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Okay I am a crazy motherchucker who went and watched his 5, yes five, times! But also in my defense, when I hit for ALL 5 back in May, you either paid for all the tickets or didn't pay for any (you couldn't pick and choose) so technically it's their fault xD but anyway!
Before the play I obviously read the actual Shakespearian play and while it took me a few acts to get used to the language again, I had no problem understanding it which is awesome! But I was super surprised at how many people hadn't read Shakespeare! Like people were ridiculously shocked at some moments and I was like 'read the book! How have you not read the book?!?!' but I kinda have to remember that Shakespeare isn't in the school cirriculum here... but still! Don't people usually read the adapted books before they see something?!?!?! Or again, is that just me?
Luckily the play follows the script rather faithfully and even more luckily is that in Japanese? They use SUPER modern and simple Japanese, unlike the Shakespearian language, so the stage was easy to understand too! ^_^
Some pictures from the performances can be found here and here.
CAST/CHARACTERS
Yanagishita Tomo - Orlando
So first thing which surprised me is that when I walked in, BAM(!) Tomo is stood at the front of the stage looking straight at me. Every performance from doors opening the actors would be on stage preparing. First it would be Tomo-Mae-Nishi, Then Mikami would come on and soon after Tomo would leave, but then Kaji-Yamada-Okubo-Endo-Yamada would come on and they would probably laugh and talk amongst themselves or they would start to play games (like wink murder or this game where you have to say 'shashashashasha jijijijiji' which always killed me xD And during this opening, Mae, Nishii, Mikami would leave. Finally Mikami, Mae and Nishi would come back on, Mikami was in charge of telling the audience to turn their phones off etc. and finally the Duke Senior would come on in full clothing and the show would begin.
10/18 (= October 18th) Tomo's control of handstands is amazing! He would do cartwheels and handstands on the stage (he did it another few times too during the performances I watched). Today they played the whistle song was hilarious xD One of the guys couldn't actually whistle! We all lost it >.< also, Nishi really does remind me of my sister xD
10/20 Probably because they saw me, they would start saying (in English) 'Who are you?! I'm Celia! I'm Orlando!' etc. Nishi cannot pronounce Celia in English to save his life, he said SHEEEElia instead xD totally cute. But everyone in the audience laughed so it's not just be who knew it sounded wrong.
10/24 Tomo had even MORE control over his handstands this day. And they did the English thing again xD Also Yamada told Kaji and Okubou that he'd gotten his nose hairs (ripped) taken out and Kaji was like 'that's bad! You no long have a forest to protect you from germs getting inside... what if you sneeze?!' which is actually a very valid point but also amusing to hear.
We first begin with the music and those on stage would do a clapping opening. I can't really explain it but I really enjoy the scene a lot! (I just checked the script one last time and yes it follows the play exactly - although I feel an Audrey/Touchstone scene got moved up but that's about it, so I'm not gunna explain much of the actual scenes, you can read scene summaries for that!)
2. Introduction to Celia and Rosalind - Orlando's brother Oliver is pissed and Charles the wrestler comes on, which usually gets a huge reaction cos it's Kaji in this sorta tight red leotard so you can see... everything(!), to say he'll defeat Orlando and make a fool out of him in wrestling. They mention Rosalind and Celia who then promptly come on stage and as they 'talk', Charles comes up to the stage and sits between them xD it's pretty funny.
*Changes:
10.14 (= October 14th): When Oliver offers Charles money, he offers him about 6 bills and Charles keeps following the money that Oliver offers him with his eyes and tries to grab them - it was pretty funny. Also at the end Charles smacks down his Red Bull can multiple times before leaving.
10.18/20/21/24: Oliver has only one note and puts it in Charles mouth. Also Charles now twists and scrunches the can up.
10.24: Charles drink has changed to Monster xD
3. As soon as the two guys leave, Celia and Rosalind become the main stage. They talk about how they should make men fall in love with them for fun and not fall for someone seriously. Makita's entrance is really great, he sneaks in from the back and when the girls notice him he does this funny leg kick. There's a moment too where Touchstone mentions beards and Celia is like 'I have a beard?!' runs to Rosalind who speaks in a super deep voice to Touchstone 'what are you talking about?!' xD
4. Wrestling - I REALLY like the cheoregraphy for this fight! I think Tomo and Kaji has really good chemistry and the action is not only enjoyable but it's rather funny too. Also, Kaji does a cart wheel during the fight and everyone (always) is like 'woooooooh'.
