JOYFUL! II
Nov. 28th, 2007 05:01 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kyanitedUtterly irrational, ridiculously detailed, exhaustingly SPOILERish and deadly wordy... TEXT... about the Joyfull II revue. (Screencaps at Takarazuka Precious here (Chunichi) and here (national tour). More only upon specific request (i.e. name the scene).)
Show: Joyful!! II
Troupe: Snow
Type: Revue
Year: 2007
Version: Chunichi Theater cast.
Cast & Summary: TakaWiki
Preview: TCA Pictures
After starting the DVD I couldn't help but notice the Bonus Menu right away, and weak as I am I couldn't resist peeking at the extras first.:P
This left me already grinning like a fool.
With there not being any extensive summary anywhere, seemingly not even in Japanese (although I admit to not trying all too hard), and my Japanese skills somewhere around zero, I had already resigned to buying this DVD mainly for the revue. But the funny ad-lib scenes from the main show and the very awesomely [in my ignorant eyes] choreographed swordfights in rehearsals left me with a very positive feeling and real anticipation for the main show. I have no competence at all as music/dance/theater critic, and thus my like or dislike is mainly based on the emotions involved, especially with regard to the actresses, and I simply love Mizu's yumigumi. :D I hope the warm and fuzzy feeling of anticipation will last until I have more time and information. :)
There's only one thing I have to say about the revue rehearsal bits: HAPPY YUMIKO. My impression here was that while everyone was smiling, Yumiko was genuinely happy and enjoying herself. It made me very happy in return.
Disclaimers: 1.) This is 'written while watching'. 2.) There probably is some vague background story, but I don't know it.
As I'm writing this I just made it through the first part of the revue, which starts with Mizu Mizu Natsuki) directing a yukigumi choir of what at first looks like otokoyaku only, but hearing them sing (acapella canon) it turns out that there are some musumeyaku, too. It's the theme number, "Joyful!" and it stretches over about 10 minutes. I don't remember ever seeing so many musumeyaku at once on stage in pant suits, with ties, and later on, hats. :D (Maybe I have and just didn't recognize them as musumeyaku...)
Mizu then sings and dances with Tonami Shirahane Yuri), who is also wearing suit and tie. Love, love, love.
This whole first part has an extremely postive vibe, changing from serene to merry...gay joyful. :D
The next number starts with Yumiko (Ayabuki Mao) in a pink suit twirling onto stage. Twirling Yumiko in pink suit with huge smile = love.
She BEAMS. And she dances. And she sings. And she WINKS. It's Yumiko like I've never seen her before. The number looks like it's made for Kimu (Otozuki Kei). But it's Yumiko's. And she's good. (And that's a positive emphasis.)
This number has also had Hiromi (Ayana Oto) and Kaname (Ouki Kaname) dancing with Kaori (Haruka Midori) and Shina (Yamashina Ai) in the background. But Yumiko really shines. (My impressions of her here are shedding new light on Jas' reports about Yumiko's Elliot, and I think I will need Silver Rose Chronicle something fierce.)
It then continues with pink/black costumes and it almost looks like a preview of what awaits us in Miroirs... :P Of course Mizu looks stunning in pink waistcoat and bow tie. <3
We keep the color theme and move on to an uplifting number - a takarazuka cover version of "Bye, Bye Love". I don't think I've ever heard a more cheerful "Hello emptiness, I think I'm gonna cry". T__T <3 It's Hamako (Mirai Yuuki), btw, and she made my heart flutter. ^^
After that Mizu reappers. I definitely like watching her dance. Especially in shiny suits with fedora. She's born for it. Hamako is watching her from the side of the stage, smiling adorably. :D
Mizu also sings again, and while her dancing is still better than her singing I find the tone of her voice most comforting. :)
Oh! And here comes the spanish medley!! For starters it's Tonami dancing and Hamako singing to typical spanish guitar sounds. The curtain opens and another dancer appears. It's Yumiko! <3 She's singing, but there is no sound - muted because of copyrights - and instead there's a generic spanish trumpet & guitar tune overlay.
I don't care. It's a Ricky Martin medley, and I don't like Ricky Martin, so there not being Ricky Martin and only hotly clad Yumiko dancing is probably a good thing.
There's a few seconds of Ragi (Hiiragi Tomoe) singing (my yukigumi friends: who is Ragi?).
And then it's a duet of Naga (Asuka Yuu) and Chiaki (Amase Izuru). I like Naga's singing and they made a very handsome couple and I'm scurrying through this because... Finally! HIROMI. With musumeyaku draped over her. And her singing was not muted/overlaid. OH JOY. And her singing was GOOD. Better than Kaname's, IMO.
