IMHO. Moon Troupe's 'Company' and 'Baddy'

For some reason in a while I felt like writing a detailed list of my impressions of the show...

First, 'Company'.

Probably the first time in my life I watched a musical and felt unsatisfied. My love for Moon Troupe did not let me admit it but let's face the truth: this is weak. What's with that story? Everybody works hard, there are some collisions during the process, but in the end they find common ground and make the show a success. 'cause 'audience are partners of the performers' huh?

I was surprised to find the show is based on an existing novel, so shallow the concept was.

If the above summary is just too short, here is a short but comprehensive one:

After two companies merge into one, several events are set up to promote the new company's image. Your average 'sarariman' Aoyagi tries to stand up for a young sports trainer Yui who is blamed for bad handling her duties, but in the end they both are transferred to produce a ballet performance, just as one would expect haha. During preparations they meet actual ballet dancers, Aoyagi learns much from his new friend Minami, Yui tries to establish partner relationship with a renown ballet dancer Takano who is a star both in Japan and abroad and has his own views on how things should go in life. The president's daughter Sara who is the prima of the ballet troupe constantly appears on stage and does nothing in particular. Dancers and teachers from the ballet school supported by the corporation also appear and do pretty nothing. Nayuta, a young singer from a famous band, is suddenly chosen for the main role instead of Takano who confessed he is not in his perfect condition. This condition however doesn't prevent him from dancing not only the bad wizard Rothbart but also Odille who is changed from a female role into a male one, being an apparition created by Rothbart...... What? Well, many characters asked the same, but in the end everyone agreed. Of course everything cannot go perfectly and Sara gets injured when being lifted by Nayuta, but everyone is yasashii and says it was her fault and not Nayuta's. We didn't even for a moment doubt Sara would somehow be dismissed from the show because Minami, who is her understudy, could not possibly stay behind the curtains since she is the one played by the Top musume. She is afraid to perform, but Aoyagi, who was afraid himself just a couple of minutes ago, comforts her and they embrace. By the way, Takano also had problems because he supported the injured Sara, but he has his devoted trainer Yui, heheeey! So, the last ballet performance is a success despite the problems, Takano decides to establish some kind of agency in Europe and suggests Yui go with him, now you girls should learn to be as persistent as Yui had been, and don't forget to wear a lovely blue dress for the party to conquer a stubborn guy's heart. The Top duo is together, of course, and everything is well......

I personally love funny stories with happy ending very much but I was not sure in the end if I wouldn't like to have a pickled cucumber.

Aoyagi by Ryou Tamaki is that average 'sarariman' doing his job diligently. Suddenly transferred from sales to ballet producing? Not a problem. They still think in Japan that a good worker should try everything in every section and be ready for anything. Doesn't matter he doesn't know anything about ballet - he just needs to learn... Despite - or thanks to this story flaw - I don't know which one it is, but Aoyagi was the same good guy till the end. Maybe the best thing I learned from him was that Natsume Soseki translated 'I love you' as 'tonight moon is beautiful', because the Japanese prefer indirect speaking.

By the way, I noticed that in the original Aoyagi's wife was not dead from cancer but rather simply left him. As for me, I'd rather leave this fact as it was in the book. At least it would add some nuances to Aoyagi's character.

Young ballet dancer Minami by Reika Manaki was your avegare cute and positive, slightly dumb girl. Only slightly... Well, they like it very much in Japan when the girl doesn't get it when she is confessed to. And it was even cute, when performed by Chapi. And still, what else can we expect from such dull characters, even if they are played by the Top duo.

Probably Miya's ballet star Takano was the only noticeable character in the story. The proud celebrity with his own stance and views, moreover with character development not much seen in anyone else in the story. I was waiting so much that he would attack his cute trainer and supporter, Yui, by Mitsuki Umino. This is probably bordering on an otome's fantasies, but what can I do if Rurika is not only a good actress but also such a hot thing too. For want of hotness in all other characters, I guess I would be happy if she attacked just any girl on the stage... But I had to be satisfied at least with the fact that Takano invited Yui to be his trainer and manager in Europe.

Speaking of the much desired hotness, at least Hayate Uzuki as the pop-group leader Akutsu was trying to add some, and I'm sure she would if her time on stage was not so limited. I'm not sure if it's right to measure the quality of a performance by the level of 'presence', but Uzuki's presence was big and one cannot ignore it. Even the scene where her character simply apologizes for his fellow band member was more impressive than many other longer scenes.

The same goes for Yurino Touka as ballet teacher Noa. Her role was small but she was good in it and even managed to pull some gags. Both Seri Ayazuki and Ruu Kozuki were also good as the wise company head and the funny manager who was constantly getting angry but in the end turned to be the only one 'restructured' - away from the company for good.

Wakaba Saotome as Sara was not really impressive to my taste. Chisei Akatsuki was not either, but at least she did some beautiful pas during the 'Swan lake' play within a play.

Kanato Tsukishiro........ Now here is something to think about. I didn't like her in 'All for one', but I admitted it might have been my personal prejudice. In 'Company' however I totally forgot about her existence in the Troupe and only noted how bad Nayuta was performing and singing. Even then I didn't recognise her. Finally I recalled she must have been somewhere in the Troupe, and by process of elimination I guessed it must have been her. Even then I didn't believe it and even double checked the role list. So, yes, she was really bad. Her acting was flat and all the important moments looked too deliberate, and her part in the 'Barbarian' band performance was not very good. While I could tolerate some other actresses I don't like, when it comes to Tsukishiro I cannot help thinking what she is doing in this troupe, and why.

And just one actress I would like to mention is a girl whom I didn't recognise and whom I really will have to check on! One of the ballet dancers was given a short aria when Aoyagi came to the school, and that was just a-w-e-s-o-m-e.
I also must praise that actresses acting as ballet dancers were actually performing ballet on the stage, and Manaki was even standing en pointes.

'Baddy'

probably compensated for everything lacking in 'Company'. This is the case when the revue is better than the first half.

