IMHO. Kiriya Hiromu Dinner Show 'Grand Dreamer' ~ is there life after Takarazuka

when I am in a pinch, nothing is better that something Takarazuka related

they say, when one has to do a lot of hard work, 'tis better to divide it into parts and periodically award yourself with something. I am not fond of this theory, but there is no doubt that everybody has to relax somehow

show
why would a person watch dinner shows? of course, unlike regular performances, the reason, meseems, would be that the show is lead by one's favourite sienne. what else? maybe one may want to see another kind of Takarazuka performances and understand Takarazuka Revue better. maybe one would want to look at another, non-lead sienne. all these motives are united by the fact that a dinner show creates a special atmosphere, different from other performances - something very intimate, unofficial, unstrained
together with Kiriya there were 4 siennes - Isshiki and Aoki as retiring members, as well as Miyako and Touka. after having a chance to see them in such relaxed atmosphere, I love them even more, especially miss Yurino. she is absolutely adorable. Isshiki and Aoki too, showed their 'human' sides

unlike what I expected, the show was a masterpiece of entertainment and mood-making. almost all numbers were chosen so that they would lighten up the mood of the guests and almost all songs were creating positive atmosphere. even 'Kitsch' had its lyrics rewritten to create a funny situation with a mug Kiriya was holding during the song

only 'yami ga hirogaru' and a few other songs were serious. after listening to all of them I can say one thing for sure. no Western musical in its original form will ever impress me, from now on. you must see for yourself how great the siennes are - in regards to singing, in regards to acting - even if they participate not in a Grand performance, but only in a small entertaining dinner show

only one thing makes me wonder about the phenomenon of Takarazuka Revue. look at who are most of the fans. yes, young women are pretty rare

be it how it may, the performance was very beautiful and rich in costumes, even though chamber

music

is there any way to change your opinion on a song? hear it sung by your favourite sienne. this is what happened with 'Fly Me to the Moon'. the fast jazz arrangement and incredible score for five singers made it into a wonderful pleasant song, unlike what it seemed to me in its original version
 

conclusion

only by looking at the disc cover I was already all tears and smiling happily
'listen,  wipe your tears and smile
I will always be by your side...'

my humble opinion on 'The Man from Algiers' ~ it's been a year, huh?

 ...after the classes finished - 12-50 as usual - I left Meric Japanese Language School where I was studying and hurried to the subway. as my friend Sae-san told me there wasn't much time I preferred to run, but that was a bad decision - I dropped my walkman which has the screen glass on the very top with no protection and got it broken. as I never bothered to replace the glass, 'tis still the same now. when I arrived at Umeda I had to count carefully the staircases and escalators because our meeting point wasn't too easy to find for me who could not get used to new places even after spending a month in Osaka. needless to say, I was successful. having bought some snacks we took the train to Takarazuka and arrived there in a blink of an eye. the road from the station to the Theatre was very beautiful in summer, though I wished I could visit it in March when sakura trees bloom, as Sae-san told me that 'hanamichi' is all bestrewed with the flower petals. the interior of the Theatre seemed to be bigger than the building when looked at from the outside. the halls and the shops were all cute and crowded. we proceeded to the seats. though 'twas balcony and our seats were #2 and #3, left edge, I could observe the stage pretty well. so, the curtain raised...

I tried several times to recall why I was so delighted after seeing the performance. well, here's the reason

vivid colours of the costumes, moving decorations in the backstage, perfect steady loud low and a bit husky voice of Kiriya-sama, perfect synchro of the dancers (well ok this particular screencap is not a good proof) - and probably this particular lift marked the beginning of my love of lifts?

KiriMari duet song. perfection again. if 'tis KiriMari than an average lovers' song becomes special. I would be really mad for the fact that Moon is playing this tragedy, if not for KiriMari who create a fresh image of the main characters which is impossible to mistake for anything else

Koshino-sama and Hanase-sama were of course inimitable. recognizing Ayahoshi-san was much more difficult. I mean, after seeing her like this - a capricious young child - one wouldn't think she can sing the song from 'Notre Dame de Paris' scene of 'Dance Romanesque'. at least I wouldn't

'ai wa doko ni iru' is just an average Top Musumeyaku character's song, but 'twas really good to hear it from Aono-sama. this very song made me understand that Aono-sama is not as plain as I was afraid she might be when I only looked at her photos and knew nothing else

the scene of preparations for the party in Paris gave me the first impression of the 'many-members-having-fun-on-the-stage' thing. now that I see it for the second time I can't help wondering to myself... is it strange that for me seeing Japanese portraying French waiters and maids - and moreover being pretty credible - is not strange?