And then, right after that medley, Yumiko/Mizu slash. INTENSE Yumiko/Mizu slash. Extensive Yumiko/Mizu slash. Hot, sensuous Yumiko/Mizu slash. I was prepared for it being only a fleeting moment, but it's a little bit more than just one moment. Even more than just two moments. ^^ I can blink quite often while they're "dancing" with each other. :P
With these two personal highlights so close together it's a good thing this is not a tape. (DVD's don't wear out, do they?)
It's halftime and Yumiko takes up the theme song again full of energy and wanders into the audience, reaching out and touching, even *taking* people's hands. I can't say it often enough, I'm not used to this Yumiko. And it's a very pleasant surprise to see shy Yumiko like this. Shy Yumiko who cried when she left Osa. Mizu very obviously is very good for her... XD XD <3
Hereafter we get Mizu again. Dancing. In a bright, bright, BRIGHT violet shirt with frills and sparklies. We need not mention more.
Thereafter a short interlude of Yumiko dancing with a few 'boys' before a Bizet/Carmen medley starts with a bunch of musumeyaku, lead by Tonami, trying to 'convert' Mizu. All the while Yumiko is watching, smiling mischievously, wandering across the stage... coming closer to Tonami (who almost succeeds in seducing Mizu), successfully separating the couple and then trying to get a piece of Mizu herself.
With Mizu dressed in something glitterish beige and Yumiko all in hottish black this has almost a bit of swanlake osasa air to it... XD
Have I mentioned yet that I love this Yumiko? XD <3 Because I do. And it's twice as much delighting to see her enjoying it so much. :D She's my star of this revue.
But we're not finished yet. Mizu gets confused by all the attention and when Yumiko gives her a break Tonami jumps in and tries again. XD
(Yes, I'm having fun. They, it seems, too.)
And then suddenly Yumiko and Tonami (who's wearing a black dress matching Yumiko's outfit) are dancing and Mizu is the outsider. (She had this problem once earlier, in the first half, when she didn't get a girl and comforted herself by cuddling with a bass. Honestly, that was the implication.)
Tonami ends up making out with Mizu while Yumiko is watching patiently. Tonami then rejects poor Mizu AGAIN, whose brain shuts down and she's carried off by Hiromi & Co... Yumiko and Tonami are watching, smiling at each other across the stage. Apparently their mission is accomplished. Mizu tries to fight one last time, but the couple that leaves the stage together is YumikoXTonami. <3
The chemistry of this trio is absolutely amazing, and if it's no chemistry at all and all just acting, then it's still amazing, because it's great acting. It comes across pretty genuine though. I'm torn between being curious to see the whole thing with Kimu instead of Yumiko and not wanting to see it to keep the impression of YumikoXMizuXTonami fresh and unique.
After that Mizu sings a bit of Ode To Joy and all actors come together in white for a small line dance before they start the Joyful! theme again and for the third time during this revue the seito are in the audience. This time there's some Ode To Joy weaved into the Joyful! theme.
However, the finish has to be proper again and there's the obligatory top pair dance with optional nibante singing for them.
Hamako starts the curtain call and then it's over.
It's not Blue Moon Blue. Not like Blue Moon Blue and certainly doesn't have a place like BMB in my heart. But this revue was JOY. I did enjoy it. If there were any sad bits I already forgot them. I'm sticking to what I wrote at the beginning, that it's emanating love. And joy, and just in general a very postive, enthusiastic energy. But while BMB is something to cheer you up, this is IMO more suitable to celebrate a good feeling. :D
The music was very easy on the ears, even for a takarazuka revue. :P But when you read the song list it's not really surprising:
Handful of Keys / Fats Waller
How Ya Baby / Fats Waller
It Don't Mean a Thing / Duke Ellington
Bye Bye Love / Bryant
Peter Gunn No.1 / Mancini
Sophisticated Lady / Duke Ellington
Caravan / Duke Ellington
Ricky Martin Medley
Georges Bizet Medley
Le Grisbi / Wiener
This is definitely not the last time I watched it.
In fact, it's already running again. :D
Show: Joyful!! II
Troupe: Snow
Type: Revue
Year: 2007
Version: Chunichi Theater cast.
Cast & Summary: TakaWiki
Preview: TCA Pictures
After starting the DVD I couldn't help but notice the Bonus Menu right away, and weak as I am I couldn't resist peeking at the extras first.:P
This left me already grinning like a fool.
With there not being any extensive summary anywhere, seemingly not even in Japanese (although I admit to not trying all too hard), and my Japanese skills somewhere around zero, I had already resigned to buying this DVD mainly for the revue. But the funny ad-lib scenes from the main show and the very awesomely [in my ignorant eyes] choreographed swordfights in rehearsals left me with a very positive feeling and real anticipation for the main show. I have no competence at all as music/dance/theater critic, and thus my like or dislike is mainly based on the emotions involved, especially with regard to the actresses, and I simply love Mizu's yumigumi. :D I hope the warm and fuzzy feeling of anticipation will last until I have more time and information. :)
There's only one thing I have to say about the revue rehearsal bits: HAPPY YUMIKO. My impression here was that while everyone was smiling, Yumiko was genuinely happy and enjoying herself. It made me very happy in return.
