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.