Author Archives: kittychan

Otozuki Kei interview: “The Man in the Iron Mask/Royal Straight Flush!”

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This interview with Otozuki Kei preceding the opening of The Man in the Iron Mask/Royal Straight Flush! was published on Ticket Pia. The original article was written by Kuroishi Etsuko [approximate reading] and can be found here.

(Archived version here, as there are occasional issues loading the original page.)

Otozuki Kei interview: “The Man in the Iron Mask/Royal Straight Flush!”

Takarazuka Revue Snow Troupe’s Top Star Otozuki Kei’s smile is so refreshingly charming that it seems to instantaneously make everything around her more cheerful. It’s been about a year since she became Top Star, and her next challenge is The Man in the Iron Mask, based on the book by Alexandre Dumas which was made famous by the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. We asked her how she is portraying the completely opposite characters of the heartlessly cruel tyrant Louis XIV and his imprisoned older twin brother, Philippe.

Pia: This time you’re being challenged with a double role; how do you feel about it?

Otozuki: When I first received the script, I thought it would be easy to portray them since their personalities and the circumstances they were brought up in were so different. But when rehearsals actually started, I found it really difficult to get into character as Louis XIV. While it’s been 14 years since I joined the Takarazuka Revue, I’ve never had the role of a tyrant before. It takes a lot of imagination so I’m having to fight for it. Also, I want to make sure I’m conveying Philippe’s feelings after being imprisoned and masked for 6 years.

Pia: Since it seems like we’ll be able to see a new you, expectations might be high.

Otozuki: I’m really happy to be able to show the audience different sides of me by portraying opposite roles in the same show.

Pia: In the cast list, there are roles like “(Bowling) Ball attendant*” and “(Moliere’s Troupe) Mito Mitsukuni” so we’re really curious about that! (laugh)

Otozuki: That’s right. (laugh) Louis XIV likes to play and he’s very promiscuous, so the bowling scene shows what his everyday life is like. In performance with all the scenery and choreography, it’s really fun to watch. The show was made to be enjoyed by young and old, men and women, and Mito Mitsukuni is a part of that too. Please come and watch it.

Pia: The second feature is named after the winning hand in poker, “royal straight flush” but can you tell us what’s going to be in it?

Otozuki: I want it to be the kind of show that could only be performed by the current members of Snow Troupe. We’re aiming for it to be a very powerful and energetic show. There are lots of varied scenes featuring different performers, even including the junior actresses.. I think it’s the kind of show where not just us but the audience too will be caught up with it and want to dance with us. I want everyone to really enjoy it.

Pia: Your first year as Top Star has nearly passed: what is your mental state like?

Otozuki: In this play, the musketeers say their motto, “one for all, all for one,” in French. Right now I have everyone supporting me, and I want to work really hard for the rest of my troupe members so I can improve myself as I lead them on. Therefore, this show has perfect timing for me, and I’m really happy to be able to do it.

* As this show went through major changes after opening, this is a reference to a scene that was altered prior to the commercial disc release.

Lyrics: Mr. Bunbury (Ernest in Love)

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English translation of lyrics from the Takarazuka production of the Off-Broadway musical.

Algie:
You can forget London’s formalities
And go out on a visit
To Bunbury!

You should make sure to have a friend
In someplace in the country you like.
Then you can have a little romance in your life
With Bunbury!

Somewhere where pretty girls
Are always smiling at you
If you use a fake name
A whirlwind romance is easy!

Nobody can blame you!
Just go to see your sick friend at night
Night is the best time
For Bunbury!

Don’t be embarrassed
Do whatever you want
And don’t let anything catch you!

If you’re the kind of man who wants to spend your time that way
Then the best type of friend for you to have
Is Bunbury!

In this formal

Jack:
Stifling

Algie:
Era, if you can’t

Jack:
Let loose

Both:
Once in awhile,
We couldn’t bear living!

We need to have some fun once in awhile
And the most helpful person for that
Is Bunbury!
Anyone would want
A little free time
With nothing to hold them back

Jack:
I could have a chance to talk to the ladies in London!

Algie:
If you’re the kind of man who wants to spend your time that way
Then the best type of friend for you to have
Is Bunbury!

Takarazuka’s Kagami-biraki ceremony features Sagiri Seina’s smile

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This article about New Year’s festivities at the Takarazuka Grand Theatre was published by Daily Sports Online on January 2nd, 2016.

Takarazuka’s Kagami-biraki ceremony features Sagiri Seina’s smile

Takarazuka Revue Snow Troupe’s Top Star Sagiri Seina and top musumeyaki Sakihi Miyu performed a Kagami-biraki* ceremony at the Revue’s headquarters, the Takarazuka Grand Theatre in Hyogo, on the 1st.

“I’m happy to meet so many members of the audience this early in the new year,” Sagiri said as she smiled at the fans packed into the lobby of the theatre. “Since this year is the Year of the Monkey, we’re going to put on shows with that kind of ‘ukkii, ukkii’ [T/N: monkey sound effect] feeling,” she said, making a strained pun.