When Rosalind and Orlando finally meet is so cute! It's overexgerated and Tomo is SO cute!! And it's funny at the end when Rosalind gives him the necklace and she's like 'think of me' and he's so lovey dovey and goes all these cute gestures <3
In this scene we have a lot of characters but I want to talk about Le Beau: I love Endo as Le Beau! Correct me if I'm wrong but Endo plays him VERY gay. At the end of this scene it's only him and Orlando and he's like 'if you'd like, tonight is a very good night, would you mind accompaning (he uses 'tsukiatte' which can mean to both 'to go out with (with friends to a place)' and 'to go out with (as in dating)') me?' and Orlando is like 'thank you but goodbye!' really quickly and Le Beau begins to go off stage but looks back at Orlando one last time before finally leaving <3 Le Beau defo has a thing for Orlando <3 I ship it! I really like Endo's performance here as I already said.
5. Being Exiled - Now we get to the part where Celia and Rosalind talk about Orlando and the King storms in to tell Rosalind to get out. This scene is great because as he's trying to explain to Celia why he wants Rosaling out, the musician's music just gets louder and louder until he yells 'STOP IT! I'm at the important part! I'm trying talk! This is important...' and then as he goes to leave at the end the musicians mess up with the music and the King storms off again - it's very funny. Then Cela decides to join Rosalind and Rosalind decides to dress as a man call Ganimead.
6. Orlando's House - this scene is funny because of what Adam does with the flashlight; he puts it under his chin like he's telling a horror story. Tomo is so cute in this scene where he finally accepts Adams money but to use it together and he helps Adam's down the steps as they exit out the right exit door.
7. King's Place with Le Beau - this is a funny scene because of the amount of times Le Beau goes to leaves but the king keeps talking so he keeps coming back (xD) and the King at the end plays some super dramatic music which is great. The King actor also sometimes sat down if one of the middle rows' seats was empty and obviously the girls were nervous >.<
8. The Forest of Arden - just simply see Rosalind's father enjoy life in the forest and Jacques is hiding behind a wall as so he can hear the Singer; Amiens.
9. Rosalind and Celia get to the forest - the two notable things here are; when they're trying to get Collin to sell them a house and he's adament he won't do it but then Celia lifts up her skirt and he changes his mind. The other scene is that before they meet Collin, he's sat on the ground sniffing a sheeps butt (it's a balloon).
10. Amiens sings in the forest and Jacques followes him - I like how Jacques is like 'Sing more! More!!' after Amiens finishes his song, Jacques talks about an idiot (Touchstone) running in the forest and then faces the audience and says 'and I know idiots like Ikemen! Listen to me now! I'll never go back to who I was!!' and at this point Yamada brings a poster of Kaji from Merchant of Venice to the front of the stage and Kaji is like 'I'll never go back to this so just accept it! NEVER!!!' and then he punches the poster -- it's the best scene ever! On the 14th he very aggressively punched through the poster, but on 18th he did one very strong punch and last on the 20th/21st/24th he did a swift punch. It was hilarious xD
11. Orlando and Adam reach the forest but Adam cannot walk any further - Tomo piggybacks Adam out to the left exit.
12. The gathering - we start with Amiens singing properly for the first time - the actor can sing pretty well! And the forest people set up for the evening meal and such when Tomo runs onto the stage with a knife and threatens them. When they learn he just wants food the Duke, Yamada and Kaji all through their plastic food at him. And Kaji ALWAYS threw SUPER hard and it would make a massive sound as it hit the set and it sounded super painful whenever they managed to hit TOmo xD
Then we get to Jacques monologue - I REALLY, really, really love this monologue! It has so much passion and expression in it and it's really emotional! I didn't notice on the 14th but on the 18th I noticed Kaji had really teared up at the end of his monologue! I found that very touching <3
Then Orlando comes back with the old man and tells his story.
13. Now we're back with the King and this time Oliver is on the bad side of the King's temper.
14. Orlando writes love letters all over the forest. THIS scene guys! The first day I watched this and we see Tomo come down the steps and to Row A Seat 18's side and GIVES the girl directly a poem?!?! And then goes about the theatre giving out more poems?!?! Holy moly you guys!! I was dying!!! I was in Row D Seat 18 on the first day and was WAY too nervous so I let the girl next to me get Tomo's letter.