A not-so-short summary (and yes, this revue has that what can be summarised):
On Earth, in a kingdom where all people are good and go to heaven after death, the prince and the princess of the royal family are admiring the Moon through a telescope, even though Moon is a big prison. They notice an explosion, which was supposedly caused by a notorious criminal called Baddy and his company of 'bad guys' (he is Baddy because he is bad, but you've surely noticed how this word reminds of 'buddy', a friend, colleague or member of a company). The policewoman, Goody, is looking after peace of Earth together with her supporters, including a broken-hearted guy who seeks her attention. When a quarrel is about to happen between the king and the queen, Goody helps settle it. Then, Baddy arrives with his followers, including his Sweetheart of an unknown sex (just when you think whether it be him or her, the characters explain that it's impossible to tell - and you settle down with it, haha). They start their adventures by breaking the ban on smoking. Goody tries to arrest Baddy several times, the most prominent one - during a presentation of seafood, where she pretends to be a scallop... o___O In a skirmish one of Baddy's followers is wounded, but the princess lends him her handkerchief, which marks the start of their relationship. Goody's friend ends up in the Baddy's quarters, where he learns evil and discovers his talent for passport forging. The bad guys sing and dance explaining how to be bad by extorting money from rich women, with some of them successful, some - not so much, and one of the followers, meeting the kind-hearted princess, refusing to take any money at all. When trying to capture Baddy, Goody learns about her friend changing sides, she then leaves the main target be and pursues her friend. Baddy suddenly realises he is offended by this, meanwhile Sweetheart notices this growing interest of Baddy and grieves he is no longer the 'dynamic and dangerous' man she (he?) admired. The royal family makes a deal with aliens about keeping some valuables in their bank, this decision overheard by Baddy. He then reminds himself he is kinda bad and decides to steal the treasure. Wearing a wig and pretending to be one of the aliens, he lures the code from another banker and removes the whole safe together with the prince and the princess on the platform. Goody, who was about to fall for Baddy's charm, realises she feels humiliated and outraged by this, and decides to pursue the bad company to another planet where they have fled. After a large-scale fight the children are rescued, but the friend of Goody is shot. He dies in the arms of Sweetheart, who says he is the real 'dynamic and dangerous' guy. All others manage to escape, but Goody and Baddy, though stick with their principles, cannot let go of each other, and it is said they never returned from that planet. Some time later they are seen in heaven, where Baddy finds himself surprised to be, and upon hearing the fact he hurries up to start smoking. By the way, the role of the cigarettes is played by the indispensable shan-shan.

If you could help me find the right word to describe it, I would appreciate it, but for the lack of it I should call it 'trippy'. The fantasy setting, the crazy costumes, the weird concept of all the characters, the bad Baddy and the cute Goody, and androgynous Sweetheart, the grey-faced aliens-bankers, the good guy suddenly discovering his talent for forging passports, the dance of the seafoods... The number with Goody and cancan girls dancing to the song describing her hatred and determination was one of the best musumeyaku numbers I have seen in my life. And finally, the energetic otokoyaku dance and passionate dance of the Top combi make up greatly for the dullness of the musical. If you wanted hotness here is some. One important correction: I don't and I never will recognise Tamaki as a cool character or a 'bad' one. Villainous villains are out of her way. The first half of the show was partially unclear to me until I saw some development in Baddy that led to the ending as it was.

To my relief, there were good songs and melodies in the revue, and singing of all performers was very good with some parts really difficult. Now that I recall the revue, it was probably the most strange, unusual, unique revues I've seen - and I like it! The costumes were also different from what you'd expect, and I insist they were very beautiful.

It's not very good, maybe, that I haven't been watching much of Takarazuka lately, but this gap enabled me to appreciate how Tamaki and Chapi have grown as performers - as actors, as dancers, and as singers, which impressed me most.

p. s. I must mention Rurika's Sweetheart again. With every performance I respect her more and more. While I didn't like her face very much it might have influenced my general opinion of her, but her charisma reaches the farthest rows of seats so easily, her characters stand out so much, her presence is so big that I started to feel admiration for her without realising it.

If I could have a ticket for half price and see only the revue, I would go to watch 'Baddy' again!

'Classic Takarazuka Dance. A Guide to the Future. TAKARAZUKA Flower Poems 100!!' ~ fly me to the Moon

First of all, this was gorgeous.

Classic Takarazuka Dance. Flower poems
It is supposed to be a remake on the legendary Flower poems version #1, but I didn't really care, because I'm not a fan to that extent. And the 'classic' is not simply a word here. This IS classics. A parade of perfection.
The flower theme goes through the whole show. Do you know any words that contain the poetic kanji for 'flower' 華?
華やか - gorgeous
華麗 - wonderful
豪華 - splendour
These are all the words that I could use to describe the show.
I don't know whether my favourite number would be the one showing the continuity of generations

or the traditions kept in a perfect shape

or the golden shining of the stage

I'd say that singing Japanese native songs always reveal how talented and skillful is a sienne in singing. And I'd say that miss Touka was extremely good at it.

But well, not only miss Touka surprised me. There were lots of different changes on the stage. Who is this lovely lady?

And this cute young miss?

And who is this?

And... o___O

 And where did you move the Grand stairs?

And how long does it take to bake a cake like thike this?

- What do you want from me?

- TWAS SO FUNNY MASAOOOO!

Now this was passionate. Oh, and I understand completely why the prices are so high in Quatre. Just imagining how much this costs...

Now this is not for very young girls. Imagine what kind of dress they would ask for when they have to go to the graduation party ten years later.

At least, I would die if I saw it in my childhood...

By the way, I found it a bit strange that they used such flowers for the song:
Tamaki Ryou - marguerite (ok... a plain but nice flower)

Miya Rurika - cattleya (what's that? never heard of. maybe I misheard?)

Nagina Ruumi - queen of the night (well I love it's shape but why is a song?)

Saou Kurama - forget-me-not (at least the last two are more poetic)

Seijou Kaito - sunflower
The only borrowed melodies I could recognise were 'Caravan' used in the scene about a young priest being seduced by a huge group of hot ladies,

and 'La vie en rose', used in the number with girls-roses and miss Ryuu is those huge white feathers

Guide to the future
I mean, seriously, have you seen Touka and Seijou together? If not, you should.
'I was so silly when it comes to men... If only I were more fastidious... If I were... I would miss my chance to get married!'

Darling!

Huh?

'Oops... Today was the day of filming for the DVD! Please, cut out what I've just said!'

conclusion

I wouldn't recommend 'Flower poems' to beginners. Too much 'japonisme'. However, if you've seen enough to be prepared to fly to the other side of the Moon...

'PUCK' & 'Crystal Takarazuka' ~ how to make your friend a Takarazuka fan

First of all, this is what I learnt from a friend working in the Grand Theatre. Though this is the order in which I learnt the facts, it is also an attempt to think it over while I'm writing.

1. The next Top Star of the Star will be miss Hokushou. That's no news for anybody who follows Takarazuka's life. The reason miss Makaze (or miss Kurenai?) was not chosen is that she doesn't look handsome enough and there are people who dislike their appearance.

