Takarazuka monthly wallpapers ~ damned exams and graduation thesis, I have missed April and May wallpapers

well, here they are, the wallpapers for April and May. for some reason I like them a lot haha =)

though I still wonder if I really have to do this every month, since I have already posted the way to get them without a password...

April

and May

Takarazuka monthly calendars. February 2013

why am I doing this? for what? 'thas become a habit bringing no longer any joy and bearing no meaning. so boring. why am I doing this...

2013 BeruBara ~ you're kiddin'

you're fuckin' kiddin' me

MasaMiri as Oscar and Andre??? switching roles again??? with Ranju-sama and Sou-san in special Moon performances??? Ryuu-sama, Ouki-sama and Yuzuki-sama in special performance of Snow???

WHAT'S WITH THAT CONSTANT MESS???

oh, you can do whatever perverted things with other troupes, I don't really care, but I CAN speak for Moon, and Moon should be left in peace to do their job. LOOK CLOSELY, WHAT RYUU-SAMA IS AND WHAT OSCAR IS

my head is going to explode

congratulations to future Ouki-sama and Misaki-sama

is it a new fashion that the Top Musumeyaku-san should be wet behind the ears? moreover, a transfered girl from Flower. does Cosmos lack attractive and capable ladies? no, does it lack just everybody? o.O

Takashiro-sama was from Snow, Shijou-sama was from Moon, Yamato-sama was from Moon, Hizuki-sama was from Star, Oozora-sama is from Moon-Flower, Nono-sama is from Flower, Ouki-san is from Snow-Star, no need to say the first Tops were from other troupes - of course, where else they could come from to a newly born collective

however, Cosmos exists for a long time, long enough to bring up a new generation, or even two (almost 1,5 decades, eh?), but still we have all the Tops transferred. somehow this seems strange to me

well, apart from that I neither know nor care about Misaki-san. hope she would make a good Top for Cosmo, especially taking into account that the debut performance seems to be a very unusual one

my humble opinion on 'Anna Karenina' by Snow Troupe (2001)

this time I deliberately chose a play 'I have nothing to do with'. I mean, there were no siennas I knew well (except for Ouki-san who played a minor role so that I did not see her very much), and the plot did not appeal to me at all

the plot

I do not like Tolstoy and I am not for a minute ashamed I have never read the book itself. the main plot seems to be the type I dislike - something is happening and a lot of things are happening but there is no general line and no comprehensive conclusion, which makes me think in the end if there was any sense in the plot itself. on the other hand, 'tis not the slice of life one can enjoy slowly by admiring every single moment of what one sees. in such cases there is only one thing for me to do...

the story of the main characters did not move me at all, as I could never understand where the love came from and how it happened, and when the characters only keep repeating that they felt some unknown force or that the feeling was so strange they could not understand themselves themselves (how do I put it clearly? when a person cannot understand his own self, that is what I was trying to say...) - I cannot help disbelieving them. the same disbelief followed me through the developments, considering all the further milestones which only made me like 'eh?' and nothing else. nobody could actually decide what he feels, and I could not see where those feeling came from. confessions, quarrels, refusals and making up, deliberate partings and meetings... all in a mess, and I wonder if a mess should impress me that much? what made my impression even more bitter was the fact my lovely Aono-sama portrayed the same woman... my heart was only crying 'nooooo' all the time...

in such a case when the main story presents no interest for me, all that is left for me is to find a 'supporting' character, a minor one who seems to be interesting/attractive/touching/... and follow his story, sympathizing with him and worrying for him every time he is on stage, literally or figuratively

characters and playing

this time 'twas Levin-san. both the character himself and Tatsuki-san were very touching and cute, though I may suppose 'twas Tatsuki-san who made him THAT cute...