Hanahi-san as Annabelle was too credible. so credible that I started doubting whether she was credible or not. sounds like nonsense but this is what I thought

one more surprise - Seijou-san as Michelieu with... a gigolo aura? I mean, she was an personification of the courtesy- and gallantry-covered onslaught that are one of the main MOE points about Takarazuka in my mind

otokoyaku group sing Julien about the downtown of Paris where there are a lot of nice girls. again. actresses on the stage singing as if they were real young men willing to have some adult fun - note strange, at all! ^o^

Aono-sama's dance in the golden outfit in the nightclub is perhaps one of the most beautiful dance I've ever seen. and the golden glitter suits her so much *____*

Hihou-san is a great surprise again. her voice, to be precise. I am a bad judge in terms of person's appearance, but her low voice is really unexpected after you look at the cute smiling face of hers on some photo

hard to admit, but Morie's charm was a bit hard to notice this time. to be precise, I didn't remember much about her after the first time I saw her on stage, but surely this time I can pay more attention to her as I don't have to dissipate my attention to many things. now I can understand those who love her deeply. perhaps, this is the image of hers that is the most natural and attracts the fans

finally, Mirio as Henri. if I could see her in this image more... so gentle that she almost radiated peach-coloured light around her... does it sound strange? but I really was able to see it during the scene where Annabelle heard the conversation between Julien and Elizabeth - how she lifted Hanahi-san, how she looked at her, how she touched her,  how she sang after... I melted. well of course that does not mean I justify her Henri who, in the end, killed a human being
and Masao as Jacques. guys, how can you like villains like this? I mean, Masao created a villain with no slightest trace of mercy or a chance for redemption. she was too credible. this is why I have such an image of hers - capable of playing 'true' villains. having this Jacques as my first impression of Masao I truly cannot understand those who see her differently
well and the final dialogue of Julien and Sabine - if someone doubts there were no real love between those two, I don't know what real love is. who were those two, Julien and  Sabine or KiriMari?
my love towards this Combi might seem to have its roots in a mere coincidence, but this love hasn't died yet, and perhaps won't. why do I love them so much? maybe I love how Aono-sama grasped Kiriya-sama's back? maybe I love how Kiriya-sama holds Aono-sama's head?

maybe I love this look of Kiriya-sama with her eyes cast down or closed, and a tense smile on her face? maybe I love how Aono-sama can express so much hope and happiness with her face, though there is not anything special on it?

...and the curtain falls down. even now I consider this ending too abrupt. even now though I know how it ends, I have that feeling again - 'that's it?'

conclusion
I cannot be unbiased, can I? taking into account 'twas the first Takarazuka performance I saw, and the first Takarazuka performance I saw live. let me put it this way: play itself - not one of my favourites, but the performance... *____*

I have to thank once more the people who upload these things

BTW the Tudou links are
part 1
part 2

suddenly remembered something that bothered me... ~ Zuka makeup limits?

my friend once told me

ну я вот допустим если начинаю слушать персонажей одного и того же сейю внимааательно, чтобы понять где есть сходство в голосах, когда нахожу это сходство у персонажа, которого последнего слушала, начинаю слышать только это сходство и оно мне начинает резать уши. Примерно как когда обращаешь внимаение, как певец набирает воздух в песне и потом слышишь только эти наборы воздуха, вместо исполнения х)