2. On the contrary, Mirio is very beautiful. I can't disagree, because I like her type of appearance very much, too, though I wouldn't really compliment that in first place, like my friend did. The Japanese really do care a lot about a sienne's face.

3. And the reason why miss Hokushou is to become the Star's Top only now is that though she was originally popular in Moon, she couldn't become a Top because there was miss Ryuu, a daughter to a rich family. That's why they let miss Hokushou escape to Superiors and wait there for a while. That's what the rumour says, but even though a rumour, it is a very certain one.

4. It is a common-spread thing that the Tops are there not 'accidentally'. The only ones among the recent Top Stars who achieved their position thanks to their ability are miss Sou from Snow and miss Ranju from Flower.

5. Moreover, miss Ryuu has a high voice which makes many spectators regret that she's not manly enough.

6. Moreover, Moon Troupe as a whole is also bad at singing. They have bad pronounciation, too, which makes elder visitors of the Theatre complain sometimes that they couldn't understand what the actresses were saying.

I wonder why it is exactly mss Ranju and Sou for whom my admiration is limited to respect only, because they really failed to capture my heart even once.

Not that I thought that they are really allowed to become a Top for free. But it kinda... hurts. I mean, I could agree if I heard that a Top-Star-to-be, already chosen by her skills, is asked to make a 'small contribution'. Not vice versa.

1) Puck

Story and characters

There's nothing to say. Puck is one of my favourite musicals in Zuka, because it's so funny, so strange and so touching. And because of Suzukaze Mayo, too, because she created all that initial impression of the musical itself.

It happened so that both musicals we saw were based on Shakespeare's plays. Very loosely... And even though Shakespeare is not my cup of tea, I wouldn't mind drinking 'Puck' again (how was that? a nice phrase I made huh?).

Acting

Now comes the main part. *taking deep breath*

I was not very happy when I heard miss Ryuu would play Puck. It wasn't her type, I thought. It was for Suzukaze, it wasn't for Ryuu. She was still that villain Jacques in my mind. She could do Romeo credibly, too, I thought.

Everything changes with the first note that she utters after appearing on stage. She's not a bad copy of Suzukaze. She isn't a completely new version ruining the original charm of the character. She's just another Puck. Cute Puck. Mischievous Puck. Then suffering Puck. Then poor Puck. Then kind, good boy Puck. My Japanese friend said that 'Puck' is a 'very-happy-ending' enjoyable musical. I wonder if that counts as a 'very happy end', but it's not a tragedy either.

And what can I say? I don't agree that they are bad at singing. Puck's aria or Hermia's song, or just one number of Tytania meeting Bobby - sung by mss Touka and Tamaki - is enough to hear that.

I didn't feel it was hard to understand them, either. My friend would say that's because I'm young and have no problems with hearing, but I'm not Japanese and still only a small percentage of words stay incomprehensible to me when I try to write the script down.

I can't say they are bad actresses. When miss Miya starts joking about her billiard playing being so unusual because of the Christmas Eve, and you understand that's obviously ad lib because it IS the Christmas Eve, when Puck looks at his hands that have just touched Hermia's, when both guys fall in love with Helen after Puck cast a spell on them, it may touch you, or it may fail to do so, but it's the real acting.

I was actually sad and distressed when I heard all those things from my friend. However, it doesn't matter anymore. It's not important anymore, because this I know for sure: after coming to the hotel at midnight having travelled with a heavy bag and getting lost while trying to go to a convenient store, after a difficult getting up in the morning, and after even the breakfast failed to make me feel energetic, it was the Moon Troupe that fixed me. 

Music
It was 90s. A time drowning in pop'n'rock. If you listen to Masao's voice when she sings the first song after Puck was born, or to 'Growing up', or to 'Just say dance tonight', you'll hear Okui Masami, Shiina Hekiru, Mazda Julia in there. (upd: I've just read that 'Midsummer Eve' was specially written by Matsutoya Yumi, so you'll probably hear her there, too)

2) 'Crystal Takarazuka'
I'd say it wasn't the best show I've ever seen. It didn't become my favourite either. I didn't even buy the CD. First of all, I was a bit disappointed by the main theme. It was not bad, it was as energetic, GENKI, as always, but I can't help comparing it with 'Dance Romanesque'. And it lost.
Other than that, I really liked one number, the one about marionettes, except for the fact it doesn't have a happy ending >___<
Still, I enjoyed very much both the dolls dancin' part and the duo dance, coupled by... Coldplay. Wow. Takarazuka even borrows things like that...

The other two pieces I recognised were 'Bamboleo' by Tamaki Ryou

and 'Misirlou' used in the fight between Coppelius and mr Detective, just before 'Viva la vida'

the latter, I must confess, I only recognised thanks to it being used in The Black Eyed Peas' song 'Pump It' (had to google for it).
I guess I could also recognise the 'gypsy' main theme, but it appears to be a bit hard to find how it's called. I'm also pretty sure the otokoyaku stairs dance was accompanied by a variation on some classical piece, but I just can't remember what it is.
If you ask me what seat to choose when buying tickets with a limited budget, I'd say - buy A seats on the balcony, row #8 in the Grand Theatre and #7 in Tokyo. It's the first row after a wide aisle connecting the right and the left sides of the balcony. Why those seats? Haha. Try yourself.
By the way, I was sitting 2 rows behind, and still the impression was deep.
I mean, just a metre away from Chinami Karan or Kanoha Toki giving high five to those who were sitting in front of them...
I guess I spilt it out.
And the point I cannot miss - Top Combi. It was the first time I've seen the current Combi and I was afraid I'd dislike it, but I was wrong. I think I might like them less if I saw them earlier, when they were still not 'used' to each other, but now they are a good couple. I like it extremely how Reika looks at Ryuu whenever possible - in all dances where she has at least some interaction with her, and even during the dancing numbers in the Grand Sports Day. If KiriMari were an unusual Combi, then Reika is a very typical nice, tender, cute musumeyaku. And why don't I hate her? Probably because she's very natural, with no shadow of showing-off, no attempts to make the audience actually notice how she's trying to behave in a cute way, and first of all, because there is no part of her body she'd spare for her performance, not a single piece of her soul she's not laying down on a tray to present to the audience. She gives all she has to those who watch her, and I can see that. The one thing that still bothers me is that they're not as close as I wish them to be in, like, Top Combi duet dance, etc. After 2 years together I'd like them to be clinging to each other, and they still aren't.
As for the young siennes who made their appearance in the usual 'boys band singing and dancing number' in the middle of the show, I can't really understand well why Ryou is so promoted, especially on part of her vocals. She's a good girl and she'll do well, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed her voice very much. I also feel sorry for mss Uzuki and Shimon who are not getting as much attention than they used to, and whom I would really praise for her vocals in this 'pop group' is ms Akatsuki.
Apart from them, my favourite vocalists would be mss Seijou and Saou. I'd drown in their voices...