BTW, what made me ROFL was the moment when Levin was told by the ladies at the ball that he was sexy. yes, 'twas the way I said and I am not mistaken ^.^

the problem is, loan words in Japanese are apt to go far from their origin, and those ladies using the 'sekushii' word were not impolite, and it did not sound unacceptable in Japanese, but if the word is a loan word, what other translation can be given for it in a dictionary, except for the original one? of couse, if you check Jap-Eng dictionary, it will tell you those ladies told Levin he was sexy, and the moment you imagine the real ball in the real Russia of the 19th century and noble ladies telling a noble young aristo that he is sexy........ you ROFL, do you not?

surprisingly, Asami-san was not for a moment as great as I expected her to be. well, I am not telling all the truth by saying I expected her to be only great. there was something in her image that made me think she might turn out to be the type I do not like, but I hoped - yes, 'tis the proper word, I believe - hoped that she would still be great. and what a disappointment, she was not

of course, 'tis my humble opinion that she was not, as she might be quite enough for someone, but I prefer when an actor/ress can show everything that he/she feels with all the means he/she has. and Asami-san was only doing it with her voice, but nothing was written on her face, nothing was ever exposed by her gestures or movements, to say nothing of look

perhaps, I am even wrong in saying about her voice. no, she was not doing anything special, she was simply singing as usual, and it turned out that her singing ability is great, but I could not see she put her feelings into singing. it sounded as if her voice was separate from herself, judging by the way she looked while singing. and that made me feel awkward... and that is not good >___<

there were, though, some interesting moments which literally opened a new way to enjoy Zuka performances for me. the dance which was to create an impression that the guys were riding horses was a real creation of a genius, so beautifully the obstacles jumping and high speed riding were intertwined with usual dancing movements. another interesting invention was the following scene where Karenin is singing about his wife and all the other characters are moving as if they were shown in a slow speed motion, but then both the speed of movements goes faster and the music tempo also increases. that was a marvellous trick which was marvellously performed

we are possibly used to seeing the Top Musumeyaku cry in the end for her lost love/killed husband/... but here is another case - we have, well, not the Top Star literally, but the main otokoyaku crying. that was unusual for me... though I cannot say 'twas a successful attempt...

what was also unsuccessful is the duet of Asami-san and Konno-san. while playing was so-so, their dancing together never looked like a pair dancing, they were always so separate, so obviously trying to escape each other... o_O well, that is not their fault, is it? of course, actors/resses should play together with whoever they are told to, but it might be that those two were not meant to be a combi, eh?

as for the future Yuki Top, Otozuki-san was not very impressing, though she did her job and that might be ok... well, that should be... and of course, seeing her this much (I mean, in such a minor role) is not enough to spot her outstanding qualities that led her to the top...

music

another dance which impressed me was the pair dance of Anna and Vronsky when in Italy, but the reason was not the way of dancing, but a rare arrangement of the melody which was done for harp as a leading instrument. this half-silent half-present piece was an outstanding one, really

however, this calmness and slowness of the music irritated me, coupled with the dark mood and plain repeated parts

the ending

was of course done in the Zukish way, or in a Japanese way, I daresay. though a tragedy, the last words that were emphasized were Anna's thoughts from the diary about how wonderful 'tis to love, etc etc. of course, the common sense and general morale is also present in the last words of the other characters, and we have a typical 'wiseman' - wisewoman, to be precise, who tells us that we must live on and that the ball will start this evening again, implying that the circle of life is unstoppable

well, those kinds of consolating words before closing the curtain never impressed me much, and this time I only said my sceptical 'fie'. no use to try to make me put up with such a story by ending it with some high-flown talk

in general

'tis a great performance, with every element present necessary in a performance to make it great. and I did not like it at all. well, I am in no way regretful about the last 2 hours, but watching performances like this never make me any happier, never inspire me or give me any energy to move in my own life. and you might have noticed that I cannot enjoy something that has no such effect. however, being objective as I am, I should admit this performance is destined for theatre lovers, who care for another things than I do

my humble opinion: ’Love Potion -an aphrodisiac of love- II’ by Star Troupe (2011)

of course 'tis great! 'twas a show by Moon Troupe (I would kill for the Moon version with my beloved Suzukaze-sama as nibante >______<)

apart from jokes, the show is really nice. as for now, my theory about the musical-revue correlation proves to be quite true. let me repeat my humble opinion: the worse the musical, the better the revue. vice versa, the greatest of the musicals do not have any revues at all, as the revue is turned into a small ending, not a separate piece of art. well, there are cases of perfect perfection, of course, when both the musical and the revue are great.

