by Enjoy the world of masterpieces in a “live play”! Attention stage 1/2 in the latter half of 2022
While being strongly affected by the new coronavirus, the theatre and music industry have moved forward step by step by paying close attention and taking all possible infection control measures. Even now, performances are being held based on the “Guidelines for Preventing New Coronavirus Infection in Performing Arts Performances” by the Emergency Performing Arts Network and the guidelines of the government and local governments. Under such circumstances, in 2022, many large-scale stages and musical performances based on masterpiece movies and masterpiece comics are scheduled. This time, let’s introduce the background and musicals of interest. (* Performance schedule is subject to change depending on the situation)
“Spirited Away”, the first stage of Studio Ghibli’s blockbuster movie starring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, will be held in Fukuoka from May 1st to 28th after the performances in Tokyo and Osaka. ..
John Caird, Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the United Kingdom, is in charge of the adaptation and direction of the stage, which is responsible for the colouring and direction of the world premiere of the musical monument “Les Miserables”. The world of eight million gods that the main character Chihiro lost was created with a well-thought-out production.
The method of showing the movements of various characters that appear by human power by ensembles (performers who play multiple casts without roles for each scene) is unique to the stage. Coupled with the passionate acting of the form, including Hashimoto and Kamishiraishi, you can immerse yourself in the world of the story.
Because it carefully follows the original, it is also recommended for stage beginners. It has also been decided that the Ochiakigaku performance at Misonoza, Nagoya, on July 3rd and 4th will be delivered live at the Hulu store.
Performed at Fukuoka / Hakataza from May 1st to 28th, Hokkaido / Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater hitaru from June 6th to 12th and Nagoya / Misonoza from June 22nd to July 4th.
Musical “Rurouni Kenshin Kyoto Edition”
This work, which was made into a musical at the Shinbashi Enbujo by the Takarazuka Revue in 2016, starring Sagiri Seina in 2018, and attracted a great deal of attention, moved the theatre to IHI Stage Around Tokyo and is popular with original fans. “Kyoto edition” will be performed for the first time.
Teppei Koike plays the role of Kenshin Himura, the main character. In addition, Mario Kuroba will play the role of Makoto Shishio, Yuya Matsushita will play the role of Aoshi Shinomori, Kazuki Kato will play the role of Seijuro Hiko and Shuichiro Koike will be in charge of the production and script.
The venue, IHI Stage Around Tokyo, is a theatre where the audience seats rotate 360 degrees, and you can experience the world of the work on the stage and screen that surrounds it. The rotation of the audience seats, the movement of the screen, the images, the music, and the lighting is integrated. Unlike in the previous stage and movies, you can experience the sense of speed and presence that can only be shared here.
Although it is a musical, expectations are high for the magnificent action using this unique theatre only for works with many sword fights and action scenes in the story.
She performed at IHI Stage Around Tokyo in Tokyo from May 17th to June 24th.
Stage “Jujutsu Kaisen”
The popular manga by Gege Akutami, serialized in “Weekly Shonen Jump” (published by Shueisha) since 2018 and has a cumulative circulation of over 65 million, is set for the first time.
This work, which depicts the curse born from the negative emotions of human beings and the battle with the witch doctor who pays for it with magic, has become a hot topic in the novel content of fighting with magic handed down from ancient times modern society. It has been developed in various media, such as the broadcast of anime and the release of the movie “Jujutsu Kaisen 0”, gaining popularity.
For this stage, Yuji Itadori will be played by Ryuji Sato, Kazuaki Yasue will play Megumi Fushiguro, Erika Toyohara will play Nobara Kugisaki, Masanari Wada will play Kento Nanami, and Motohiro Ohta and Satoru Gojo will play Masato. Ryosuke Miura plays, and the famous and talented actors active in 2.5-dimensional musicals are gathered.
The script is written by Kohei Kiyasu from the movie “The Kirishima Thing”. The director is Kensaku Kobayashi, also known as the off-road skier of NHK E-Tele’s “Miitsuketa!” Handle. I want to pay attention to how the battle using magic is expressed in the media called “stage”.
She performed at the Tennozu Galaxy Theater in Tokyo from July 15th to 31st and at Mielparque Hall Osaka in Osaka from August 4th to 14th.
[Stage column] Enjoy the world of masterpieces in a “live play”! Featured stage in the latter half of 2022 2/2
This work, in which Yuta Koseki, Kimura Tatsunari, Erika Ikuta, and young actors in the musical world gathered, was scheduled to be performed in July 2008. Still, due to the influence of the new coronavirus, all performances have been cancelled. After two years, this is the long-awaited performance.
Based on Naoshi Arakawa’s blockbuster comic, which was nominated for the Manga Award in 2012 and then animated and made into a movie, this work is a youth love story that depicts the encounters and farewells of young people. Who was attracted to music?
Ozeki and Kimura will play the W cast of Arima Kosei, who will not be able to hear the piano sound, and Ikuta will play Kaori Miyazono, a violinist of the same age as Kosei. All songs are written by Frank Wildhorn, known for “Jekyll & Hyde” and “Death Note THE MUSICAL”.
There are casts with a good reputation for singing ability, such as Ozeki, Kimura, Ikuta, Fuka Yuduki, Kouki Mizuta, Takuto Teranishi, and I would like to expect their singing voice. This work, packed with universal human love and the charm of music, is delivered in a refreshing breeze.
She performed at the Nissay Theater in Tokyo, Gunma, Aichi, Hyogo, Toyama, and Fukuoka from May 7th to 29th.
Stage “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
The stage “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” has opened in 5 cities worldwide, including London, New York, and San Francisco, and is currently recording a big hit. The film, which has won over 60 theatre awards worldwide, including the Laurence Olivier Award and the Tony Award, will finally be staged in Tokyo on July 8th.
Set in the world 19 years after Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger saved the magical world, Harry, the father of three children, is the main character. Tatsuya Fujiwara, Kanji Ishimaru, and Osamu Mukai will play the role of Harry in a triple cast, embodying the world of “Harry Potter”.
The highlight is the view of the world. You can experience the magical space with the magic that pops out one after another, the stage art and costumes that make you feel you have entered the world of Harry Potter, and the original and exciting music. The story that fans of the original and those who are not can enjoy and sympathize with is also the charm of this work. It’s a work that can be enjoyed across generations, perfect for parent-child theatre.
From July 8th, a long-run performance will be held at the TBS Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo. (Preview performance is from June 16th to July 7th)