'if I listen to different characters voiced by the same seiyuu attentively in order to understand where the similarity can be noticed, I end up hearing only the similarity after I find it in the voice of the last character I listened to, and this makes me sick to hear the voice. this is the same as when you notice how a singer inhales before starting to sing a phrase and then you end up hearing only those sounds of inhaling instead of enjoying the song'

a wonderful observation, isn't it?
some time ago I read several people claiming that Seijou-san applies too much stage makeup. now every time I look at her I recall that
but hey, isn't it partially caused by her eye shape? and also, she uses more white, blue, and usually sparkling shadows while others may prefer darker and 'calmer' colours. not everyone, though. in comparison with Morie, who is Magee's usual partner, she may look 'too much', but hey, other otokoyaku-san do this too? like, Kouzuki-san's make up here does not seem less bright to me... not to mention the Top Four ^^`

link! excerpt from 'Misty Station'

perfection... perfection, perfection, perfection! Otokoyaku Stair Dance, Top Combi Duet Dance, 'Final Countdown' covered by Ryuu-sama and Kiriya-sama, ’My Way' covered by Kiriya-sama and Sawaki Rizu-chan, and of course - the wonderful orchestra accompanying every move of theirs...

is there anything else on this Earth you could wish for?

I am already hitting the wall with my head. WHERE'S THE REST???

ok I know I just have to purchase a disc myself. but you know, the excerpt exists already! it means that someone should have the whole revue! am I wrong? o.O

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/1gLpyrL-D0Q/
I just wondered what the old versions sound like. actually Elvis did not impress me much - sorry, fans! Sinatra-san's manner seems just a bit more suitable to me ^^`

my humble opinion on 'Dance Romanesque' by Moon (2011) ~ my first...

though I mentioned 'Dance Romanesque' several times (oh, didn't I?), I have never written down all I feel about this wonderful 'show spectacle'. and I should!

the reason why I watched it again today is that I stumbled upon an article about 'Algiers' and 'Dance' and translated it. no, this is not the reason... after translating I decided to check the spelling of names on TakaWiki, and while doing this - I read that Aono-sama was absent during one of the scenes in 'Dance'. I have read it for many times, but 'tis only today that I realized that she was absent exactly when I went to see the performance. no, better to say, I happened to go there when she was absent, yes

of course I did not notice any change. I didn't even know that Aono-sama should have been there, eh? whatever

after realizing this fact I decided to check what scene exactly 'twas. and after checking - I could not stop. I felt really bad after 'Hakushaku' and I had to allow myself have some medicine to drive that poison out of my body. therefore I watched the whole revue, yes

the curtain rises. the introduction. Masao sings. musumeyaku-san dance. Kiriya-sama appears. I see the same setting, the same dresses, everything is all right. I don't feel anything strange... and then the music suddenly changes. the rhythm becomes stronger. Kiriya-sama runs downstage. I recognize the title theme song. otokoyaku-san run up to the stage

心に響け、熱い歌 - ring in the heart, the hot song

and me is already struggling with tears

my love. my first. my Romanesque, that stole my Takarazuka innocence

心に刻め、その祈り -  carve it onto your heart, that prayer

and those beautiful ladies dance with smiles on their faces, which almost physically warm me

未来の自分を失わないで - don't lose your future self

the tension rises

この一瞬を永久に変える - this instant is turned into eternity

and ladies regroup into a triangle lead by Kiriya-sama

Ah~ - needs no translation

and then...
DANCE!

this revue is, perhaps, created to be the closest to the mere mortals - I mean, siennes invaded the audience. literally. including the balconies. I can imagine what it feels like when Aono-sama gives you a 'low five' running across the hall

Kiriya-sama's solo number did not impress me much, but it had a very typical 'shabadaba' in the end, and of course - Kiriya-sama winking before she disappears is... *___*

the scene about the '(un)inhabited mansion' is not among my favourites. a bit boring, I might say, if not for the soft image of Masao which contrasts a lot with her Jacques

the loose reflection of 'Notre Dame' is also a very strange thing, but there are a lot of good points in it. splendid acting of Kiriya-sama in an unusual role, and of course - Ayahoshi-san's singing. one of the best songs I ever heard in Zuka revue parts. also, the following battle is accompanied with one of the most wonderful background instrumental works. I really, really, really pay respect to the composer, the orchestra and the guitarist(s?)