considering this particular revue, what I would like to note is

the music

the 'ru puazon' theme is very impressive and seemeth to be quite as we would like the main theme to be, eh?

meanwhile, Star goeth on covering famous themes. well, they alll do this, but the ones I have heard up until now were the jazzy melodies, but what we see in Star performances doth not stop to surprise me

let me say a couple of words about the covers in this revue. and about dancing ^.^

considering the 'Tristan and Isolda' scene, if I am not mistaken (and I am quite sure I am not) Nene-chan sings a kind of a 'cover' on the famous Intermezzo  from 'Cavalleria Rusticana' by  Mascagni. 'tis a melody I would recognize whenever and wherever, though I am ashamed I heard it in 'Rurouni Kenshin' for the first time... but I've seen the opera as well!

the second remark on this particular song - I believe it to be one of the most successful of Nene-chan so far.

and the dance of the two I believe to be one of tha brightest and cutest ever. that is why I feel this bright and cute couple should not take any overly tragic scenarios. these feeling of lightness and smiling suit them much better.

the cover by Ouki-san is also quite nice, but I am a little at a loss that the original vid on the song actually had a humanitarian trend in it... well, the song I dare to speak of is 'Another Day in Paradise' by Phil Collins. however, most of you probably heard only the sampled part of it in the Supafly's 'Movin' Too Fast'
BTW, Ouki-san seemeth to have the best candies there... I mean, she maketh the most curious covers, doth she not?

the next dance makes me wonder if 'tis not a cover again, but this time I can say nothing concrete about the song. on the other hand I can say about the dance... meseems, 'tis the first time I see such a dance by Yuzuki-sama and Nene-chan combi. and 'tis quite interesting to see the new image of them. and 'tis very nice to see once again what a wonderful couple they are ^.^

as fas as I understand, the scene with Spanish guys (yeah, there is some deep meaning, of course... but I do not get it by simply watching the scene, so let them be just Spanish guys...) is the beginning of new part which distinguishes the Love Potion II from the first edition. unfortunately, we cannot even judge what is the contents, as the vocal was cut >___< can anybody explain me the reason? Zuka was short of money and they bought the copyright of the song only for the live performance without the right to put it on the DVD? I wonder, if such a case is possible... if not, then what? ^^`

conclusion

I sincerely regret about Ouki-san being transferred... is it the case when nibante was moving too fast and thus had to transfer to the Troupe with the one of the nearest possible Top Star retiring? well, I still regret about the collapse of the wonderful Yuzuki-sama-Ouki-san duo dances and trio ones with Nene-chan

Oozora-sama retiring

I only failed to check the Zuka news yesterday evening, and I again missed an important thing. Oozora-sama is leaving next summer.

on the other hand, I am not very disappointed with this fact, as I do not give a damn about Oozora-sama leaving. 

first, we were waiting for this quite long, were we not? second, I do not feel anything towards her, apart from respect.

still, I feel obliged to pay tribute to her, as a former member of Moon, as a sienna with a unusual voice, as a Top loved by many - except for me.

therefore, as soon as some articles appear, considering her press-conferece, I shall certainly try to provide a translation, if my honourable visitors forgive my bad English

as a concslusion, meseems, I should say some words describing me crying, or state something like 'she's great', but I would like to skip this time. let my conclusion be simple - best wishes to Oozora-sama.

_____

p. s. the only thing that maketh me just a little happier is that Yuzuki-sama is to visit Taiwan in April of 2013, which meaneth she cannot leave during the next year and a half.

p. p. s. erm...... sorry to make such a question now, when all Oozora-sama's fans are grieving... doth the retirement mean Ouki-san will eventually climb to the top??? I wish it is...

