Beth Winter

(I need more icons on Dreamwidth. I do have a Karincho one on LiveJournal.)

As a fan of 80s and 90s era stars, I remain indebted to Sky Stage (when kind people send me things that aired) and the Eternal Scene Collection. Thanks to the latter, some landmark shows make it to DVD years after they were performed - shows that were never released even on VHS - and I owe it for Chuushingura.

(Incidentally, the Eternal Scene Collection has great production values. Chuushingura is taken from an NHK broadcast, the image is crystal-clear, and an exact reproduction of the programme - full booklet, including English synopsis - more than makes up for lack of rehearsal footage.)

You can't be interested in samurai ethos without hearing of the 47 ronin, but for all the accounts I read of the story, this was the first time I saw it performed. And dear gods, it is moving - for once Takarazuka goes for no flourishes and added drama, because the story provides, relentlessly, emotion after emotion.

( In particular )

Tom. Tom. Evil, evil woman.

At least I wasn't the only person sobbing in the intermission of Onegin. Tom and Hiromi just about did me in.

There is a full review upcoming (with an extra-special section for Ayanagi Shou, because yes, I have a new favourite), but this show is one of those that mean I love this revue, this wonderful theatre that goes straight for your heart without bothering with mundane things like words you can understand. I was sitting in Bow Hall with my face in pain from grinning and tears in my eyes.

(And Pushkin! They put Pushkin in it! In bed with Onegin! And Tatiana was perfect, so strong, and Maihane Mimi is my choice for Yuki Top, hands down, and I saw Miho Keiko live, and did I mention HIROMI yet?)

Snow Troupe. Yukigumi. ♥

I am not a fan of the Rose of Versailles musicals for several reasons (more of them below), but for all that my seito of choice was Yukigumi nibante for almost five years, few of them are out on DVD or VHS. So I'll take what I can get, even if it has too much pink. Yukigumi of that era was far too brilliant to be wasted in any musical. Case in point: BeruBara '89.

( My issues with the BeruBara musicals in general )

( Andre to Oscar Hen 1989 )

In conclusion: for BeruBara, this was good.

To start with, a disclaimer: It's one of those shows that you really need a summary or knowledge of Japanese to understand. And since I haven't been able to locate a summary, I'm limited to the following:

- Ichiro Maki and Todoroki Yuu/Tom are officers, possibly recent graduates, and totally best friends
- Kodai Mizuki is their boss
- Mari Hanafusa is the daughter of the... mayor? Something like that
- There's a war on, possibly the Spanish Civil War. And people die.

If anyone can explain the plot to me, I'd be grateful. But I still had a ball, because Ichiro and Tom work together far too well, because Ichiro knows karate, because Kodai Mizuki is crazy, because the musumeyaku are fantastic, because the chief non-commissioned soldiers (who I need to look up by kanji and do a proper show page) are wonderful and cuddly, and because my preferred employment for Wao Youka is Emo Dance Mania With Extra Growling.

Also, I swear that Maki-dearest is Mari's height. Honestly, the only difference between them was due to the fact Maki was on higher heels ~_~ They do work wonderful together, and they're clearly so comfortable with each other, including physically - Maki's not afraid to pull Mari around, and their hugs actually look like hugging, not touching gingerly.

Of course, I'm bound to love any show that lets Maki be in turn goofy, commanding, lay down the law, be taught flamenco dancing, and finally break down completely. But it's not just that. Ichiro-gumi work together so well, and the show balances the tragedy/drama (which would be the parts you need Japanese to understand) with comedy and sweetness, so that when it all breaks down and the war tears them to pieces, your breath stops.

( Spoiler for final scenes )

The staging is sparse, the costumes realistic, and the music is all Spanish, flamenco and folk songs. It's one of those shows where you can listen to the soundtrack forever, and one of those shows I'd love to learn Japanese for ♥

Note: there's not a single sequin on stage. I know, I couldn't believe it either.