well, lifting Kiriya-sama to the ceiling with white wings (they were moving, BTW) is a bit too much... too experimental... well, though this seemed strange to me, I cannot be against it. more diversity is never to the worse

as the programme says, this scene uses several pieces from 'Mask 41' OST. they are 'Kyoko's Dilemma', 'Cerca De Ti' and 'Fight with Dream'
then, the K-POP scene. guys... where's the K-POP itself? I am no specialist, but I have been told much about K-POP bands and I watched a bit of PVs and concert performances due to several friends and acquaintances of mine being fans of K-POP boys-bands. so, this number is a bit week for me, by the same token the music and the vocals were not really impressing. the dancing is much better, though, combining typical Zuka movements with -POP ones

the next part is a standard Zuka dancing number which has nothing special about it, but allows the spectators to enjoy some points that Zuka is famous for. namely - hot Latin background music, Kiriya-sama's singing in the same manner, Aono-sama representing musumeyaku charm, and a splendid synchronicity of movements which matches the music so perfectly that you quite forget they are real people dancing on the stage. also, a good scene for Morie and Magee who were overly cute

the Mirio's cover of 'Puttin' on the Ritz' is funny. really funny, because of both the music and her Engrish

row cancan rockette dance is very cute. and I consider myself to be lucky to see it the very first time I watched a Revue

Top Combi dance would be really good... if not for the fact that I dislike the song 'Sunny' in the original and the instrumental version is not much better

the all-troupe number is indescribable... I have no words to express how much I love it. the white costumes, the golden background, the expressive music, and the general concept were absolutely perfect and memorable. it might seem stupid, IDK, but I love when there are a lot of people together. it creates an image of unity and warmness

and this particular jump - to be precise, two of them - is simply GORGEOUS

 the following Masao's song reveals how warm and soft her timbre can be. the dance accompanied by the instrumental version of the song, where musumeyaku-san move as if they were made of water, is also a splendid number. I have watched many revues - of Moon, of course - but I cannot recall anything like this
and then, Stairdance. actually, I have never heard any of Yuzu's songs, though I might have heard their name. still, I wasn't aware of the original song until November when suddenly I saw a trailer of Yuzu's concert on a huge screen on a building somewhere in Shibuya (or I don't remember where), and suddenly I recognized the song. my dear friend, Sae-san, told me - 'you see? 'tis Yuzu'

needless to say, Kiriya-sama's strong low voice is superb, so is the orchestra arrangement. the song is completely different. however, the original is nice, too
the next Top Combi dance is among my favourites. first, I came to realize that this blue suits Aono-sama greatly. second, their movements are perfect. third - I cannot recall what music there was in the original performance. 'twas replaced in the vid, so I am somehow frustrated that I could not memorize this beautiful number to the utmost. I should have. I really should. if not for my poor memory...
at least I should thank TakaWiki again. they wrote a hint that implies that the scene is called 'we're all alone' - am I wrong? well, the scene is not called like this, but the song used was obviously Boz Scaggs' one of this name. I don't know why the Japanese love it so much - it played a big part in Takeuchi Naoko's 'Rain Kiss' and meseems I have heard something about it later. also, this vid is from his concert in Japan. I listened to it then, when I read the manga, and didn't like it at all. can't get what's so special about him

 then, the parade

 

the gorgeous parade starting with beautiful voice of Hazaki Mana-san. her high notes were really impressing, but the following main theme overwhelmed me again...
the curtain falls. in the dancing figures of Moon Troupe members I see the characteristic image of Takarazuka and, strangely, I recall watching 'Sakura Taisen Katsudou Shashin', the full-length movie for the first time

it rings in my head. 'tis carved in my heart. the moment it ended turned into eternity and did not let me lose my future self
oh I should pay more attention to the theme songs lyrics, shouldn't I?

translation! ~ an article about the last day of 'Edward VIII' and 'Misty Station' in Grand Theatre

 the original article

 

Takarazuka Revue Moon Troupe, the curtain has risen for the Top Combi Last Stage!