“I’m going to work hard so that lots of people will come to love Takarazuka in its 102nd year,” Sakihi stated, showing her ambitions.

Starting February 2nd, Snow Troupe will be performing Rurouni Kenshin, based on the famous hit manga by Watsuki Nobuhiro which sold more than 59 million copies. While the musical is still in the middle of rehearsals, Sagiri showed her faith in it as she said “I think those who don’t know the manga at all as well as those who love the manga will enjoy it.”

The popular New Year’s performance of Lupin III which Sagiri starred in in 2015 created a precedent for adaptations of 2-dimensional works. “When Sagiri wore the red kimono during rehearsals, I felt like Kenshin was really there in front of me,” Sakihi said, staring at Sagiri in fascination.

* Kagami-biraki is a celebratory ceremony where a sake barrel is broken open and shared. More info here.

Lyrics: The Hat (Ernest in Love)

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English translation of lyrics from the Takarazuka production of the Off-Broadway musical.

Gwendolen:
A hat! A hat!
The perfect hat
For today…

I need a hat
That’s sure
To catch his eye

I need a hat
That suits a maiden’s face
And catches the eye
Of all the gentlemen

A hat! A hat!
One that can straightaway
capture the heart
of any single man

With blooming flowers
To express my secret thoughts
One that’s charming
However you look at it
The perfect hat!

Takarazuka Grand Theatre: Grand Stairs featured in every scene for first time in 33 years!

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This article about the opening of Cosmos Troupe’s Shakespeare/Hot Eyes!! was published by Daily Sports Online on January 1st, 2016.

Takarazuka Grand Theatre: Grand Stage featured in every scene for first time in 33 years!

The opening performance of Cosmos Troupe’s Shakespeare/Hot Eyes!! took place at the Takarazuka Grand Theatre in Hyogo on the 1st, adorning the beginning of the Takarazuka Revue’s 102nd year.

The play is a commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the death of British playwright William Shakespeare. It features excerpts of many of his works, such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as portraying the love between Shakespeare and his wife Anne. “I’m really happy to be able to perform starting on New Year’s Day, but I’m a bit tense as well,” Top Star Asaka Manato said with a smile.

Moreover, during the revue, for the first time in 33 years the Grand Stairs—which are normally reserved for the finale—are being used in every scene. “We’ll be a lot closer to the audience members on the balcony,” said Asaka. She seemed to be enjoying herself in this slightly different scenery. “Since I’ll have to climb the back stairs [in order to descend the Grand Staircase] just as much, by the time the performances are over my legs will be in really good shape,” she said with a playful smile.

Lyrics: How do I find the words (Ernest in Love)

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English translation of lyrics from the Takarazuka production of the Off-Broadway musical. Based on the lyrics from the 2005 version, so may vary slightly from later productions.

Jack:
How on earth
Am I supposed to propose?
What on earth
Am I supposed to say?
Oh, if only there was a school
That could teach me the words of love!

“I couldn’t live
Without you–”
How on earth
Am I to tell her that?
Facing an angel like her:
How can I ever do it!

I haven’t even told her
That I love her yet
But even so
I can’t wait any longer!

How on earth?
How do I do it?

How on earth
Am I supposed to propose?
I just can’t find
The right words–
“You’re the only one I think about”
How on earth am I to tell her that?

If I only knew how to do it
I’m sure I could speak to her
With words of love!

First:
“Hello,”
“How do you do.”
Of course you’re fine!
But I have to keep myself under control.
This must be done with the proper etiquette.
“Nice weather, isn’t it!”
That’s good manners.
Whatever the topic, start with the weather.

After that I can’t think of what I should do
I suppose I shouldn’t be standing…
Should I kneel first?

How on earth
Am I supposed to propose?
I just can’t find
The right words–
How am I supposed to tell her
How wonderful it would be to live together?

If I only knew how to do it
I’m sure I could speak to her
With words of love!

Lyrics: La haine/Hatred (Romeo et Juliette)

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English translation of lyrics from the Takarazuka production of the French musical.

Lady Capulet:
The first word learned
By any child born to our house
Is hatred, hatred!
Hatred towards the Montagues!
Hatred, hatred!
They plant it in your hearts
It writhes there like a snake
I hate
That hatred inside of you

Lady Montague:
If only we could extinguish
That black flame
Smouldering inside your hearts
Your hatred, hatred invites misfortune upon us
Hatred, hatred!
How can we make you see it?

Lady Capulet:
Hatred, hatred! You foolish men
Hatred, hatred! Us women are left to weep for you

Both:
What on earth would it take
To convince you?
Listen to what we women say!
I hate
That black flame inside of you

Lady Montague:
That is

Both:
Hatred!

Takarazuka stars of all troupes gather for traditional year-end performance

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This article about the 2015 Takarazuka Special was published by Daily Sports Online on December 20th, 2015.