*Changes:
21. Touchstone and Audrey - This is a hilarious scene and personally I think Endo plays a wonderful woman. He knows how to represent a woman who has attitude - can't help but him asking his wife for advice on whether he's playing the role right or not xD. I think he plays Audrey really sassy and his version of a woma actually reminds me of people I know or at least parts of them so kudos to him. Also, during this scene Endo always has actual food but on the 24th, I felt he really went overboard on the spitting of food xD was amsuing but I was worried when he came my way (I was front row for the 24th) and worried he'd accidently spit some out on me xD Also I don't care what others think but I think Endo is super handsome! Even in this role xD
22. Silvuis and Phoebe come in and Silvius is trying to get Phoebe's attention but she's having none of it. Silvius cries (all so cutely) in a corner and says 'Hanyun' when he's weeping xD Rosalind can't stand to see her treat Silvius like shit so steps in to tell her a few facts about how ugly she is and such but Phoebe ends up for for her (cos she think's Rosalind is a he). Once Rosalind and co are gone, Phoebe tells Silvius that she hates him but he still wants to be with her and Phoebe plans to write a letter to Rosalind and thus they leave.
23. Enter Rosalind, Celia and Jacques, and finally Orlando comes late but greets her all so cheerfully (see below), Jacques doesn't get it and leaves quickly. Because Orlando was late, Rosalind has a go at him but he apologises but has to go again and promises he'll be back in two hours and that they're marry.
24. Killed a dear and Amiens sings.
25. Rosalind and Celia wait for Orlando but Silvius turns up with a letter. Orlando's brother shows up who falls for Celia. And tells of the story as to why Orlando is not here. Rosalind ends up fainting and Oliver tries to pick her up but as he lifts her up from behind, his hand cup around her breasts and take a really good squeeze for everyone to see xD The audience and Rosalind's reaction is always amazing at this moment <3
27. Oliver and Orlando come with his banged up arm. Rosalind and Celia turn up, Oliver leaves. Silvious and phoebe come in and it starts to get real crazy.
Rosalind turns up (still as Genimead) as well as everyone else and reminds everyone to keep their promises then Rosalind and Cela run up the stairs and off stage.
While Rosalind and Celia are off stage Touchstone takes the center stage to talk about the 7 reasons as to why he fell for Audrey, even though she's super ugly and he knows it, BUT unfortunately, even after 5 watches, I still don't understand this segment. BUT on the 21st he fluffed up this part royally and everyone was just making fun of him cos he just couldn't say the lines right nor quick enough xD which was nice.
And finally Rosalind and Celia come out in Wedding Dresses and seriously every freaking time I cry. Maechan is WAY too beautiful as a woman AND every time I see Orlando/Tomo's reaction to Rosalind in that dress! He cries! And of course I cry along with him! Also on the first day Tomo's reaction looked real genuine but must be part of the character but DAMN I really hope they are dating! And I hope it was his genuine reaction! XD
At the end of the curtain call on the 18th, Tomo was looking for someone in the crowd - turns out Seto had come that day, no wonder Tomo was looking xD
*PS. I've defo fucked up the order of the scenes but you get the jist!
General Comments
No microphones are used except for the instruments and Amiens singing.
Live music is played by two musicians throughout the entirty of the play which is super nice! Also Suzuko Souma sings a lot which is natural for his character of Amiens and he does really great!
The comedy is perfect. I didn't stop giggling even after 5 watches! Also my heart didn't stop racing on the first day, the day Kaji sat next to me and on the last day I went because I was in that ONE special seat <3
There's so much interaction across the theatre and with the audiences which is really nice!
And they made some Osomatsu jokes. Particularly about Audrey being Osomatsu's ugly sister xD
Okubou interested me during this play. I really liked him as Silvius and I love when he's the chicken and his facial expression of unsatisfaction is hilarious during the sheep scene he's in. Also his really cute 'hannyun' crying as Silvius is adorable!
10/18 Lots of falling up the same stairs today with the King and Yamada in a dress. The crowd were more noisy and reactive this day.