Disclaimers: 1.) This is 'written while watching'. 2.) There probably is some vague background story, but I don't know it.
As I'm writing this I just made it through the first part of the revue, which starts with Mizu Mizu Natsuki) directing a yukigumi choir of what at first looks like otokoyaku only, but hearing them sing (acapella canon) it turns out that there are some musumeyaku, too. It's the theme number, "Joyful!" and it stretches over about 10 minutes. I don't remember ever seeing so many musumeyaku at once on stage in pant suits, with ties, and later on, hats. :D (Maybe I have and just didn't recognize them as musumeyaku...)
Mizu then sings and dances with Tonami Shirahane Yuri), who is also wearing suit and tie. Love, love, love.
This whole first part has an extremely postive vibe, changing from serene to merry...
The next number starts with Yumiko (Ayabuki Mao) in a pink suit twirling onto stage. Twirling Yumiko in pink suit with huge smile = love.
She BEAMS. And she dances. And she sings. And she WINKS. It's Yumiko like I've never seen her before. The number looks like it's made for Kimu (Otozuki Kei). But it's Yumiko's. And she's good. (And that's a positive emphasis.)
This number has also had Hiromi (Ayana Oto) and Kaname (Ouki Kaname) dancing with Kaori (Haruka Midori) and Shina (Yamashina Ai) in the background. But Yumiko really shines. (My impressions of her here are shedding new light on Jas' reports about Yumiko's Elliot, and I think I will need Silver Rose Chronicle something fierce.)
It then continues with pink/black costumes and it almost looks like a preview of what awaits us in Miroirs... :P Of course Mizu looks stunning in pink waistcoat and bow tie. <3
We keep the color theme and move on to an uplifting number - a takarazuka cover version of "Bye, Bye Love". I don't think I've ever heard a more cheerful "Hello emptiness, I think I'm gonna cry". T__T <3 It's Hamako (Mirai Yuuki), btw, and she made my heart flutter. ^^
After that Mizu reappers. I definitely like watching her dance. Especially in shiny suits with fedora. She's born for it. Hamako is watching her from the side of the stage, smiling adorably. :D
Mizu also sings again, and while her dancing is still better than her singing I find the tone of her voice most comforting. :)
Oh! And here comes the spanish medley!! For starters it's Tonami dancing and Hamako singing to typical spanish guitar sounds. The curtain opens and another dancer appears. It's Yumiko! <3 She's singing, but there is no sound - muted because of copyrights - and instead there's a generic spanish trumpet & guitar tune overlay.
I don't care. It's a Ricky Martin medley, and I don't like Ricky Martin, so there not being Ricky Martin and only hotly clad Yumiko dancing is probably a good thing.
There's a few seconds of Ragi (Hiiragi Tomoe) singing (my yukigumi friends: who is Ragi?).
And then it's a duet of Naga (Asuka Yuu) and Chiaki (Amase Izuru). I like Naga's singing and they made a very handsome couple and I'm scurrying through this because... Finally! HIROMI. With musumeyaku draped over her. And her singing was not muted/overlaid. OH JOY. And her singing was GOOD. Better than Kaname's, IMO.
And then, right after that medley, Yumiko/Mizu slash. INTENSE Yumiko/Mizu slash. Extensive Yumiko/Mizu slash. Hot, sensuous Yumiko/Mizu slash. I was prepared for it being only a fleeting moment, but it's a little bit more than just one moment. Even more than just two moments. ^^ I can blink quite often while they're "dancing" with each other. :P
With these two personal highlights so close together it's a good thing this is not a tape. (DVD's don't wear out, do they?)
It's halftime and Yumiko takes up the theme song again full of energy and wanders into the audience, reaching out and touching, even *taking* people's hands. I can't say it often enough, I'm not used to this Yumiko. And it's a very pleasant surprise to see shy Yumiko like this. Shy Yumiko who cried when she left Osa. Mizu very obviously is very good for her... XD XD <3
Hereafter we get Mizu again. Dancing. In a bright, bright, BRIGHT violet shirt with frills and sparklies. We need not mention more.
Thereafter a short interlude of Yumiko dancing with a few 'boys' before a Bizet/Carmen medley starts with a bunch of musumeyaku, lead by Tonami, trying to 'convert' Mizu. All the while Yumiko is watching, smiling mischievously, wandering across the stage... coming closer to Tonami (who almost succeeds in seducing Mizu), successfully separating the couple and then trying to get a piece of Mizu herself.
