Although it was recorded in May, due to bad audio the posting of this episode was postponed until now. We were unable to correct the bad audio, but have now decided to post the episode in spite of this. However, as a result, all of the ‘happy things’ and news are outdated. Yuzuka Rei has been announced as the next Hanagumi top star, and many more hanagumi musumeyaku have been announced as leaving with Asumi Rio in November.
Sorry this one is so late coming out! We originally recorded it back at the end of November, which is why some time references may seem a little off. But even late, we wanted to share our love! Join Kitty, Lella, and Jen as they discuss Star Troupe news and then share their love of recently retired Moon Troupe top musumeyaku Manaki Reika (and kumichou Touka Yurino).
(Apologies for the rough sound. One of our tracks wasn’t editable so we had to use our combined track in places which means we couldn’t isolate and remove some of the rougher bits and coughs.)
Cafe Break – Takarazuka TV interview show that airs on a Tokyo station
Kageki (歌劇) – Lit. “opera”; name of one of the Takarazuka Revue magazines
kumichou (組長) – Lit. “group leader”; senior-most member of the troupe with special responsibilities over the troupe
mesen (目線) – Lit. “eye line”; making and holding eye contact
NHK – Japanese public TV station
otsukaresama (お疲れ様) – Lit. “you are tired”; a way of thanking/acknowledging someone’s hard work
Ouran Host Club – manga/anime that often references Takarazuka
sotsugyou (卒業) – Lit. “graduation”; because Takarazuka actresses are referred to as “students” during their career in the Takarazuka Revue, a way of referring to their retirement from the Revue is to say that they are graduating
taidan (退団) – Lit. “leaving the troupe”; retiring from the Takarazuka Revue
We bring you this episode at long last after many rounds of re-dos and technical difficulties!
Join Lella, Julie, Heidi, and Jenn for an extensive chat about Cosmos Troupe’s Spring Grand Theater show ‘The Sky Is On The Banks Of The Red River’ and ‘Citrus Breeze: Sunrise’. It’s kind of a long one, but it’s because we loved it so much and had so many feelings! We apologize for the delay, due to the technical issues it was recorded several months after the show ended, but all aspects of the show and cast are discussed, and hopefully you’ll enjoy flailing about this awesome show with us!
There were MANY people discussed in this episode as it’s a huge cast, probably too many to list them all, but here are some links to the main cast and show, plus/including our individual favorites that were mentioned:
This week Heidi, Lella, and Carly talk in-depth about traveling to Japan to see Takarazuka and the various ways you can procure tickets, both official and secondhand.
We have a VERY special video episode for you! This December, four Takarazuka OGs—Mariho Erina, Ayaka Rei, Shiho Nanami, and Tama Mayura—will be performing World of Dreams, a lecture and concert introducing American audiences to the world of Takarazuka, at the Cornish Playhouse in Seattle! In advance of this performance, the Takarazuka Fan Podcast interviewed the actresses about their time in Takarazuka, their thoughts about performing overseas, and more!
We’re so excited to be able to bring you this exclusive interview, and if you have any questions or Seattle area recommendations for the actresses, be sure to leave them in the comments!
Special thanks to the entire podcast team plus Chems for chipping in with the translation/subtitling, and to Sakiko for organizing the interview.
World of Dreams will be taking place on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 4:30pm at the Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center. For more information visit the Facebook page.
Note: To save on server space, we are moving our video podcasts to YouTube. Unfortunately, this means they will no longer show up in the podcast feed.
Glossary: Otokoyaku: Actresses who play male roles Musumeyaku: Actresses who play female roles Onnayaku: Also female role players, but typically more mature roles Shinjin Kouen: “Newcomer performances,” special performances held for each Grand Theater production that feature young stars who have been in the company for 7 years or less. Nihonmono: Traditional Japanese productions OG: Literally “old girl,” referring to actresses who have retired from Takarazuka. Obi: The sash worn with a kimono.
Glossary:
Kumichou (組長): Most senior member of a troupe.
Fukukumichou (副組長): Vice-kumichou.
Kyakusekiori (客席降り): When siennes leave the stage to dance in the aisles.
A little late now, but here’s a roundup of all the big news in Takarazuka recently!
NOTE: Lella mentions that Kurenai Yuzuru said doing Scarlet pimpernel was “hitokakera no yume.” This is a reference to Percy’s big song in the show, “Hitokakera no Yuuki” – “A Piece of Courage.” So Beni was saying this role was like a piece of her dream.