Conclusion

How to make your friend a Zuka fan? Try to guess. Well, she's into musicals in general. And she is interested in what a 'revue' is like in Japan. Still, she wouldn't watch what you tell her 'just because'.

And then you just take her with you to see it live.

upd. after watching the dvd version

- Puck, get on this swing
- can I, lord Oberon?
- of course, it's made-to-order for you!
- wow thanks!
- and now fly up!
- fly-fly, shrimp-fry!
- it's not THAT fry...
- oops...
- now be gone with the wind!
- ok, I'll think about that tomorrow!

- huh? why is there no applause?

thinking about Takarazuka again

I prefer to believe that 'tis my intuition - the one that is described by socionics - though I might be wrong. still, this time I guessed it right. YES I DID

after RomiJuri and BeruBara which were in my mind raping the current Moon, MeMy came - and 'twas good but still something told me Moon awaits for something much more 'Moonish', something closer to their current state, something that would really look like 'this is how it should be!'

The Poses sing - 'I guess you're right...' - and I am singing it, too

this is it! this is it! I do not know why - because of my intuition or not - I guessed that Lupin will be a feast for my soul. today I see the poster. unlike many other posters done in a very artificial manner - which is a thing almost everyone agrees! - 'tis very beautiful, and finally I see Moon I can believe in

there is one dilemma left for me. when should I go to Japan? shall I go to Osaka in July? or shall I wait for the Tokyo performance in September?

ohhhh I must see it or I shall die >____<

of course I hope my prediction will be right...

oh... wait... stop... where is Mirio on the poster? she is not? why?

IMHO. 'Me and My Girl' ~ the one I have never seeen

my usual ability to predict anything before I even get to know it properly works this time, too. and this is what is says this time

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/C34aCdbdvc4/

http://video.yandex.ru/users/welesdar/view/316#

ms Sena and ms Ayano were so good, together with the rest of the Troupe, of course, that their MeMy must be included into Takarazuka masterpieces list, if it were to exist. will the new version be close to that? hardly ever

on the other hand, in contrast to ms Miya's lack of naturalness - please forgive me those who are her fans - I almost like Saou and Nagina, as well as the current Top Combi together. they already look better as a new Moon team, and I cannot possibly dislike ms Seijou's advancing to the forefront

however, all of this looks so far-fetched... I can see how, without even any direct regulations, Masao was told to become a serious but positive young leader, Chapi - to repeat on every corner how great she feels about being a Combi with Masao, others - to display as much pleasure and happiness, as they can, randomly

hypocrisy lets people maintain relationship even through different obstacles and peacefully coexist. however, this is the case where I cannot stand these false smiles any longer

someone tell me that I am wrong

links. Tudou Tsukigumi 'Takarazuka Oldies'

first is mamotte agetai by Manaki

this is like a new side of her to me. I loved her voice from the very beginning, but I thought she is always just a small cute girl and sings the same way. now I see I was wrong. she is sweet but not a luscious pretty-pretty. if she is like this, probably she will really be a strong musumeyaku of Moon Troupe...
you can easily see - or better to say, hear - that not any cover on a good song will be good... what I love in Takarazuka covers is that they never spoil the original even if the vocalist and arrangement is completely different
cover by some unknown to me cute girls

cover by Onitsuka Chihiro which I don't consider a very good one, but it shows respect to the original, and at the same time sounds like another song and has a lot of Onitsuka's style in it

original Yuumin's version

katte ni shiyagare by Ryuu
though her version is different from the original, I believe this was the right choice for Ryuu's voice. compare if you like 

Sawada Kenji's version

Manaki-sama Happy Bday

since Manaki-sama's Birthday is today, I cannot possibly keep silent. only yesterday my friend told me - 'Adele released an album called '21'. I am of the same age - and what?' - and I answered 'Manaki-sama is probably of the same age, too. must be around it. and she became a Top Musumeyaku. I will be 21 also, very soon. and again - what?'

even if Manaki-sama was no Top, she would still be cute and nice girl, and the more I see her the more I love her. see 2012 Revue vid if you like

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/CFtyyGxvaPo/

personally I only became firm in my opinion on Chapi. overly cute - and overly shy. have more confidence, my dear! 

p. s. shall I write an encouraging letter to her? hmmm...

translation! ~ French and Moon RomiJuri cast members share their experinces

in the end, there is no better stimulus to start studying after all! than seeing the possibilities slip out of your hands - well, for an INTj, at the very least, with his strong Black Intuition

this is why I can't help translating at least one poor short article I was going to translate in the beginning of June, if I am not mistaken

so, the original article

The director and composer of French guest performance 'Romeo&Juliet' Mr Gerard Presgurvic  and the main cast members met at the rehearsal of Moon Troupe 'Romio to Jurietto'

On May 23rd Mr Gerard Presgurvic, the director and composer of 'Romeo and Juliet' musical, and the main cast members of the French guest performance visited the training room of Moon Troupe 'Romio to Jurietto'.

The meeting started with Moon Troupe actresses performing the scene 'Masquerade' from the first act (scene 7).

Mr Niccolai Cyril

'I heard from Gerard that Takarazuka is great, so I was looking forward to this. When I saw it myself, I realized it was really great, and it was a surprising discovery.'

Ms Esther Joy

'I was deeply moved and I liked it a lot. All the artists are really great at singing and dancing, and the performance was really beautiful. I am glad I was able to see this.'

Ryuu Masaki

'I performed with the feeling that I want to love this performance more, I want to deepen my role more. Though I was nervous from the beginning, after I saw the warm expression of everyone's eyes I was able to relax, and I think I was able to perform at my limits today. I want to do my best while rehearsing from now on without forgetting what I learned today.'

Manaki Reika

'I couldn't help feeling nervous, but I was excited with that I was able to perform in front of everyone. There are still a lot of things I am inexperienced in, but I realized once again how extremely glad I am to perform in the 'Romeo and Juliet' musical.'