Critical Comments
After seeing this 5 times, I think I have some sort of space where I'm allowed to talk about the actual script and structure of this play.
Oliver could've been completely left out; I really don't think he was needed, sorry Mikami, but they could've just mentioned the brother in passing and it not have made any difference to the script and main story really. I also feel that maybe they should've just cut out Touchstone and Audrey but seeing Endo like that is too fabulous to seriously want to cut out xD
Also there were no adlib changes throughout the entire 5 shows; which makes watching it 5 times very predictable and a little boring so I wish D-Stage was a bit more 2.5 Theatre and had something different at least for one little scene every day. Just to make the going back a little more worth while.
Also I would've cut down Rosalind's parts because she had a LOT of moment of just talking straight for like 10 minutes and it was a little bit of a drag. Would've been nice to cut that down a little.
But that's all I really have to complain about xD
AfterTalks
20th: Jinnai, Yamada, Kaji, Director and Scriptwriter
21st: Araki, Shuuto and Tomo
They took out the poems they got and Tomo took them and gave them to the people at the front instead xD
24th: Arai and Mitsuya and Okubou
GOODS
---
And there we have it! I should really be more organised. I should write one review and just add to it as I go through the performances... but I didn't do that so I had a mass of notes in DATE order rather than story order xD
Enjoy!
Before the play I obviously read the actual Shakespearian play and while it took me a few acts to get used to the language again, I had no problem understanding it which is awesome! But I was super surprised at how many people hadn't read Shakespeare! Like people were ridiculously shocked at some moments and I was like 'read the book! How have you not read the book?!?!' but I kinda have to remember that Shakespeare isn't in the school cirriculum here... but still! Don't people usually read the adapted books before they see something?!?!?! Or again, is that just me?
Luckily the play follows the script rather faithfully and even more luckily is that in Japanese? They use SUPER modern and simple Japanese, unlike the Shakespearian language, so the stage was easy to understand too! ^_^
Some pictures from the performances can be found here and here.
CAST/CHARACTERS
Yanagishita Tomo - Orlando
Maeyama Takahisa - Rosalind
Nishii Yukito - Celia
Makita Tetsuya - Touchstone
Kaji Masaki - Charles // Jacques
Mikami Shinji - Oliver // Collin
Endo Yuya - Le Beau // Forest Guy // Audrey
Yamada Yusuke - Forest Guy // Phoebe // Priest
Ishida Keisuke - Adam // William
Matsuo Kiji - Duke Frederick // Duke Senior
Suzuki Souma - Lord Amiens // Haymen
Okubou Shoutarou - Silvius
I'll go through the story and such and the scenes in as much order as I can and then I'll do little sections between where things changes as I went through the performances... make sense? I hope it did xD
I'll go through the story and such and the scenes in as much order as I can and then I'll do little sections between where things changes as I went through the performances... make sense? I hope it did xD
So first thing which surprised me is that when I walked in, BAM(!) Tomo is stood at the front of the stage looking straight at me. Every performance from doors opening the actors would be on stage preparing. First it would be Tomo-Mae-Nishi, Then Mikami would come on and soon after Tomo would leave, but then Kaji-Yamada-Okubo-Endo-Yamada would come on and they would probably laugh and talk amongst themselves or they would start to play games (like wink murder or this game where you have to say 'shashashashasha jijijijiji' which always killed me xD And during this opening, Mae, Nishii, Mikami would leave. Finally Mikami, Mae and Nishi would come back on, Mikami was in charge of telling the audience to turn their phones off etc. and finally the Duke Senior would come on in full clothing and the show would begin.
10/18 (= October 18th) Tomo's control of handstands is amazing! He would do cartwheels and handstands on the stage (he did it another few times too during the performances I watched). Today they played the whistle song was hilarious xD One of the guys couldn't actually whistle! We all lost it >.< also, Nishi really does remind me of my sister xD
10/20 Probably because they saw me, they would start saying (in English) 'Who are you?! I'm Celia! I'm Orlando!' etc. Nishi cannot pronounce Celia in English to save his life, he said SHEEEElia instead xD totally cute. But everyone in the audience laughed so it's not just be who knew it sounded wrong.
10/24 Tomo had even MORE control over his handstands this day. And they did the English thing again xD Also Yamada told Kaji and Okubou that he'd gotten his nose hairs (ripped) taken out and Kaji was like 'that's bad! You no long have a forest to protect you from germs getting inside... what if you sneeze?!' which is actually a very valid point but also amusing to hear.
