Aran Kei and Toono Asuka Interview
for Hakataza Theater Production of:
Secret Hunter/Neodandyism! II
(Originally available in Japanese on the Hakataza Theater website at www.hakataza.co.jp - no longer available as of September 2007.)
------------ This Takarazuka Revue show begins here at the Hakataza in September. It’s the third time here for Star Troupe, but isn’t it the first time for you, Aran-san?
Aran Kei: That’s right. During national tours, I’ve visited other theaters briefly, but this is my first time at Hakataza. When everyone would be coming to Hakataza, I was always doing a performance in Tokyo or someplace else (laughs). So I’ve heard nothing but rumors (laughs).
------------ Toono-san, you were here twice in a row last year, right?
Toono Asuka: Yes, I was. While I was in senka, I made a special appearance with Cosmos Troupe for Copacabana.
------------ During the Osaka run of Star Troupe’s Copacabana, Aran-san and Toono-san were put together as a combination, but Toono-san was the only one who came to Hakataza.
Aran Kei: Traitor (laughs).
------------ Aran-san, is there something in particular that you’re looking forward to in your first trip to Hakataza?
Aran Kei: Naturally, I’m looking forward to the end of the performance (laughs). In Hakata, all the food is supposed to taste good, so I’m going to eat nothing but yummy stuff.
------------ Toono-san, how was the Hakataza performance last year?
Toono Asuka: I bought a guidebook and put all my focus on gourmet food. It was August and really hot, plus it was crazy with the show, so it was a bit discouraging, but I was victorious and had lots of delicious food.
Aran Kei: I heard the backstage is really pretty too…
Toono Asuka: There’s a tatami room just like a really big ryokan (laughs). The audience had such a warm response and I returned home with a big power up.
------------ When the show is over, you two will return home fat and suffering from heat-stroke, huh?
Both: Yeah, I think so too!
------------ So, this year’s performance is a musical set in the Caribbean called Secret Hunter. What kind of story is it?
Aran Kei: It’s set in the Caribbean islands in the 1940’s. A thief and charlatan – his nickname is Dagu, but his name is Dagobert – is told by a friend, “I want you to steal a certain woman” and he sets off to accomplish the task. First of all, it’s a comedy about how he is actually “stealing” a princess from a certain European country, who was visiting the Carribbean. It’s a busy show, with lots of running around the stage, but the theme song is great, there’s lots of dancing, and it’s really, really interesting to watch! (laughs)
------------ It sounds fun. I’ve heard there’s a midair stunt in the opening scene too.
Aran Kei: I’m in a black costume and I come down from the ceiling to steal some jewels. It feels really good to look down on the seating from so high up. But while I’m going to such effort to sneak in, I also get to enjoy making a fool of myself. I love the song I sing there too.
------------ Toono-san, you play a princess who has a really high-class upbringing.
Toono Asuka: I was kind of in awe of that role (laughs). When she’s stolen by Dagu from an onboard party, changes into new-bought clothes in the town, and tries a hamburger, Jennifer reminds me of the movie Roman Holiday.
------------ The story has a big twist at the very end, but free to talk about anything.
Aran Kei: In the end, my thief and charlatan Dagu has stayed the same all the way through (laughs). Dagu is a thief, but he’s also a very naïve and genuine young man. I think that’s nice (laughs).
------------ Aran-san, which is the scene you put the most effort into?
Aran Kei: Not surprisingly, it’s the scene at the church where Dagu tells Jennifer about his past. In that scene, the church has a tree with a cross on it that’s supposed to really be on an island in the Caribbean. The show’s director, Kodama Akiko-sensei, showed me a photo of it.
------------ Have either of you been to the Carribbean?
Both: I haven’t. After the Hakataza show, I really want to!
------------ Now, please tell us about Neodandyism! II.
Aran Kei: It’s a show we first did for Kozuki Wataru-san’s farewell show. Now it’s reborn for the new Star Troupe. Last time, the way the group of otokoyaku danced when the curtain rose was wonderful. Because last time I came on a little bit later, I’d watch that scene every time from the wings (laughs). I don’t think I’ll be able to do that this time (laughs), but the number of people will be really different, so I think it’ll have a very different feeling.
Toono Asuka: This is my first time with the show, but last time when I saw it, I was also really moved by the prologue. When I saw Dandyism! during my fan years, with Flower Troupe and Maya Miki-san, I absolutely loved it. In last year’s Neodandyism! , it still had the “Carioca” scene, which is lovely, and I really want to dance it this time.
------------ In Tokyo, you’re performing the dance show Sakura, so let’s be sure not to overlook Neodandyism! II.
Aran Kei: I think the two shows are a really good pairing. It’ll be really good, so even people from far away should travel to Hakataza to see it (laughs).
------------ Well then, you two are the new Star Troupe top combination, and you’re having your Hakataza debut as well, so be sure to give us your impressions of each other.
Aran Kei: Alright. In the practice hall, Asuka is so overzealous that I often think she should take it easier. But onstage, no matter what happens, nothing seems to upset her.
Toono Asuka: Aran-san is someone you can really rely on. Even when I’m being a real bother, she always pulls me through.
------------ Your good energy has made this a really pleasant interview as well. Last of all, please each tell me your goals for the Hakataza show.
Aran Kei: It’s the first Hakataza show for the new Star Troupe. It’s the same play we did in Tokyo, but we’re opening our Star Troupe power full throttle, so please expect a lot! It’s a really great pair of works, so you can come see it over and over.
Toono Asuka: It’s a double feature of two of my favorite shows. I want to do a show that won’t be defeated by the power of Hakata’s summer heat. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you!
Note: The original Japanese text used on this site is the property of the Takarazuka Revue and Hankyu Corporation. It is used without permission, with the intent of publicizing the revue to a larger audience.
The translations on this site were done by me. I reserve all applicable copyright on them and DO NOT give permission for them to be redistributed, published, retranslated, used as fansub scripts, etc.