On March 3rd, the curtain has risen for the retirement performance of the Takarazuka Revue Moon Troupe Top Combi, Kiriya Hiromu and Aono Yuki.
The first part was the musical 'Edward VIII' based on the historical facts about Edward VIII, who earned great popularity among the masses and called 'Prince Charming' both at home and abroad. The musical paints both the false and the real image of him who, though loved by people, had to abdicate the throne in order to fulfill his love with an American national, Wallis Simpson.
The story starts with the funeral of Edward VIII, and then traces back the meeting of the couple. The unexpected direction of the funeral scene was quite interesting because a radio was used there, and thus seized the hearts of the spectators.
Kiriya, who played the open-hearted and possessing a modern character Crown Prince David (Edward VIII), was setting the pace of the performance with her nimble tone. Speaking of which, while looking as a man who leads free and pleasant life, the negative sides the character possessed as a person were also revealed. Thus, everyone could enjoy the splendid acting manner of Kiriya. Her partner actress, Aono, gently portrayed the changing feelings of Wallis to David, after she approached him in order to obtain a high status, and though a certain amount of loneliness and weakness was blurred in her, she finished as a strong woman with a firm heart.
Also, an indispensable supporting character was played by the Second, Ryuu Masaki. She portrayed Guy Burgess, a BBC producer, who was penetrating inside the scenes, but also narrated the story so that the spectators would not get confused. The Third, Asumi Rio, was playing the private secretary of David, who was watching over him, sometimes being harsh, but with a tender attitude, despite the fact he was twisting his secretary around his finger. While presenting her gentle image, Asumi showed both her character's strength of expressing his opinion straight to the face of the Crown Prince, and the irritation of being unable to help him.

The second part of the performance was 'Misty Station' starting with a scene which was to create a recollection of Kiriya's departure. She  played a young man Misty who embarked on an adventure with a trunk case and a map. After this a lot of dynamic scenes followed one by one. Cosmos, jungle, Arabia, enigmatic town, and a lot more - Misty is travelling around the variegated world. Among them, the scenes with Kiriya singing in the centre, surrounded by the Moon Troupe members standing in a row, and the male players dance in black tailcoats in perfect order were a grand sight. It was beautiful to the extent that a sigh would escape from the lips of spectators. Another certain thing was the duet dance of Kiriya and Aono, whose breath was perfectly matching, and there were also highlights for Ryuu, Asumi, and for those retiring like Aoki Izumi, Isshiki Ruka, and others, so the show was very enjoyable, presenting the overwhelming power of Moon Troupe.

For the last stage of the Top Star, in both works a lot of scenes and songs with farewell image were included. Do not miss the performance full of Kiriya's charm, who perfected in singing, acting, dancing, all these three skills.

 

 

 

 

 

translation. a short article about retirements in Moon Troupe

for the link to this article I should thank http://katfaceonaplanet.tumblr.com

original article 
all images from the article

On March, 5th, Top Star of Moon Troupe of Takarazuka Revue, Kiriya Hiromu, said goodbye to the Grand Theatre where she spent 18 years having created a lot of memories. After the performance in Tokyo (March, 23rd - April, 22nd) she retires together with Aono Yuki, Top Female role player.

The farewell show which followed 'Edward VIII ~ Misty Station' started with the speciality duet dance 'Prologue - Gypsy Baron'. Theme songs from main Kiriya's performances where she played the leading part like 'Yukariko', 'Scarlet Pimpernel' were performed, and in the end she sang 'Hitogomi no Naka no Kodoku', enveloped in the light of penlights raised by people in the audience of the theatre which was full to capacity.
Together with Kiriya and Aono 8 actresses retire after the performance, including Aoki Izumi, Isshiki Ruka and others. Wearing the uniform of black crested haori and green hakama they descended the Grand Staircase, and Aono with tears in her eyes said 'These 8 years were all happiness. If I were not beside ms Kiriya, I could not be myself'. In the end all the members of Moon Troupe greeted Kiriya and she made an address 'One by one my small dreams came true, and standing here now when the atmosphere is full of love became my big dream. I can graduate from my home ground with a feeling of happiness, and the courage to start the journey towards a new dream I received from all of you. I thank you a lot'.

Though unfortunately it looked like raining after the Parade ended, 4500 passionate fans with balloons and penlights farewelled Kiriya who left her stronghold holding in arms her beloved dog, Finch.