'Romeo and Juliette' by Star Troupe (2010) - my humble opinion

the story. not the type I like, actually
seemeth to be a kind of bantering the masterpiece by Shakespeare, which I actually never considered to be one, in terms of its plot.

however, we have things like... lady importuning her husband's nephew, who loves his cousin, who loves our hero, who is actually loved by many girls... am I right?

considering the plot, mehopes, my honourable guests will not throw tomatoes in me. I do not understand where is that great love everyone speaks of,  as the the love with the first sight had no time to be proved. but if we try to take it for granted...

and what is the moral of the scene of killing? 'children, do not play with matches'. that is, one should not take a dagger if he has no intention to kill. and even if he does, he better not. I have never been able to understand, why people make something without thinking of the consequences and then they cry as weep, as if they had no relation to what they had made. I daresay, they are the ones to blame, eh?

what's with the nanny? she is teaching the girl how to live, then she is helping her, and then she suddenly changes her mind... what is the meaning of all this?

what's with the attempt to justify the parents? why all that nice singing? those who do not care about their dearest people do not deserve any kind of explanation of their opinion in such a long aria.

and what's with the end? just the letter did not reach its destination. yes, I am aware, there are little things which change the whole destiny of a planet. however, this one does not touch me even a little bit

their biggest conclusion is that they should make up and live in peace. how much they needed to sacrifice to understand this.

my biggest conclusion is - that must have been difficult to lie portraying a dead couple while all those guys (I am sorry... girls) were singing and going round and round.

well, what improves the situation is the ending, which is always so great in Zuka's performances.

let me drop the plot analysis right here.

voices

the voice of Suzumi-san. oh, that is beautiful. I am not fond of such voices when they are immature and unguided, but the vibrating of hers is so cool. it is not the opera type, but the one which is done in a different way, mehopes, one day I can understand which way it is, actually...

unfortunately, I have forgotten all the examples I could make, considering this kind of vibrating, and the only voice which is a little similar in terms of vibrating is the one of Mizu-san.

the other voices. is it a coincidence that they seem of the same kind? meseems, they have gathered all the siennas who sing similarly in Star ^.^

Ouki-san. as usual. I wonder why they make such sad and beautiful songs for people destined to be losers? Chauvelin, for example... I mean, the songs are too full of emotions which should not be there... I feel they are odd, they are out of place. and the characters, apart from their songs, do not appeal to me to the extent that I would feel any sympathy towards them. pitying, as maximum...

the music
we know the songs already and I can even remember some words from the Russian version. the Japanese text was of course quite different - just try to translate some lyrics while preserving the rhythm of the song. I should admit the Russian version was far more canorous, and Zuka's one seems to sound more that of staccato, if I can apply the term here.

the rock-pop-disco-IDK WHAT arrangement of the background is also very cute.

by the way, some movement during the ball were obviously stolen from Lady Gaga LOL

and all this saveth the musical from an epic fail of being boring.

meseems, I would never watch this musical if it were not Zuka...

acting... not actually, acting, to be precise

Tsurumi Mayuu-san. gorgeous............. *____*

overwhole impression
well, I still believe Zuka should not perform the borrowed musicals. no Elizabeth, no Phantom, no such things. meaningless and... awkward? though they add as much beauty as they can, the musicals do not become completely Zuka's ones, so...

oh, better no such things.

my humble opinion and some thoughts in general: 'meet again' - 'Soul of Shiva' (2009) by Star Troupe

I was hoping to watch it for a while, since I watched the 'love scene ranking' and noticed the funny and at the same time funny moment from this performance.

_____

by the way, I never expressed my gratitude to the source of my everyday delight, so I feel a little ashamed. that is why I would like to thank all the contributors of the community and groups.

_____

let me proceed to the show itself.

voices

while the voice of Yuzuki-sama was already familiar to me (and I happen to like it), the voice of Nene singing was a thing covered in mystery.

the first impression was bad and I thought she is really a boring singer, but several minutes of listening to her have changed my mind. the situation seems to be quite the opposite and Nene-chan really has one of the most unique voices, I daresay. though she is obviously not destined to sing tender songs like an ethereal angel, it is not that we really asked her. the funny songs, as well as funny lines, are quite good, and meseems, she is good at being funny. however, the type of singing which will reveal her true nature, as I dare to suggest, is the traditional Japanese singing. I am already looking forward to watching a show based on a story about ancient Japan with her. too bad if she disappoints me then.

at the same time, her voice reminded me of that of Yuki-chan. actually, I believe their voiced to be of the same kind.

actually, I believe the Troupes to be quite alike. watching the revue 'soul of Shiva' made me think the abandoned hilarity of both performances was really similar to the one in the Moon shows. though, I cannot decide whether it is good or bad. well, as I can enjoy it now, I would prefer to count this as a good thing.

