About the Tokyo Theater
In Summer 2002, I spent 3 months as an exchange student in Tokyo. During this time, I became an even bigger Takarazuka fan than before - if that's even possible. My fellow students joked (?) that I spent more time in and around the Takarazuka theater than I did on campus. Although that's a bit of an exaggeration, I did learn a lot about the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater and its environs.
Note: This is all info on the Tokyo Theater. I do now know a lot more about the Grand Theater in Takarazuka City, having been there twice, but things work rather differently there, and I haven't written a guide yet. There's some info on all the theaters on the Takarazuka Wikipedia, so try looking here. Or bug me for advice and maybe I'll get around to writing something - I don't get to much these days unless someone bugs me. :)
Note 2: All info is up-to-date as of my Fall 2004 trip to Tokyo. I also went to the theater in Summer 2008, though I didn't buy day tickets, so can't update my info there. Plus be aware that things may have changed since then.
Access Guide = How to get to the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, and things to see and do once you're there.
How to Buy Tickets When a Show Is Sold Out = I've discovered that selling out on the first day is just pretty much what Takarazuka shows do - but there are other ways of getting tickets. How to get toujitsuken (same-day tickets) and how to buy from people selling their tickets in front of the theater.
About Irimachi and Demachi = Irimachi is waiting for the stars to arrive at the theater and Demachi is waiting for them to leave after the show. Before I stayed in Tokyo I had never done either one. Now it's one of my favorite things! Here, I talk a little about how to go about iri/demachi without getting into trouble or embarassing yourself.