![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
masahiSummary: Based on the film of the same name, but adapted for Takarazuka. The new-performers production of the honkouen performance.
For every major performance Takarazuka does, there is a shinjinkouen for each run. This is a chance for up-and-coming performers to show their mettle by playing the same - usually abridged - show as their full troupe is performing, with underclassmen taking all the roles. This is often a chance for a rising star to show what they're made of, and needless to say, fanclubs of underclassmen are eager to support their performer as much as possible.
We were fortunate enough to get put in touch with the right people, and ended up sitting in the vicinity of Kisaragi Ren's fanclub, who are - incidentally - utterly lovely people. They were most amused by the two crazy gaijin who hardly speak a word of Japanese, but approved of the fact we squeed on Yumeno Seika (Tomomin). Even more delightfully, Kisaragi Ren (Renta, from here on in) was playing Tomomin's role from the main show.
Add to this giddy evening the fact that there was a Geisha in full kimono and decor pottering about the theatre, and then, all of Hoshigumi's upperclassmen filed into the theatre to attend the shinjinkouen as well. Tomomin got a stern look from Yuzuki Reon for stopping to wave like crazy at people she recognised :D
Since the shinjinkouen is always a shortened production than the full show, the Takarazuka Hana no Odori Emaki was cut, meaning that they were able to perform the full show of 'An Officer and a Gentleman' instead.
I'll just do it by cast this time around, since I don't really need to sum up the show again:
Serika Toa as Zack - she didn't quite have Chie's swagger perfected, but her Zack was a good-hearted guy with rough edges that just needed to be smoothed. She had a lovely voice, though, and worked very well with her Paula.
Otoha Minori as Paula - another one to watch out for. She has a really lovely voice, and her Paula was stubborn as a mule and proud as an Empress.
Makaze Suzuho as Foley - I was stunned. Teru already dazed me with how brilliant she played the role, but Makaze was outright incredible. It was the same character, the same script, and yet a completely different interpretation. Teru's Foley was all about the rules, but this one would bend them to breaking point to get the result he wanted.
And yet, when the recruits are urging Seeger to climb the wall, her Foley was watching from the sidelines, hat in hand, fist clench, wordlessly urging her to do it, to make it, and to succeed. Yes, he would break them, but he also wanted to see them triumph too. Makaze was just brilliant and she nailed that character so well. I fear I will need to write to her again to squee.
Kisaragi Ren as Della Serra - in the same way as Tomomin has mastered the noble art of scene-stealing, Renta is developing all the same skills. Like Makaze, she took the same script, and yet produced a totally unique version of the character. Tomomin's thought he was All That.
Renta's was clumsier, awkward and overeager to please everyone. She had a handkerchief she used to mop her brow frequently when anxious, and while Tomomin's was suave and playing pool with the girls, Renta's got bopped on the nose with a poolcue and fled, nose bleeding, into the night. It was amazing what a difference she made to the character. I will definitely be watching out for her a lot more.
Saotome Wakaba as Lynette - I do think I preferred her Lynette to the main show, simply because this Lynette had more frailties and uncertainties. She wanted away from her life, and she was desperate. She looked so genuinely distressed when she told Sid she couldn't marry him, and when his death was announced, she just crumpled in shock. Shirahana Remi's was so much tougher and more ruthless, but Ayako's did actually seem to care. She was lovely.
Shiotsuki Shuu as Cowboy - Like Junna, Shuu totally owned the stage in this moment. She was so indignant when Paula dumped her and she started singing a crooning lament to "Lola". Paula stamped back on, slapped him and snapped "Watashi wa PAULA" :D
Unfortunately, I was mostly distracted by Renta throughout, so I can't really provide many more comments about the performance. All I can say is that I'm glad I've been lucky enough to see a shinjinkouen live. It's definitely an experience unlike any other. Underclassmen are very good indeed and it's great to see them strut their stuff in the foreground.
For every major performance Takarazuka does, there is a shinjinkouen for each run. This is a chance for up-and-coming performers to show their mettle by playing the same - usually abridged - show as their full troupe is performing, with underclassmen taking all the roles. This is often a chance for a rising star to show what they're made of, and needless to say, fanclubs of underclassmen are eager to support their performer as much as possible.
We were fortunate enough to get put in touch with the right people, and ended up sitting in the vicinity of Kisaragi Ren's fanclub, who are - incidentally - utterly lovely people. They were most amused by the two crazy gaijin who hardly speak a word of Japanese, but approved of the fact we squeed on Yumeno Seika (Tomomin). Even more delightfully, Kisaragi Ren (Renta, from here on in) was playing Tomomin's role from the main show.
Add to this giddy evening the fact that there was a Geisha in full kimono and decor pottering about the theatre, and then, all of Hoshigumi's upperclassmen filed into the theatre to attend the shinjinkouen as well. Tomomin got a stern look from Yuzuki Reon for stopping to wave like crazy at people she recognised :D
Since the shinjinkouen is always a shortened production than the full show, the Takarazuka Hana no Odori Emaki was cut, meaning that they were able to perform the full show of 'An Officer and a Gentleman' instead.
I'll just do it by cast this time around, since I don't really need to sum up the show again:
Serika Toa as Zack - she didn't quite have Chie's swagger perfected, but her Zack was a good-hearted guy with rough edges that just needed to be smoothed. She had a lovely voice, though, and worked very well with her Paula.
Otoha Minori as Paula - another one to watch out for. She has a really lovely voice, and her Paula was stubborn as a mule and proud as an Empress.
Makaze Suzuho as Foley - I was stunned. Teru already dazed me with how brilliant she played the role, but Makaze was outright incredible. It was the same character, the same script, and yet a completely different interpretation. Teru's Foley was all about the rules, but this one would bend them to breaking point to get the result he wanted.
And yet, when the recruits are urging Seeger to climb the wall, her Foley was watching from the sidelines, hat in hand, fist clench, wordlessly urging her to do it, to make it, and to succeed. Yes, he would break them, but he also wanted to see them triumph too. Makaze was just brilliant and she nailed that character so well. I fear I will need to write to her again to squee.
Kisaragi Ren as Della Serra - in the same way as Tomomin has mastered the noble art of scene-stealing, Renta is developing all the same skills. Like Makaze, she took the same script, and yet produced a totally unique version of the character. Tomomin's thought he was All That.
Renta's was clumsier, awkward and overeager to please everyone. She had a handkerchief she used to mop her brow frequently when anxious, and while Tomomin's was suave and playing pool with the girls, Renta's got bopped on the nose with a poolcue and fled, nose bleeding, into the night. It was amazing what a difference she made to the character. I will definitely be watching out for her a lot more.
Saotome Wakaba as Lynette - I do think I preferred her Lynette to the main show, simply because this Lynette had more frailties and uncertainties. She wanted away from her life, and she was desperate. She looked so genuinely distressed when she told Sid she couldn't marry him, and when his death was announced, she just crumpled in shock. Shirahana Remi's was so much tougher and more ruthless, but Ayako's did actually seem to care. She was lovely.
Shiotsuki Shuu as Cowboy - Like Junna, Shuu totally owned the stage in this moment. She was so indignant when Paula dumped her and she started singing a crooning lament to "Lola". Paula stamped back on, slapped him and snapped "Watashi wa PAULA" :D
Unfortunately, I was mostly distracted by Renta throughout, so I can't really provide many more comments about the performance. All I can say is that I'm glad I've been lucky enough to see a shinjinkouen live. It's definitely an experience unlike any other. Underclassmen are very good indeed and it's great to see them strut their stuff in the foreground.