_____

remarks

•  yes, this is the end of the article. short, huh? meseems, I have to search for a more comprehensive report somewhere else... the official website seems lazy, doesn't it?
• Manaki-sama really speaks in riddles.  Literally she said that she was 'moved to show to everyone'. Show what? Everyone of the Moon Troupe or the guests? And why 'moved'? Strange choice of words. In my mind, she is most inexperienced in expressing her thoughts, not acting/dancing/singing/whatever ^^` Sorry, dear Manaki-sama, but you ought to have more confidence and not let the circumstances pressure affect you. Otherwise how am I supposed to translate what you say?
• Unlike her, Ryuu-sama always knows what to say. She knows it so good that if not for her slang-ish language, I would think that she speaks 'canned speeches'. Of course, Top position is restricting, but please, be yourself more...

translation. an article centered on Ryuu-sama in light of coming RomiJuri

my personal recommendation - if you have/want to do something requiring a considerable amount of efforts and energy so that it makes you too lazy and too cunning, I mean, you busy yourself with anything but THAT, there is one option how to make yourself finally finish THAT. you should put yourself into circumstances when you have nothing else to occupy yourself with, but to do THAT
in my case 'twas visiting my Grandparents in small urban village where even talking on the phone is expensive - as 'tis another subject of the federation, to say nothing of web-surfing. so I hoped I would translate and translate and translate - all the free time which was in abundance, because the free time was when I was not eating/sleeping/gathering berries in our 'dacha'
my hopes were in vain. the bunch of articles I took with me still lies untouched. I only managed to translate two articles and started the 3rd one. well partially responsible for that are my Granddad and Granny who took away the table from the living room, so that I had nothing to write upon except for the kitchen table which was not available any time of the day. however, I myself was not too eager, as well. this time I felt again how much satisfaction I feel when finishing one more article, and I vowed again that I would not waste any more time when I come home. I have been giving promises like this to myself dozens of times, you know. will I keep it now?

original article

New moon troupe Top Star Ryuu Masaki - an exceptional first performance of the new top with switching roles
The new Top Star of Moon Troupe, Ryuu Masaki, is to perform in the musical 'Romeo and Juliet'. This will be an exceptional start, as the main role of Romeo and the villain role of Tybalt will be switching roles for Ryuu and the demi-Top Star Asumi Rio. We asked Ryuu about her feelings before the first performance which is to take place in the Grand Theatre on June 22nd.

Ryuu was born in Higashiosaka and debuted in 2001. She moved smoothly through these years and after the previous Top, Kiriya Hiromu, retired, she was promoted. She is the first actress enrolled in the XXI century to become a top. 'I am genuinely glad. I am a leading male role player in the Moon Troupe I was born and grew up in, so I am emotionally supported by all my comrades. This is the best thing.' - she says.
a paragraph with trivia omitted
Attractive two roles
'I think two roles is an attractive thing. With every day I realize how interesting it is.' - Ryuu says. 'In this performance, you know, the feeling you have after watching it and the feeling you have when you are actually playing in it are different. I thought Romeo is, like, a beautiful dreamer, but I cannot be satisfied only with that. He is stubborn with his own ways, and he is somewhat of a naughty and capricious child with a bit of a wilderness. It will be interesting to see how he changes after he meets Juliet. Unlike him, Tybalt is a role of a hard and violent lover. He is a character I would hardly play as a Top, so there is a feedback. Our characteristics with Asumi are originally different. We both feel the same love in the place of our characters and thus create our roles.' - she explained vigorously.
Considering her partner Manaki Reika she shared her impression - 'Chapi (Manaki's pet name) is cute like a puppy. She is of the youngest underclassmen (enrolled in 2009), so I feel I should bring her up and look after her. I want to see how a puppy grows into a lady, into a woman. A Combi is when two become one, so I want us to be all lovey-dovey.'
Self-awareness as a Top is gradual
About realizing her position as a Top Ryuu said - 'As my words are being listened to attentively, I can feel the self-awareness of my position gradually coming, but I have not realized it fully.' Considering her hopes about leading the new Moon Troupe she said - 'I want  become someone like a team-leader, not someone who sits on a high throne. To the merits of performances in a group with solidarity which existed in the times of ms Kiriya, I want to add the variety of everybody's individualities, and run together with everyone. I want to create a troupe which shows with all it's surface how youthful, energetic and powerful it is.'
Ryuu, having a strong concern about growing, having a strong motivation to perform on the stage since her underclassman times. What kind of passionate Romeo will she show us, will she make Tybalt a big role, these are the things to look forward to.

_____

remarks

1. what did she mean by 手答え? I wonder. I tried many dictionaries including Jap-Rus, Jap-Eng and Jap-Jap ones, but all I get is 'reaction', 'result', 'response', 'resistance' or 'feedback'. in the end, I simply put the words without proper understanding of what I have translated...
2. actually I didn't know the word 愛称 (aishou), but I guessed it should mean something like 'nickname' or 'affectionate diminutive'. the Russian translation is also close to what the kanji actually mean - 'love' and 'call/name'. however I checked the jisho.org dictionary and saw another variant - 'pet name'. one could not wish for a more suitable place to use this phrase - the very sentence where Manaki-sama is compared to a puppy
3. Ryuu-sama always gave a feeling of an outwardly restrained person to me. I remember her in the Tokyo Eye issue about Takarazuka where she showed an example of the Takarazuka perfection - polite, smiling but discreet, elegant in her looks and her manner of speaking, multiplied by her low calm velvet-like voice. however, the more I see programmes with her and read her interviews etc., the more I understand she's not the 'cool' type. her 'Romio tte utsukushii doriima tte kanji ga shita keredo' instead of 'Romio to iu yaku wa utsukushii doriima no you na kanji ga shimashita ga' or something like this, her 'yancha' and constant ending her sentences with 'ne', these words were actually the biggest gift that I got from this article
4. and her attitude towards Manaki-sama... the difference between their age is considerable, and the difference in experience is even more scaring, but it seems, their relationship is establishing in a good way. I hope they won't be too 'rabu-rabu', and I hope their types will not be that of the 'elder brother' and 'younger sister'. if they really become one like Ryuu-sama said, this will be the best thing I could ever wish for, considering my Moon Troupe