Takarazuka stars of all troupes gather for traditional year-end performance

On the 19th, stars from 5 Takarazuka Revue troupes gathered for the traditional year-end performance Takarazuka Special 2015, held at the Umeda Arts Theatre in Osaka. Excluding Flower Troupe’s Top Star Asumi Rio, who was performing in Tokyo, there were 4 Top Stars performing: Moon Troupe Top Star Ryuu Masaki, Snow Troupe Top Star Sagiri Seina, Star Troupe Top Star Hokushou Kairi, and Cosmos Troupe Top Star Asaka Manato, as well as Todoroki Yuu of Senka and 50 up-and-coming young stars from all their troupes.

Moon Troupe’s Ryuu Masaki, who announced her retirement yesterday, said “This is my last Takarazuka Special. I’m going to give it my all.” Star Troupe’s Hokushou Kairi, who is participating in her first Takarazuka Special as Top, said “I have my learner’s mark on,” as she displayed the learner’s permit mark emblazoned on the back of her jacket, which gained huge applause from the audience.*

In each troupe’s segments, they performed parodies of their Grand Theatre shows of that year. Since it’s not ordinary to see the actresses being so silly, the audience was in a whirpool of laughter. Also, this year there was audience participation, since at one point the actresses descended into the audience and taught the choreography for the new song “New Century, Next Dream” composed for this year’s performance. With the audience and the stage performers in unison, everyone was excited.

Finally, Todoroki Yuu stated “for Takarazuka’s 101st year, we want to create our Next Dream together with everyone.”

* (as far as I know not having actually seen the show) Hokushou Kairi is referring to the sticker that new/learning drivers in Japan have to put on their cars. Example below.

Yuzuki Reon working towards first solo concert since Takarazuka retirement – “What is a non-otokoyaku concert like?”

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This article about Yuzuki’s first REON JACK press conference was published by Sanspo.com on December 11, 2015.

Yuzuki Reon working towards first solo concert since Takarazuka retirement – “What is a non-otokoyaku concert like?”

Yuzuki Reon (36), ex-Star Troupe Top Star who retired from the Takarazuka Revue in May, held a press conference about REON JACK, her first solo concert since her retirement, on the 11th.

For Yuzuki, who held her position as Top Star for 6 years–an exceptionally long time by recent standards–a solo concert not as an otokoyaku, but as ‘Yuzuki Reon’ is a challenge. “I asked everyone ‘what is a non-otokoyaku concert like?’” While the concert is still in the planning stages, she said that she plans to perform a new song: “I wrote it about my mental state after retirement, like my worries and how I hit a plateau.”

She began performances for her first post-retirement musical, Prince of Broadway in October. In order to rehearse, she stayed in New York for three months starting in July.

“While I was in New York, everything around me was advancing so fast that I didn’t realize that I myself had stopped.

She wrote her internal conflict of that time into song lyrics. After retirement, she was constantly asked things like “are you going to wear skirts? Are you going to wear your hair long?”

“But while I was in New York, I thought there wasn’t anything where ‘I have to do things this way’. If I want to grow my hair out, I’ll grow it out then. I’m glad I can become more feminine in my own timing. I want to show everyone how I am in real life,” she declared about the change in her way of thinking.

The concert will have singing, talk sessions and acting. “On Broadway, I wanted to convey the fun I was having onstage. For this performance too, I want to enjoy myself together with the audience,” she said for PR. Yuzuki is taking her first steps down a new path.

Cosmos Troupe Top Star Asaka Manato’s first tour: “I want to share the charm of Takarazuka freely”

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This brief article about Asaka Manato’s Melancholic Gigolo/Citrus Breeze III tour was published by Sankei News on October 25, 2015.

Cosmos Troupe Top Star Asaka Manato’s first tour: “I want to share the charm of Takarazuka freely”

Cosmos Troupe Top Star Asaka Manato’s national tour of Melancholic Gigolo–the Dangerous Inheritor (written and directed by Masatsuka Haruhiko) and Citrus Breeze III (written and directed by Okada Keiji) is currently in the midst of performances. The tour continues until November 8th and visits 15 locations, going as far as Hokkaido.

This is Asaka’s first national tour after ascending to the position of Top Star in February. During curtain calls on the first day of performances (on the 10th, at Osaka’s Umeda Arts Theatre), Asaka smiled and said “I want to share the charm of Takarazuka freely with everyone who doesn’t know Takarazuka, so every day I plan to go onstage with a fresh feeling.”

This is also Asaka’s first double feature show as Top Star. In this musical full of comedy touches, Asaka plays a free-spirited gigolo who ends up in a get-rich-quick scheme. The jaunty show refreshingly displays Cosmos Troupe’s rebirth.

“It makes me really happy to put on a show that warms people’s hearts and can be said to represent Cosmos Troupe without exaggerating,” said Asaka. About the audience’s constant laughter, she said “the warm applause and laughter I heard became my strength. I think that the laughter gives a fresh feeling as well and is important to create the show.”

After this, the show tours Tokyo, Chiba, Nagano, Yamanashi, Niigata, Fukushima, Yamagata, Akita, Iwate, and Hokkaido. Asaka smiled and said “pick up your suitcases and come with us!”