_____

translator's remarks

I cannot say for sure that the translation is 100% correct, or that the news source quoted my beloved Top Combi without any overstatements, but if we are to believe their words then Aono-sama's 'I could not be myself' moves me to tears. 'tis exactly what I wanted to hear from her

Also, I simply fell in love with the fact that Kiriya-sama's name is constantly used in connection with her graduation. Perhaps most fans are aware of this fact, but I would like to remind that though pronounced like 'Hiromu', her name consists of characters 'big' and 'dream', which make 大きな夢 - 'ooki na yume' with their usual readings, and this particular phrase I can see everywhere on banners, retirement photos - just as on the photo above (with the car), and even Kiriya-sama herself exploits it. When I just read her name for the first time in my life, I thought it to be boring, but the more I know about her, the more I love her choice of name (though she made it with the help of a book about how to name a child)

happy birthday! - to Aoki-san

somehow I almost missed her birthday (wow, how unexpected for me... >___<) but 'tis still 31st in Japan so I am not late according to the Japanese time... ^^`

retirements increase

when you have something sad happening in your life, bear in mind everything could be even worse.

however, to realize this we have to experience it, we have to experience that 'worse' at least once.

we all know Tops have to leave. and we feel very sad when they finally announce their retirements, as we think they could stay just for a little longer. still, it is inevitable that Tops should leave, as there is no more space for them to move on.

N-bantes will also leave someday, after they become Tops and enjoy their success.

the others seem to be kind of eternal. well, at least, they survive and perform, and their performance is stable.

it is exactly that sense of stability which makes me cry now, when I know some of them are leaving very soon, it makes me cry partially because of sadness, and partially because of fear.

I am not acquainted very well with all of them, so I shall write about those ones who touched my heart.

Rizu-chan. I have discovered thou just recently and thy voice was so cheerful. why art you leaving already? you were so cute and thou were so warm, just as Moon required its member to be. Rizu-chan, I was hoping you would reach the top someday, or at least you would be appreciated in accordance with your true ability. it kills me that you are already leaving. I shall miss you so much.

Ayahoshi-san. I am sorry for being wrong about you . first, I thought you are too cute to be a true actress, then I thought you are a good actress but a bad singer, but watching you live for the second time made me change my mind, and I began to think, you will not become a Top, but you will certainly be a great supporting girl, the one who often sings while the Tops dance in a duo, the one who often takes funny or tragic roles, the one who deserves attention and respect. I was looking forward to see you again, even when the Tops change. now I am afraid I shall not.

Aoki-san. I was already dreaming of you becoming a kumichou someday. I was so sure you are a loyal member who would support the others until the end. the reason you leave will never be clear to me. and I am in despair again. 

coupled with the Tops leaving, the shining of six brilliant stars fade away. at the same moment. what will become of Moon without you? what will happen with my favourite troupe????

Happy Birthday

to future Ryuu-sama!

actially, this is the version of the image I made for my phone desktop, and I have lost where my original pic is... though, you can find it somewhere on Tumblr, and I would like to express my gratitude to the person who shared this, though I have forgotten thy name, my generous kindred spirit

hope I shall call her this way soon. I hope and pray every day so that no one stands in her way to the Top.
the worst thing I understood not so long ago is that, in case we have a Top Star from another Troupe, we might have another transfers, the ones which are much worse than transfers from another troupes to Moon - the ones FROM Moon. and those ones might be Masao and Mirio, as they both are obviously aiming to become Tops some time, unlike Morie, who seems to be moving towards becoming Moon kumichou one day (is it really likely that she would be transferred to another troupe after 13 years of loyalty to Moon?).
if there is any magician who is willing to make my wish come true, I pray you, make both Misao and Mirio stay in Moon...... they are such a wonderful couple and I want to see them as Top and nibante eventually... please...........

my humble opinion on 'Studio 54' by Moon Troupe

this time me would like to say some words about 'Studio 54'
the usual version is here http://www.tudou.com/listplay/GURRRIaiV34/s76b3krzz1E.html
the Tokyo closing night is this http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/_FJI3rmbEso/

acting

this time we are having no Masao in the show, as she is busy with her 'Hot Fairies' - you can even see an 'ads' of the show in one of the scenes of 'Studio 54'

on the other hand, we have a strange Mirio here. is it only me who can't enjoy the greatness of the 'villains'? I mean, though as the Algier's Jaques she was great, I liked Mirio's Henry there much better. then everything changed and I noticed Chauvelin much better, but still I was no fan of him. be as it may, whatever I watch - I am fond only of the 'good guys', and even if I see a great, cool, shining Mirio with unforgettable hair, with sparkling accessories and retro glasses and with that sharp makeup....... I still can't adore the character, though I might try very hard. I am absolutely firm in the thought that she is overly cool for such a brute as Zack... he should have been created the same way, with all the rockish attributes etc. but he shouldn't be that cute beauty Rio is. in the end I came to the conclusion she looks simply too womanly >______< I couldn't even see her as a Z-BOY and she seemed a real Z-GIRL to me at first, but then - oh yeah - I managed to think of Z-BOY, 'n you know what helped me? yeah, the love scene between him and Steve. is me still the only one to laugh at two actRESSES performing yaoi on the stage? as for Z-Boy with Steve, let me presume the scene was created to show that sex and drugs (and maybe rock'n'roll? just a little of) were in plenty in the year of grace 1977.