With Mizu dressed in something glitterish beige and Yumiko all in hottish black this has almost a bit of swanlake osasa air to it... XD
Have I mentioned yet that I love this Yumiko? XD <3 Because I do. And it's twice as much delighting to see her enjoying it so much. :D She's my star of this revue.
But we're not finished yet. Mizu gets confused by all the attention and when Yumiko gives her a break Tonami jumps in and tries again. XD
(Yes, I'm having fun. They, it seems, too.)
And then suddenly Yumiko and Tonami (who's wearing a black dress matching Yumiko's outfit) are dancing and Mizu is the outsider. (She had this problem once earlier, in the first half, when she didn't get a girl and comforted herself by cuddling with a bass. Honestly, that was the implication.)
Tonami ends up making out with Mizu while Yumiko is watching patiently. Tonami then rejects poor Mizu AGAIN, whose brain shuts down and she's carried off by Hiromi & Co... Yumiko and Tonami are watching, smiling at each other across the stage. Apparently their mission is accomplished. Mizu tries to fight one last time, but the couple that leaves the stage together is YumikoXTonami. <3
The chemistry of this trio is absolutely amazing, and if it's no chemistry at all and all just acting, then it's still amazing, because it's great acting. It comes across pretty genuine though. I'm torn between being curious to see the whole thing with Kimu instead of Yumiko and not wanting to see it to keep the impression of YumikoXMizuXTonami fresh and unique.
After that Mizu sings a bit of Ode To Joy and all actors come together in white for a small line dance before they start the Joyful! theme again and for the third time during this revue the seito are in the audience. This time there's some Ode To Joy weaved into the Joyful! theme.
However, the finish has to be proper again and there's the obligatory top pair dance with optional nibante singing for them.
Hamako starts the curtain call and then it's over.
It's not Blue Moon Blue. Not like Blue Moon Blue and certainly doesn't have a place like BMB in my heart. But this revue was JOY. I did enjoy it. If there were any sad bits I already forgot them. I'm sticking to what I wrote at the beginning, that it's emanating love. And joy, and just in general a very postive, enthusiastic energy. But while BMB is something to cheer you up, this is IMO more suitable to celebrate a good feeling. :D
The music was very easy on the ears, even for a takarazuka revue. :P But when you read the song list it's not really surprising:
Handful of Keys / Fats Waller
How Ya Baby / Fats Waller
It Don't Mean a Thing / Duke Ellington
Bye Bye Love / Bryant
Peter Gunn No.1 / Mancini
Sophisticated Lady / Duke Ellington
Caravan / Duke Ellington
Ricky Martin Medley
Georges Bizet Medley
Le Grisbi / Wiener
This is definitely not the last time I watched it.
In fact, it's already running again. :D
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-28 05:59 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-28 10:59 am (UTC)Or she fell in love.(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-28 05:25 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-29 06:21 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-28 07:20 am (UTC)Also, Ragi is made of win. She doesn't get really big parts, but she's adorable and wonderful. She was Hubner in Elisabeth and she was in Daytime Hustler and you can see her lots in Wonderland. I don't know how much of that stuff you've seen, but Ragi = love.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-28 11:14 am (UTC)I didn't remember Ragi's name, so I was wondering about her getting a small solo part. :D
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-28 08:50 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-28 11:21 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-28 07:16 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-29 06:54 am (UTC)Heh. Considering the amount of love my Sora Fantasista! disc has been put through already... Yeah, it has a couple of skips now. T____T;;;
I love hearing all of your Yumiko love, because I love her too! This revue is definitely worth seeing someday. <3 (And possibly also the tour version with Kimu. >:3)
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-29 06:29 pm (UTC)Oy, well thank you for that important notice. I shall go and immediately make a "for use" copy and put the original in a safe... :D
Yumiko is amazing. I'm still not over the surprise. :D
I can't wait for the Silver Rose Chronicle DVD...
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-29 02:14 pm (UTC)joyfull II is a wonderfull revue ( i also love the komu version) <3 the main-song reminds me a lot on "Ode an Die Freude" by Ludwig van Beethoven
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-29 06:34 pm (UTC)I have never seen the Komu version, I just looked up the program and noticed that it /seems/ to be more classic while this is more jazzy/blues-y (very mizu XD).
Yes, I think the theme song, and in the end the whole revue, carries the (musical) spirit of "Ode To Joy". :D
Have you heard anything new about the Mariko CD that was supposed to come out around... now?
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-29 07:03 pm (UTC)Noo :__: i only know that mariko have her stage comeback in a new theater production.
yes hai ^^ i have a new msn: rozenchrestus@hotmail.de if you like, you can add me back :)
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-29 07:12 pm (UTC)Are they doing the triangle thing, too?
And, did you see this:
http://www.umegei.com/zatoichi/main.html :D <3
(no subject)
Date: 2007-11-29 07:29 pm (UTC)and she will relase a cd also ?