We first begin with the music and those on stage would do a clapping opening. I can't really explain it but I really enjoy the scene a lot! (I just checked the script one last time and yes it follows the play exactly - although I feel an Audrey/Touchstone scene got moved up but that's about it, so I'm not gunna explain much of the actual scenes, you can read scene summaries for that!)
1. Orlando opening - I really love how Yamada and Okubou play the chickens here and when Orlando gets angry Okubou's chicken is like 'Gomen~ / I'm sorry' it's super cute!) They made the chicken sounds all themselves too! I really like the comedy in this scene were Oliver tries to one up his younger brother but his brother is stronger and brings him to his knees and more (as you can see from below).
2. Introduction to Celia and Rosalind - Orlando's brother Oliver is pissed and Charles the wrestler comes on, which usually gets a huge reaction cos it's Kaji in this sorta tight red leotard so you can see... everything(!), to say he'll defeat Orlando and make a fool out of him in wrestling. They mention Rosalind and Celia who then promptly come on stage and as they 'talk', Charles comes up to the stage and sits between them xD it's pretty funny.
*Changes:
10.14 (= October 14th): When Oliver offers Charles money, he offers him about 6 bills and Charles keeps following the money that Oliver offers him with his eyes and tries to grab them - it was pretty funny. Also at the end Charles smacks down his Red Bull can multiple times before leaving.
10.18/20/21/24: Oliver has only one note and puts it in Charles mouth. Also Charles now twists and scrunches the can up.
10.24: Charles drink has changed to Monster xD
3. As soon as the two guys leave, Celia and Rosalind become the main stage. They talk about how they should make men fall in love with them for fun and not fall for someone seriously. Makita's entrance is really great, he sneaks in from the back and when the girls notice him he does this funny leg kick. There's a moment too where Touchstone mentions beards and Celia is like 'I have a beard?!' runs to Rosalind who speaks in a super deep voice to Touchstone 'what are you talking about?!' xD
4. Wrestling - I REALLY like the cheoregraphy for this fight! I think Tomo and Kaji has really good chemistry and the action is not only enjoyable but it's rather funny too. Also, Kaji does a cart wheel during the fight and everyone (always) is like 'woooooooh'.
When Rosalind and Orlando finally meet is so cute! It's overexgerated and Tomo is SO cute!! And it's funny at the end when Rosalind gives him the necklace and she's like 'think of me' and he's so lovey dovey and goes all these cute gestures <3
In this scene we have a lot of characters but I want to talk about Le Beau: I love Endo as Le Beau! Correct me if I'm wrong but Endo plays him VERY gay. At the end of this scene it's only him and Orlando and he's like 'if you'd like, tonight is a very good night, would you mind accompaning (he uses 'tsukiatte' which can mean to both 'to go out with (with friends to a place)' and 'to go out with (as in dating)') me?' and Orlando is like 'thank you but goodbye!' really quickly and Le Beau begins to go off stage but looks back at Orlando one last time before finally leaving <3 Le Beau defo has a thing for Orlando <3 I ship it! I really like Endo's performance here as I already said.
5. Being Exiled - Now we get to the part where Celia and Rosalind talk about Orlando and the King storms in to tell Rosalind to get out. This scene is great because as he's trying to explain to Celia why he wants Rosaling out, the musician's music just gets louder and louder until he yells 'STOP IT! I'm at the important part! I'm trying talk! This is important...' and then as he goes to leave at the end the musicians mess up with the music and the King storms off again - it's very funny. Then Cela decides to join Rosalind and Rosalind decides to dress as a man call Ganimead.
6. Orlando's House - this scene is funny because of what Adam does with the flashlight; he puts it under his chin like he's telling a horror story. Tomo is so cute in this scene where he finally accepts Adams money but to use it together and he helps Adam's down the steps as they exit out the right exit door.
7. King's Place with Le Beau - this is a funny scene because of the amount of times Le Beau goes to leaves but the king keeps talking so he keeps coming back (xD) and the King at the end plays some super dramatic music which is great. The King actor also sometimes sat down if one of the middle rows' seats was empty and obviously the girls were nervous >.<
8. The Forest of Arden - just simply see Rosalind's father enjoy life in the forest and Jacques is hiding behind a wall as so he can hear the Singer; Amiens.
