Rei Yuzuka Interview【A charm point of spending a long time with friends that are living in the same kind of atmosphere】
Among the various genres of performances, I've always thought of "What is the charm of Takarazuka Revue". I feel that this is not just an extraordinary world acted by women; that is given; but I also feel like "we're living in a same world view" with everyone in the Revue. Since my late teens, I have looked up to the same teachers and mentors in the Takarazuka Music School. Entering the revue later, I've been experiencing the same space with my friends. Even though we have unique personalities, there's a sense of unity in the air. When we stand together on stage with our costumes, we can manifest a same atmosphere that is unique in Takarazuka and I feel that it's a great charming feature. Looking back at the past year, I've learnt much about the entertainment industry and also the history of Takarazuka, and I feel how abundant the time has been with the warmth of many people. Of course, the suspension of performances is difficult, but this created bond has become a foundation of Flower Troupe now and I am grateful for everyone who has given much and ever more support. That is why we will continue to deliver performances that would make you happy and think "Oh, I want to see this performance!". For that, I'll continue to work hard. |
【I wanted to play roles like Franz Liszt with great self-assertion!】
— When I read the script for "Years of Pilgrimage: The Wandering Soul of Franz Liszt", I was first astonished by the enthusiasm of director Ikuta Hirokazu-sensei. Franz Liszt is someone who's an artist and has a strong ambition to present himself. I've taken on so many kind people roles recently (laughs), so I thought I'd want to do this type of role! I hope to portray that he's someone who still holds his inner child pure heart, but within that heart, there is struggle, there is failure and there are mistakes that he will learn about it, live on, and convey him as someone that anyone can relate to.
"Fashionable Empire" has Inaba Daichi-sensei, whom has connection with Flower Troupe, to write the lyrics of the prologue song. I can feel his energy and love and gentleness that would make you understand Flower Troupe now. In the finale, there is a dance scene that is so cool and great with the long coat, suits and hat. I also feel excited for that, so I hope the audience would have great fun watching it.
I will be taking on the challenge for the national tour performance in autumn "Love Burns in Firenze". I love how in the works of Shibata Yukihiro-sensei, there's always poignant lines that depict the fragility and weakness of mankind. Since I've heard that this is awarded as a Newbie Prize for Sensei (Showa 50 Arts Selection Ceremony Newbie Prize; literal translation), I will ponder the focus points of Sensei and also work delicately to portray those intertwined emotions.
— When I read the script for "Years of Pilgrimage: The Wandering Soul of Franz Liszt", I was first astonished by the enthusiasm of director Ikuta Hirokazu-sensei. Franz Liszt is someone who's an artist and has a strong ambition to present himself. I've taken on so many kind people roles recently (laughs), so I thought I'd want to do this type of role! I hope to portray that he's someone who still holds his inner child pure heart, but within that heart, there is struggle, there is failure and there are mistakes that he will learn about it, live on, and convey him as someone that anyone can relate to.
"Fashionable Empire" has Inaba Daichi-sensei, whom has connection with Flower Troupe, to write the lyrics of the prologue song. I can feel his energy and love and gentleness that would make you understand Flower Troupe now. In the finale, there is a dance scene that is so cool and great with the long coat, suits and hat. I also feel excited for that, so I hope the audience would have great fun watching it.
I will be taking on the challenge for the national tour performance in autumn "Love Burns in Firenze". I love how in the works of Shibata Yukihiro-sensei, there's always poignant lines that depict the fragility and weakness of mankind. Since I've heard that this is awarded as a Newbie Prize for Sensei (Showa 50 Arts Selection Ceremony Newbie Prize; literal translation), I will ponder the focus points of Sensei and also work delicately to portray those intertwined emotions.
Top Star Comment
The Top Stars from other troupes comment on their impressions for Yuzuka Rei in her works and also answer "If you could act together, what would it be?"