translation! an article about RomiJuri in Japan

original article - by some 'veteran journalist' of Sankei News ^.^

For some reason, there is a 'Romeo and Juliet' boom. Following the Takarazuka version, the original French version is to be performed in Japan for the first time.
On June 22nd the Moon Troupe 'Romeo and Juliet' is to begin in Takarazuka Grand Theatre. The Takarazuka version of the world-wide hit created in France was first performed in Japan in 2010 by Star Troupe. Then it was performed last year by Snow Troupe, and will be revived by Moon Troupe this time. Apart from Takarazuka, I also read about the original Japanese version with mixed cast. Finally, the original French version is to be performed in Tokyo and Osaka this autumn, for the first time in Japan. In light of this, the composer and lyricist Gerard Presgurvic and the main cast came to Japan. With the Moon Troupe Top Combi, Ryuu Masaki and Manaki Reika, also participating, a PR event was held.
The famous work about tragic love that shines even nowadays
a paragraph with trivia omitted
In Japan the performances also follow one another
Two years ago the version directed by Koike Shuuichirou was a big hit, and the original French version is to be performed in Japan for the first time. Together with Presgurvic himself, four cast members also came to Japan to participate in a PR event titled 'Romeo and Juliet ~ children of Verona' - Niccolai Cyril who plays Romeo, Esther Joy who plays Juliet, Neville Stephan who plays Benvolio and Eyzen John who plays Mercutio. As special guests, Shirota Yuu from the original Japanese cast attended the event in Tokyo, and the Top Combi of Takarazuka Revue Moon Troupe consisting of Ryuu and Manaki - in Osaka.
In his address Presgurvic said - 'The reason why this musical became a big hit is that the story itself is simple and brilliant. Taking it as a basis I created a performance to make the audience think to themselves whether they could die for the sake of love. I would be happy if the French version would be loved the same as the Japanese one.' As far as I know, he visits Japan for the fourth time and during his previous visit in March last year he faced the great earthquake catastrophe. 'It was my first experience of that kind, and I was very frightened, but at the sane time I could feel keenly that the Japanese are very diligent and hard-working people. I pray for them.'
Nicolai was playing Benvolio during the Asia tour, and playing Romeo in Japan will be the first time for him. 'I am looking forward to seeing what kind of Romeo I will become. In this performance singing is crucial, and I am able to play my character with proper, perfect singing' - he shows his confidence. Esther was selected to play Juliet during the Asia tour and she has played Juliet in Paris 40 times. She expressed her happiness - 'It was Niccolai who told me about the audition for this performance. That's why I am very glad to form a combi with him.' Eyzen also has a rich experience of playing Mercutio - 'I enjoy playing madness', but Neville will play Benvolio in Japan for the first time - 'I think he is a person who lives his life to the fullest', after saying some greetings with a smattering of Japanese they shared their impressions.
Ryuu, who saw the powerful performance of the French cast, said  - 'I was deeply moved. Now I want to play Romeo cherishing his dreamer part, but integrating into it an element of his energetic rushing guided by his instinct.' Manaki vowed vigorously - 'When I heard everyone's singing I felt the emotions conveyed with the music. I will do my best, too.'
For some reason, there is a 'Romeo and Juliet' boom now in Japan. The straight play with Satou Ken and Ishihara Satomi has just finished in Tokyo and Osaka. The Takarazuka Moon Troupe performance will last till the 23rd of July in Takarazuka Grand Theatre and then will take place in Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre from the 10th of August till the 9th of September. The French version will be shown in Tokyo in TOKYU THEATRE Orb from the 10th till the 21st of October and then in Osaka in Umeda Arts Theatre Main Hall from the 26th of October till the 4th of November. The boom still seems to be burning for quite a while.

translation! ~ RomiJuri first performance

things to be aware of

• spoilers in the article! if there are people who have never read the book, or watched any movie or musical based on it, this article will ruin everything for you. I actually doubt there are such people, though
• information! or, better to say, lack of it. most info is either already provided in other articles (including those I translated), or presents common knowledge, though there are a few words about the show
• pictures. unfortunately, not many of them this time. I will search for more for sure, but that will be later

the original article

The curtain has raised for the first musical of the New Moon Troupe of Takarazuka Revue - 'Romeo and Juliette'

On the 22nd of June, the curtain has raised for the first musical of the New Moon Troupe of Takarazuka Revue - 'Romeo and Juliette'. This performance marks the new system of Moon Troupe - Ryuu Masaki as Top Star, Manaki Reika as Top Female Role Player and Asumi Rio as Demi-Top Star.

The musical is based on the original work of Shakespeare - a famous love story, and it involves music with a rock taste, modern clothes and installation, the music, lyrics and direction having been created in France by Gerard Presgurvic. The musical, which was first performed in France in 2001, was then performed in almost every country of the world and gained an audience of more than 5 000 000 people. In Japan it was prettified and directed by hit-maker Koike Shuuichirou in Takarazuka, and first performed by selected members of Star Troupe. The next year, 2011, the Grand Theatre version was performed by Snow Troupe, and the Moon Troupe version will become the third one.

This time one of the points about the performance is that Romeo, the leading role, and Tybald, the villain role, will be switching roles for Ryuu and Asumi. On the opening day Ryuu is playing Romeo, while Asumi is Tybald. The new potential is shown by two Superior Members - Ema Naoki and Miho Keiko - and Miya Rurika who has just transferred from Star Troupe.

The peculiarity of the Takarazuka version is that in addition to the symbol of the musical - 'Dancer of Death' (Tamaki Ryou) - a role of 'Dancer of Love' was established (Akizuki Saya). These two proclaim the beginning of a story of love and death.

The story tells us about two noble families in Verona, Italy - Montague and Capulet. They have been nurturing hatred towards each other for centuries, so that even the youth is involved. Meanwhile, the heir of the Montague family, Romeo (Ryuu), and the daughter of the Capulet family, Juliette (Manaki), meet at a masquerade and fall in love at first sight. The two, whose first love develops swiftly, open their hearts to Father Florence (Ema), and with the help of Juliette's nurse (Miho) hold a secret marriage ceremony. 

Juliette's elder cousin, Tybald (Asumi), has been attracted to Juliette for a long time, but Lord Capulet (Koshino Ryuu) is going to accept the marriage proposal of the richest person in Verona - Count Paris (Shimon Yuriya). At the same time, the rumours about the marriage ceremony of Romeo and Juliette start to spread, and Tybald encounters Romeo's best friends, Mercutio (Miya) and Benvolio (Seijou Kaito), and others in the city, this leading to an explosive situation. Romeo interferes to stop them, but Mercutio is stabbed by Tybald, and Romeo kills Tybald in a frenzy. 

Romeo is banished forever from Verona, and after spending a night with Juliette, he leaves for Mantua when the dawn breaks. Juliette, who is coerced to marry Count Paris, prays Father Florence to help her, and obtains a medicine that would make her sleep so that she would look as if dead. It was planned that she would escape from the city with Romeo when she wakes up, but the plan fails. Romeo, who hears of Juliette's death, meets with her in the burial chamber, and drinks the poison, and when Juliette wakes up, she sees Romeo lying dead, and stabs herself in the chest. The two, who reached their love at the cost of their lives, thus made the two families come to a reconciliation, and together with the Dancers of Death and Love they swear an eternal love in Heaven...