9. Rosalind and Celia get to the forest - the two notable things here are; when they're trying to get Collin to sell them a house and he's adament he won't do it but then Celia lifts up her skirt and he changes his mind. The other scene is that before they meet Collin, he's sat on the ground sniffing a sheeps butt (it's a balloon).
10. Amiens sings in the forest and Jacques followes him - I like how Jacques is like 'Sing more! More!!' after Amiens finishes his song, Jacques talks about an idiot (Touchstone) running in the forest and then faces the audience and says 'and I know idiots like Ikemen! Listen to me now! I'll never go back to who I was!!' and at this point Yamada brings a poster of Kaji from Merchant of Venice to the front of the stage and Kaji is like 'I'll never go back to this so just accept it! NEVER!!!' and then he punches the poster -- it's the best scene ever! On the 14th he very aggressively punched through the poster, but on 18th he did one very strong punch and last on the 20th/21st/24th he did a swift punch. It was hilarious xD
11. Orlando and Adam reach the forest but Adam cannot walk any further - Tomo piggybacks Adam out to the left exit.
12. The gathering - we start with Amiens singing properly for the first time - the actor can sing pretty well! And the forest people set up for the evening meal and such when Tomo runs onto the stage with a knife and threatens them. When they learn he just wants food the Duke, Yamada and Kaji all through their plastic food at him. And Kaji ALWAYS threw SUPER hard and it would make a massive sound as it hit the set and it sounded super painful whenever they managed to hit TOmo xD
Then we get to Jacques monologue - I REALLY, really, really love this monologue! It has so much passion and expression in it and it's really emotional! I didn't notice on the 14th but on the 18th I noticed Kaji had really teared up at the end of his monologue! I found that very touching <3
Then Orlando comes back with the old man and tells his story.
13. Now we're back with the King and this time Oliver is on the bad side of the King's temper.
14. Orlando writes love letters all over the forest. THIS scene guys! The first day I watched this and we see Tomo come down the steps and to Row A Seat 18's side and GIVES the girl directly a poem?!?! And then goes about the theatre giving out more poems?!?! Holy moly you guys!! I was dying!!! I was in Row D Seat 18 on the first day and was WAY too nervous so I let the girl next to me get Tomo's letter.
*Changes:
18th: As he got to the back of the theatre, people had taken their arms down thinking he wouldn't come over and he was like '木が元気じゃなくなった / the trees are no longer in a good mood?!'
21st Tomo slipped down the stair a little as he came down and said 'ow' and then professionally continued. It was so cute xD and it absolutely killed me, I couldn't stop laughing which is rude of me but it's that whole thing of 'you watch someone for so long that they feel more like a friend than an actor or a nobody so I was essentially seeing a friend fuck up and I always laugh when my friends do something wrong, so my reaction was just a natural reaction from me - is this a British humour thing? Laughing at others misfortunes? I would've been worried if he's hurt himself but it really was just a little step slip, nothing serious. ANYWAY! Then he went to the back and noticed Shuuto and Araki and was like 'wow it's Araki! *gives him a letter* and Shuuto!! *gives him a letter too*'.