Snow Troupe Ayakaze Sakina 雪組 彩風 咲奈
At that time when I watched "Takarazuka FANTASIA", I don't know much about Rei-chan yet. But there was a scene where she passed by the silver bridge (ginkyo) alone and I remember that shock. "How can she deliver so much energy and light!" I can feel that she expresses her excitement easily but it was naturally and not boastfully to the audience. From then on, I started noticing much more on Rei-chan (laughs). If I can do something with Rei-chan, I hope that we could wear something simple clothing and dance barefoot together. |
Moon Troupe Tsukshiro Kanato 月組 月城 かなと
— Rei (Yuzuka) was so fitting as the role Jerry Travers in "TOP HAT". There's a new vibe when Takarazuka Revue does renditions of old classic musicals. In that classic vibe, Rei is amazing at playing around and experimenting with that sense. Seeing it like it's truly "The Person for That Role"? When you see the role is good, and the actor is also good and both sides of it in a musical, isn't that great? (laughs). It would be great if we could ever act together on the same stage. I'd be curious as to that would feel like. It could be friends, enemies, parent and child, so I thought that we may seem similar but we're actually different so it would be an interesting dynamic on stage together. |
Cosmos Troupe Makaze Suzuho 宙組 真風 涼帆
If it's Rei-chan, then it has to be Domyouji Tsukasa from "Boys Over Flowers (Hana Yori Dango)". "Hana Yori Dango", Alan from "Poe Clan", Ijuuin Shinobu from "Haikara-san: Here Comes Miss Modern"...if you think of these productions, there are so many of her works originated from the shoujo manga. She has an amazing talent of appearing as a character as if coming out from the manga. Rei-chan is super caring and gentle, I'd feel heart-fluttered to see her smart sides. It feels like she has made it alive when she stands up from the (manga). I'd want to know how it would be like to be on stage and converse the lines together. |
Star Troupe Rei Makoto 星組 礼 真琴
Rei-chan really comes out from shoujo manga, doesn't she! But she's better than the manga and it really fulfils every girl's dream! I really loved the manga "Hana Yori Dango" when I was small, so I've actually read the whole series, and I was really convinced by Rei-chan's Domyouji. Though I could only see the video, but I still said "Thank you!" to her (laughs). The same goes for "Haikara-san". Takarazuka is full of dreams and hope and Rei-chan's otokoyaku image is amazing because she has a charm of bringing it out from the real world. Now I'm going to be performing "JAGUAR BEAT", together with Rei-chan who's done "Cool Beast", maybe one day we can reprise our roles as beasts together. |
Rei: The drawings on the envelope are amazing!
Madoka: I saw this flowery bouquet and found it amazing, and then I was surprised when I opened the card so I've used this card. Because the envelope was originally pure white, but I think I can't write all of my feelings to Yuzuka-san. That's why I drew the envelope with blooming flowers! As you can see it here, I've drawn some doodles on it (laughs).
Rei: Let me read it out loud now...!
Madoka: Ah no please don't~ (laughs).
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Yuzuka-san:
Thank you very much for always taking care of me when I'm clumsy with various things.
As Yuzuka-san's partner (aiteyaku), every of the past moments we've spent together in rehearsals and on stage for the productions together are really important treasures in time for me. This past year may be short, but I look forward to every day to learn many things. These wonderful days happen, because Yuzuka-san is there to guide me in these times.
I have questions that I could not solve in 24 hours of a day. But when tomorrow comes, I could have contact with the unknown world painted by Yuzuka-san. That is why every day has been exciting.
As a performer, your sincerity to the audience in the productions is indescribable. I have unwavering respect for the overflowing love Yuzuka-san has for people.
I will work hard to continue anticipating together the future that I haven't seen, yet wonderfully imagined and painted by Yuzuka-san. Please take care of me from now on.
Madoka
Madoka: I saw this flowery bouquet and found it amazing, and then I was surprised when I opened the card so I've used this card. Because the envelope was originally pure white, but I think I can't write all of my feelings to Yuzuka-san. That's why I drew the envelope with blooming flowers! As you can see it here, I've drawn some doodles on it (laughs).
Rei: Let me read it out loud now...!
Madoka: Ah no please don't~ (laughs).
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Yuzuka-san:
Thank you very much for always taking care of me when I'm clumsy with various things.
As Yuzuka-san's partner (aiteyaku), every of the past moments we've spent together in rehearsals and on stage for the productions together are really important treasures in time for me. This past year may be short, but I look forward to every day to learn many things. These wonderful days happen, because Yuzuka-san is there to guide me in these times.
I have questions that I could not solve in 24 hours of a day. But when tomorrow comes, I could have contact with the unknown world painted by Yuzuka-san. That is why every day has been exciting.
As a performer, your sincerity to the audience in the productions is indescribable. I have unwavering respect for the overflowing love Yuzuka-san has for people.
I will work hard to continue anticipating together the future that I haven't seen, yet wonderfully imagined and painted by Yuzuka-san. Please take care of me from now on.
Madoka