The finale is created with audaciously arranged numbers, such as the theme songs 'Kings of the World' and 'Aimer'. After rockette dance in tutus designed with a heart on the breast, in the male role players dance the dandy figure of Ryuu on the Grand Staircase appears together with a lady, proceeding to the debut Top Combi dance, and then to Parade, where Ryuu descends the Grand Staircase wearing huge feathers which mark the Top Star.

The performance will continue till July, 23rd, in Takarazuka Grand Theatre, and take place in Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre from August, 8th, to September, 9th.

_____
remarks

1. anybody can tell me where are Chapi's legs on the second photo (obviously Top Combi dance)? 
2. anybody can tell Zuka to be less greedy? I can't! such small photos... >____<
3. anybody can tell me what for the plot and trivial facts are put in the article? moreover, I noticed this too late. and after I have translated everything (which took me quite a while) I can only ask myself... WHAT FOR? 90% of the info absolutely irrelevant. this is why I put a warning on the top of the post
4. anybody can tell me if 'tis wrong to name Juliet - 'Juliette'? I cannot help writing like this... I mean, in French she IS 'Juliette', and in Russian she is 'Julyetta' - even writing Capulet cost me a lot of efforts (instead of 'Capuletti'), but while I coped with the family name, writing 'Juliet' is kind of impossible for me...
5. finally, my impression. at least, the Moon's version of RomiJuri is slightly different from the previous ones, and I am a bit relieved. this is not a 100% copy of Snow and Star, and that's good

my little thoughts on the new Moon Troupe

this is kind of a challenge for me - to accept the new Moon Troupe. I ought to

however I could think of it, the fact that I joined the Zuka world when Kiriya-sama was there is an accident, and probably, every change can seem unbearable at first. maybe, Sena-sama fans were not able to accept Kiriya-sama, too. well, maybe not, but at least, Moon Troupe changed drastically in 2010, didn't it? and it has always been like this. probably...

so, accepting the new Moon is a challenge - not a problem anymore, but a challenge I will gladly cope with. you know what? I can see already the new image of Moon which will sooner or later prevail over the gloomy repetitions that Moon is going to perform

I hope, it will prevail - the shiny Moon that we see on the last photo from the RomiJuri article. I see a great mobility there, I see a combination of classic and modern, but there the energy of Moon remains the same - the gold, the yellow and orange

Let the Flower be delicate, let the Star be sophisticated, let the Snow be affected and Cosmos - original. Let Moon preserve its warmness

the only strange felling I have is that... though obviously I was attracted to Takarazuka due to the fact that women there play male characters (not only by this fact, but 'twas the MAIN point. I doubt there are people who were attracted for purely another reason), now that I think of Moon, I see Manaki-sama first

I mean, of course I love Masao and Mirio, I did and I will, but Reika-chan seems to be an essence of the current Moon. she is the one who will shine brightly and represent the Moon in my eyes. she is the one I feel the closest to - even Ryuu-sama and Asumi-sama seem farther - just a bit

my only prayer is - Manaki-sama, please, become a strong Top. no, become THE strong Top Musumeyaku that Moon is famous for, like spectators of 'Scarlet Pimpernel' said about Aono-sama, which Kiriya-sama mentioned. become a strong Top Musumeyaku that kouhai can rely on and sempai can be proud of. please create a wonderful Triple Combi with Ryuu-sama and Asumi-sama

BTW... will the Top Combi dance be performed with Asumi-sama or Ryuu-sama on the days when Romeo is played by Asumi-sama? I wonder... o___O

RomiJuri opening night! ~ oops, not night but day, ok

considering Moon Troupe

so, what should I say? congrats...

though I am not very happy with the current state of affairs in Moon Troupe, I have been thinking much about it, about Zuka in general - and the only possible conclusion is... I shall support Moon Troupe from now on, no matter what they do

in the end, I cannot switch my attention to another troupe and start loving it. 'tis too late! the others will forever stay a subject of respect and average interest for me, while Moon Troupe is forever mine. yep

considering RomiJuri

they already made some goods - and I can see crowds of fans who invaded Quatre Reves today, after the first performance ended only several hours ago

RomiJuri goods ^.^

considering Ryuu-sama

her personal design concept is also ready, though the video address is still missing. I wonder why they made such a choice of the theme... o___O

http://tca-pictures.com/quatre/star/moon/

translation of the explanation:

The design is based on favourite key words - 'castle', 'Milky Way', 'smiley', 'charm'.

Also, different kinds of plaid were applied to the items (remark - you see, they took Ryuu-sama's image from 'Edward VIII - Misty Station'!)

Essence that shines bright like Takarazuka itself was inlayed in the design so that it opens a view of a fantastic world.

'Castle'

The main motif is a big 'castle' (this word is constantly written in English). To the 'castle' created with an antique touch, a balloon was added, which seems an unbalanced thing at first sight, but adds a cute accent (can somebody tell me why SO MANY loan words in katakana were used in the explanation??? was this done on purpose? I wonder...).

'Plaid'

It is a grid pattern which differs depending on the item. The propinquity with the motif is born, and thus the attention is paid to a modern and stylish design.

_____

can someone tell me WHERE is this item stylish and modern??? this is a bag charm from the Ryuu-sama line, BTW

 

 another thing I cannot understand is this ↓

 'tis a pendant. and there is a bracelet with the same smiley. ok, smileys are good... but this is not for a Top Star design, and of course not for a Moon Top Star! ohhh how I hate this...

considering Moon Troupe again

you know what? I finally understand... they are trying to break the stereotypical images of Ryuu-sama and Asumi-sama. Ryuu is used to playing villains - as nibante, and Mirio has always been named a 'cute animal', which is once more proved by the Moon voting 'if we speak of a *, it is...' where she won the nomination 'if we speak of a pet'. This is exactly why they made Masao play in 2 musicals with tragic developments and a very fragile gentle image, the Top Star goods design was made overly cute, and Mirio was given a Dinner Show where her image was absolutely Z-Boy-ish cool and a bit brutal. however, the traditional images of them cannot be broken completely, therefore Mirio was given Romeo role, and Masao was given Tybald role. this is what I think now, and this is the reason of my frustration

some thoughts about musumeyaku-san and Moon Troupe

Maihane-san announced her retirement. finally what a pity

now that I recall talking with my friend, who knows about Zuka only from what I've told her, she liked Snow the best, judging by their looks. somehow I am frustrated... I mean, even if she started watching Zuka performances, she would prefer Snow, at least in the beginning. and so, we would have nothing to discuss because I do not know even a single bit of information about Snow... >___< 'tis not as if I regretted this fact, but... I feel annoyed. just thinking that she was hesitating between Snow and Star, and praised Cosmos makes me think what a HUGE difference there would be if only...