Ouki-san....... >____< never knew her voice would be that funny....... what's that, eh? I supposed her to be one of the 'brutal' kind, though different in the real life, but she is too cute, both as herself, and on the stage...... meseems, if only she becomes the Top of Cosmos, she would really save the Troupe for me... mehopes, not only for me, as it is obvious that Cosmos is boring, as for now. IMHO, as usual, as this opinion is based on almost nothing

well, a couple of words about the music

actually the story in 'saikai' is much more attractive than the music, as I did not like even a single song there, in terms of a song being a separate piece of art.

the revue was much better. the more I was smiling in respond to the cheerful singing and dancing in the beginning, the more shocking it was to see the scene of jealosy with such a touching singing.

the next song - sung by Ouki as far as I remember - seems quite familiar to me but unfortunately I have no idea what it could be, to say nothing of where and when I could have heard it. I should say it was really beautiful.

what came next was a real >________<

I knew they make covers on different songs in Zuka, from 'Puttin' on the Ritz' (which is quite expectable, as it suits the general style of a revue) up to Yuzu's song called ’虹’ (niji) - both of them are present in 'Dance Romanesque'.

BUT. who knew they would cover COLDPLAY?????????????

I cannot say I like the Zuka's version very much but the one thing which is inevitable every time I watch a revue - the shock and surprise, the delight and simple LOL as a result. if I could ever express my appreciation and respect to the directors of the shows....... they are so inventive and full of such brilliant ideas - covers of popular songs, orchestra versions of old hits, playing on words, sudden developments on the stage... OMG, how much I would like to thank them all.

it was only yesterday when I understood whay I love the most in a revue - apart from the parade which makes me cry almost every time. it is the standard otokoyaku dance, which is placed somewhere before the end of the revue, as fas as I can judge.

the accuracy and synchronicity of their movements is simply adorable. nothing odd, nothing out of tune, no awkward gestures... this perfection coupled with the music - which is resembling a march, but is not a march actually - makes me almost swoon, as it smells of the confidence and firmness which makes all the people on stage seem so reliable and strong...... T____T

I am pretty sure they are allmighty heroes. yes, certainly. all those siennas in Zuka.

thank you so much, minna.

_____

a small update

a one big LOL here

Which of these revue staples is your favorite?

the dance I mentioned is an undoubted LEADER

are not the fangirls over the world united in their preferences???

my favourite moment in the show is when Gerard is shouting offensive words and then pretending to have said nothing

'just tidying up, tidying up...'

my humble opinion: Hirahara Ayaka and Soragumi Stars performing on FNS

just watched the excerpt and would like to share the impression.

both the excerpt and the show can be easily found in the web, but I only remember the link to this particular part, so here you are

http://www.butuhdoa.net/tv-music-fns-music-festival-2011-12-07.html

the song itself is awful. I can understand it was mentioned to be that calm and nice, but the melody was too plain, the kind which makes even a good lyrics sound boring. I cannot say anything bad about the words like 'you are my miracle, you are my hope' which we hear in the song, but please, do not couple such simple words with such a simple melody and such a simple accompaniment. both the piano anf the orchestra parts went unnoticed.

as for Ayaka-chan, she was not showing her best in the song, nor she does it usually, I should admit. among all of her songs there are only a couple that I really like and which seem to have emotions that are strong enough to touch my heart. they are 'Jupiter' and 'Niji no Yokan' and 'Siciliana'

however, honourable guests from Zuka were shining on the stage and to some extent were saving the performance from failure. that is why I should say a special thanks to Hokushou Kairi-san and Ouki Kaname-san. I wonder why nothing about this participation is mentioned on TakaWiki. shall I add it there? ^.^

in general, I would prefer them refusing to sing such a song, but what happened has happened.