takarazuka since I was a little kid, so I tried out thinking ‘I just really want to get in!!’.
First Takarazuka show
Mori Keaki’s Rose of Versailles.
Your treasures
Everything I gained from my 9 years living abroad, and my whole family including my dog.
Qualifications or special skills
Foreign Language
School clubs
I was in the birthday club. It was a quirky sort of club where we did all kinds of planning to have fun celebrating all our birthdays (laughs).
Memories from your debut
I was just so happy to be able to stand on the stage of my beloved Takarazuka… ✨ I was so emotional every day, thinking ‘I’m so happy I got in…😊’. Even now when I start remembering my debut I’ll get emotional.
Your dream as a performer
I want to be a performer who has a lot of different experiences so I can grow as a human being as well.
Seniors you admire
Koto Marie-san and Toono Asuka-san. I respect them with all my heart both as performers and as people.
Toa Reiya – Star Troupe
Debut: Secret Hunter, 2007
Major roles: Anna Karenina (Bow), Serbhovsky; My Dear New Orleans (junior performance), Jule Anderson
Motivation for trying out
When I went with my aunt to watch Cosmos Troupe perform Phantom in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre, I was so moved by everything about Takarazuka that I decided to take the exam.
First Takarazuka show
Cosmos Troupe’s Phantom.
Your treasures
The teddy bear my grandfather gave me. It’s my healing item.
A costume you want to wear
A black tuxedo. I want to be able to wear it and make it look cool.
Qualifications or special skills
Driver’s license.
School clubs
I never joined any clubs, but I got to take classic ballet instead.
Memories from your debut
I was so nervous the day I was supposed to give my debut address that I practiced over and over all over, like at the bottom of stairs when nobody else was there (laughs). Also, I was so happy at the audience’s applause when we crossed the Silver Bridge after the rockette.
Your dream as a performer
I want to be an actor with all the tools I need to accomplish any role I’m given. Also, I want to become a performer who can give dreams to the audience.
Seniors you admire
Among OGs, Wao Youka-san, and among current performers, Suzumi Shio-san. They are both so wonderful and dazzling, and I really want to be like them.