well, on the other hand - those were only photos. actual performances are different

well, not for me. while I agreed that Aono-sama looked a bit cold and 'too perfect' - therefore, a little faraway and unreal, I liked her from the very beginning and I hoped that she would crush that impression of hers on the photos. and she DID. and how glad I was..... *____*

well, enough of that. my initial purpose of writing this post was to think of Manaki-sama

if we asked her about her roles we would certainly hear that she is grateful to perform in any play and take any role. she is too young to say anything different. well, I can understand that Juliette is a classical heroine and RomiJuri is a modern and bright musical, or something like this could came to mind of Manaki-sama and make her eager to play in RomiJuri. I wonder if she has the same interest in 'Too short a time'? 

I was against this performance from the very moment 'twas announced, but that 'against' was based purely on the fact that Star had already performed the play 2 times, and my impression of Yuzuki-sama and Ryuu-sama. this time I thought of the other characters. making a tragic hero of Ryuu-sama is understandable (though I hate it), but making a tragic heroine out of this cute tiny shiny baby who radiates Moon energy around her is unforgivable

and in the end I come to a very sad conclusion. I do not want to come to Japan and watch either RomiJuri, or 'Too short a time'. moreover, seeing Mirio paired with another girl but Manaki would also make me feel awkward (just like I feel when I see Kiriya-sama with other musumeyaku-san) - in other words, I am not willing to watch 'Spring Snow' Bow. and moreover, skipping classes of my last year in the university when they have just started in October is not a good idea. what is left there, then? watching another Troupe

stop. searching for a BAITO. earning money. saying goodbye to buying shoes I wanted so much. organizing a trip to Japan, and this time - taking my friends with me, which is a thing I dreamt of, but which means additional burden of scheduling, searching for a hotel, buying tickets, etc. - all this for watching another Troupe??? nonsense

meseems, some more reasoning like this - and I am not going anywhere. but then, what about my discs??? buying them with the help of internet? and paying additional 4000 roubles for delivery? nonsense

sh*t

link. Takarazuka Oldies Takarazuka Natsumero Song

http://www.tca-pictures.net/shop/press/111026_oldies.html

W$%*)Q!)*#$!!!

that was an attempt to express how I want  this CD... and the fact that I ignored it completely when I went to Quatre Reves in April

Manaki-sama participating with 'mamotte agetai', which I heard in Onitsuka Chihiro's version but which turned out to be a song by my dear Matsutoya Yumi-san. and Reika-chan will sing it in three voices. and that is just *_____*

and of course Ryuu-sama Ryou-san will be great, though I do not know the songs they are to sing... still, the original versions sound great!

and Yamaguchi Momoe-san's 'playback' will be covered by Konohana Inori. WOW, musumeyaku singing such a song!

Off Course's 'ai o tomenaide' will be covered by Ayashiro Rea. I do not like this song very much, but 'tis a nice choice for Zuka cover album

just.... just... @)W*%#)*% again

well. stop this flood of signs. I want this CD. ok. it costs 3300 yen in usual edition and 5000 yen with DVD. ok. and I also want a lot of discs with Kiriya-sama. ok. so....... wait. WHAT AM I DOING???

I SHOULD BE TRANSLATING NOW TO HAVE AT LEAST MONEY TO BUY THEM!!! instead I am pitying myself again. stupid me!

Translation. an article about Moon RomiJuri 2012 ~ Yes, again!

the original article

On April 26th there was held a presentation of the upcoming performance 'Romeo and Juliette' which is to start in June in the Grand Theatre. It will become the first performance for Ryuu Masaki as the new Top Star after she succeeded Kiriya Hiromu, who graduated last week. Others who participated in the presentation are the new Top Female Role Player Manaki Reika and Demi Top Star Asumi Rio, and director Koike Shuuichirou.
The work chosen as the first performance is a musical based on the classic masterpiece of Shakespeare, which was first staged in 2001 in France, and became a big hit which can boast an audience of 5 million people all over the world. In Japan, the musical was first performed by Takarazuka Snow Troupe in 2010 and repeated by Star Troupe last year, and beyond Takarazuka there exist versions with Shirota Yuu and Yamazaki Ikusaburou. Koike Shuuichirou, who takes care of the performance, said - 'Right in the middle of the Snow Troupe performance there happened the earthquake catastrophe. The second part of the performance was cancelled, and when it was revived several days after, though some customers could not come because of transport circumstances, there still were a lot of customers who came. I was thinking then if it was right to perform a masterpiece about that romantic sweet love in such time, but there were people who said that quite opposite, exactly because of watching that performance they were able to face the next day, therefore I myself recognized the strength of Takarazuka, and once more recognized the value of existence. I think, it would be good if this performance could bring peace to the hearts of many people and power which would let them feel that what is called love.'
Another topic was the switching of roles of Romeo and Tybalt played by Ryuu and Asumi, who oppose each other tearing Juliette between them. Switching the main role in the first performance of a new Top is an uncommon form, but concerning this fact, director Kobayashi explained his objective - 'After Ryuu became the Top of Moon Troupe, it has become a very young troupe. And in a fresh troupe a lot of possibilities come out. Both Asumi and Manaki, and Ryuu herself, they are growing children, and I thought of polishing the skills of the whole Moon Troupe, so making the leading part a switching role seemed a good measure to me.'
Ryuu Masaki who is to become the new Top Star with this performance made her debut in 2001. On the twelfth year of her Takarazuka activity she took up the position of Top, thus becoming the youngest Top in the five troupes. Her greeting was very clear - 'United with the members of Moon Troupe I want to create an enjoyable performance, so I would like to ask you for your support.' Considering the switching roles she expressed her enthusiasm - 'As a stage performer I am blessed to be able to experience different things. I want to sincerely face it and put all my might into acting.' Manaki and Asumi also shared their respective views  - 'I am full of happiness because I have been granted with the role of Julette in such a masterpiece as 'Romeo and Juliette,' 'I was a fan of the 'Romeo and Juliette' story, so I can realize that I am a happy person to be connected with it by playing two roles in the performance. I will do my best reserving both my stamina and guts.'