Tomo handed paper to girl in the front and also to those who raised their hands
24th: Luckily I got Row A, Seat 18 and you know what that means!!!! Tomo approached and gave the love letter to directly!!! I was SO fecking nervous, my hear was beating so hard(!) Tomo looked me straight in the eyes (he has such beautiful eyes seriously) as he came down the stairs and I took the paper and he held my hand out and my hands were ICE cold! Sorry Tomo!!! But omg!!! Ohhh myyyy... I'm done, I need nothing else now! xD
You see this?!!??!!? Can you see that VERY faint love heart also?!?!!?! *dead*
19. Collin and Touchstone are talking on stage while Collin tends to his sheep (who are being played by Yamada and Okubou dressed in kigurumis - pretty much this exact one:
I really like this scene! It's so funny! Every time Touchstone says something that Collin doesn't like, the sheep look at Touchstone with completely hilarious bitch faces and go 'meeeerrrrr'. Seriously Okubou's 'bitch please' and unimpressed face is freaking hilarious! I love it! And then there was another scene which at first, I thought Okubou was making out with Yamada(!) BUT it was just him Yamada playing the female and Okubo's sheep is going to him for milk. But during this scene Yamada looks really impressed with himself and even pulls his hood down XD
14th/18th: There's one point where Touchstone is trying to explain something and the sheep are ganging up on him so on these days he stood on the benchs that are to the side of the stage. On the 20th and 24th: He tries to punch them back with his hands against their heads and he did well in almost getting Yamada up from his head xD
There's another point towards the end where Collin has his back to Touchstone and his sheep and it's at this point where the sheep stand up to attack Touchstone but go back to normal before Collin turns around xD
20. Rosalind reads the poem and so does Celia. Rosalind's reaction when Celia tells her it's Orlando that wrote the letters is so funny! Very true to a fangirl/in love reaction xD Then Orlando and Jacques enter, Kaji is carrying around a paper bag with his poster smack on the front of it for comedy, and they hide behind the wall (see below pic) and when Orlando mentions his love for Rosalind she squeals and hides more xD Then she finally gets the courage to talk to him and Rosalind (obviously as Ganimead) tells Orlando that she will help him get over his sickness of love and to become a better man.
24th: Luckily I got Row A, Seat 18 and you know what that means!!!! Tomo approached and gave the love letter to directly!!! I was SO fecking nervous, my hear was beating so hard(!) Tomo looked me straight in the eyes (he has such beautiful eyes seriously) as he came down the stairs and I took the paper and he held my hand out and my hands were ICE cold! Sorry Tomo!!! But omg!!! Ohhh myyyy... I'm done, I need nothing else now! xD
You see this?!!??!!? Can you see that VERY faint love heart also?!?!!?! *dead*
19. Collin and Touchstone are talking on stage while Collin tends to his sheep (who are being played by Yamada and Okubou dressed in kigurumis - pretty much this exact one:
I really like this scene! It's so funny! Every time Touchstone says something that Collin doesn't like, the sheep look at Touchstone with completely hilarious bitch faces and go 'meeeerrrrr'. Seriously Okubou's 'bitch please' and unimpressed face is freaking hilarious! I love it! And then there was another scene which at first, I thought Okubou was making out with Yamada(!) BUT it was just him Yamada playing the female and Okubo's sheep is going to him for milk. But during this scene Yamada looks really impressed with himself and even pulls his hood down XD
14th/18th: There's one point where Touchstone is trying to explain something and the sheep are ganging up on him so on these days he stood on the benchs that are to the side of the stage. On the 20th and 24th: He tries to punch them back with his hands against their heads and he did well in almost getting Yamada up from his head xD
There's another point towards the end where Collin has his back to Touchstone and his sheep and it's at this point where the sheep stand up to attack Touchstone but go back to normal before Collin turns around xD
20. Rosalind reads the poem and so does Celia. Rosalind's reaction when Celia tells her it's Orlando that wrote the letters is so funny! Very true to a fangirl/in love reaction xD Then Orlando and Jacques enter, Kaji is carrying around a paper bag with his poster smack on the front of it for comedy, and they hide behind the wall (see below pic) and when Orlando mentions his love for Rosalind she squeals and hides more xD Then she finally gets the courage to talk to him and Rosalind (obviously as Ganimead) tells Orlando that she will help him get over his sickness of love and to become a better man.
21. Touchstone and Audrey - This is a hilarious scene and personally I think Endo plays a wonderful woman. He knows how to represent a woman who has attitude - can't help but him asking his wife for advice on whether he's playing the role right or not xD. I think he plays Audrey really sassy and his version of a woma actually reminds me of people I know or at least parts of them so kudos to him. Also, during this scene Endo always has actual food but on the 24th, I felt he really went overboard on the spitting of food xD was amsuing but I was worried when he came my way (I was front row for the 24th) and worried he'd accidently spit some out on me xD Also I don't care what others think but I think Endo is super handsome! Even in this role xD
22. Silvuis and Phoebe come in and Silvius is trying to get Phoebe's attention but she's having none of it. Silvius cries (all so cutely) in a corner and says 'Hanyun' when he's weeping xD Rosalind can't stand to see her treat Silvius like shit so steps in to tell her a few facts about how ugly she is and such but Phoebe ends up for for her (cos she think's Rosalind is a he). Once Rosalind and co are gone, Phoebe tells Silvius that she hates him but he still wants to be with her and Phoebe plans to write a letter to Rosalind and thus they leave.