the minor role performers were also rather distinguishable! I recognized Sawaki at once, but oh, Yuriya-chan as Neil was also great! and Yurino-chan, adorable image! the kids were cute as well, really looking as kids! well, Hanahi-chan was Hanahi-chan, as cute as usual - 'bro, Jamie is happy~!' after Holly kissed her ^.^

and several scenes to enjoy... me couldn't help making some, as 'tis too funny, me was never expecting this particular show to be that funny!

singing

me was never mentioning the songs as they were always performed greatly. however I want to say that 'hoshi ni naritai' by Yuki-chan in 'Studio' is more than great, 'tis one of the best songs me ever heard by Yuki-chan. I can remember only of 'I'll forget you' from 'the Scarlet Pimpernel' when Yuki was just as credible and bright. the songs of reminiscence by Becky is performed so that it moves your heart and makes you almost cry and meseems Yuki-chan managed to take the 100% control over her voice at the same time, so 'tis as if she gave vent for her emotions and they poured down on us, the spectators, with all their might, but those emotions never prevent her voice from showing its maximum capacities. the trembling and the strength is so wisely combined with tenderness and softness that I could call it the perfection...

however, my favourite song is 'hitogomi no naka no kodoku' - it has both great lyrics and touching melody. I would even argue that 'tis a song with one of the deepest meanings any revue ever had

covers

we love Takarazuka for splendid dramatic performances, perfect movements in dances and strong and expressive voices in songs, and so on... however, there is always one more attractive point in revue parts. we can play a little game - I would name it 'guess the original source of the music'. the ending part of 'Studio 54' is an adorable collection of covers of famous songs - well, famous in Japan, and released in the end of 70s. obviously not only the 'Studio' itself takes place in 70s, but the final part also. so, the covers are 

YMCA - by the young siennes

then Ayahoshi-san, Morie and Magee perform a part of a song from 'Galaxy Express' which seems to be a title song

Mirio sings 'otokotachi no melody' - according to the trivia I found, a song by SHOGUN released as a theme song for a dorama called 'oretachi wa tenshi da!'

Aono-sama sings a song of Yamaguchi Momoe-san 'Be Silent' which is spelled as '美 サイレント' therefore translated as 'silent beauty' sometimes. a song with mysterious lyrics, haha

Kiriya-sama's appearance starts with a song 'HERO' or 'Hero ni naru toki sore wa ima' by Kai Band

all-troupe song is easily recognizable - 'In the Navy'

unfortunately the music is cut in the Top Combi Duet Dance >____< greedy copyright owners just die

the Tokyo Closing Night had another final - with another covers of course
the first song by Seijou-san with girls is 'Sky High' by Jigsaw

the next song by Hanase-sama is a 'remix' on..... on something. this is the case when I do know what the original is, but I can't make myself remember the name of it. completely. to the extent I almost want to hung myself.... >___<
Aono-sama together with Morie and Koshino-sama sing 'Hot Stuff'

after Kiriya-sama descends, there is an instrumental part which I am not sure about, whether 'tis a cover or not. the Troupe starts singing the famous 'Dschingis Khan'

Top Combi duet dance in the special version of the Finale... I love it! ^^` especially the part when Kiriya-sama smacks Aono-sama on the rear ^o^
well and because of this lift also

then the usual Finale follows with no changes - at least I noticed none. Top Combi duet dance music is not cut this time, as far as I can understand, but I still have no idea of what the music is. unfortunately...
the closing words were really long. and this is a good thing. the longer it takes, the more fun! ^___^ this time was one of the funniest closing ceremonies I have ever seen... with lots of jokes from Kiriya-sama, lots of dancing and lots of 'reraising' of the curtain

conclusion

I love this show.