23. Enter Rosalind, Celia and Jacques, and finally Orlando comes late but greets her all so cheerfully (see below), Jacques doesn't get it and leaves quickly. Because Orlando was late, Rosalind has a go at him but he apologises but has to go again and promises he'll be back in two hours and that they're marry.
24. Killed a dear and Amiens sings.
25. Rosalind and Celia wait for Orlando but Silvius turns up with a letter. Orlando's brother shows up who falls for Celia. And tells of the story as to why Orlando is not here. Rosalind ends up fainting and Oliver tries to pick her up but as he lifts her up from behind, his hand cup around her breasts and take a really good squeeze for everyone to see xD The audience and Rosalind's reaction is always amazing at this moment <3
26. Touchstone, Audrey, the priest and Jacques's interruption. Kaji actually sneaks in and sits on Row D Seat 1 for most of this scene, chuckling to himself before speaking out.
10/18 Kaji was two seats away from me!!! Dokidoki.
10/20 Kaji really WAS next to me! Starred me straight in my eyes as he spoke! And luckily I'd pulled my glasses down a bit when I looked at him so I must've looked a little impressed at him line, although no bloody idea what he said xD
10/18 Kaji was two seats away from me!!! Dokidoki.
10/20 Kaji really WAS next to me! Starred me straight in my eyes as he spoke! And luckily I'd pulled my glasses down a bit when I looked at him so I must've looked a little impressed at him line, although no bloody idea what he said xD
27. Oliver and Orlando come with his banged up arm. Rosalind and Celia turn up, Oliver leaves. Silvious and phoebe come in and it starts to get real crazy.
28. Touchstone, Audrey, William. William as in William Shakes xD This is just a short cute scene with no real menaing but Endo's sassiness is great!
29. The wedding is set up by Celia and Oliver who dance around and set the stage up while Amein sings and it's great funny and very hilarious.
On the 20th however, when Nishi did his big jump, his wig on the top came off and luckily it kinda works in this moment and in this kind of play (because he supposed to be playing Celia who's pretending to be Alina) so everyone was happy wetting themselves with laughter.
29. The wedding is set up by Celia and Oliver who dance around and set the stage up while Amein sings and it's great funny and very hilarious.
On the 20th however, when Nishi did his big jump, his wig on the top came off and luckily it kinda works in this moment and in this kind of play (because he supposed to be playing Celia who's pretending to be Alina) so everyone was happy wetting themselves with laughter.
Rosalind turns up (still as Genimead) as well as everyone else and reminds everyone to keep their promises then Rosalind and Cela run up the stairs and off stage.
While Rosalind and Celia are off stage Touchstone takes the center stage to talk about the 7 reasons as to why he fell for Audrey, even though she's super ugly and he knows it, BUT unfortunately, even after 5 watches, I still don't understand this segment. BUT on the 21st he fluffed up this part royally and everyone was just making fun of him cos he just couldn't say the lines right nor quick enough xD which was nice.
And finally Rosalind and Celia come out in Wedding Dresses and seriously every freaking time I cry. Maechan is WAY too beautiful as a woman AND every time I see Orlando/Tomo's reaction to Rosalind in that dress! He cries! And of course I cry along with him! Also on the first day Tomo's reaction looked real genuine but must be part of the character but DAMN I really hope they are dating! And I hope it was his genuine reaction! XD
And thus Rosalind does a little epilogue and we finish with a clap and dance and we're done!
At the end of the curtain call on the 18th, Tomo was looking for someone in the crowd - turns out Seto had come that day, no wonder Tomo was looking xD
*PS. I've defo fucked up the order of the scenes but you get the jist!
General Comments
No microphones are used except for the instruments and Amiens singing.
Live music is played by two musicians throughout the entirty of the play which is super nice! Also Suzuko Souma sings a lot which is natural for his character of Amiens and he does really great!
The comedy is perfect. I didn't stop giggling even after 5 watches! Also my heart didn't stop racing on the first day, the day Kaji sat next to me and on the last day I went because I was in that ONE special seat <3
There's so much interaction across the theatre and with the audiences which is really nice!
And they made some Osomatsu jokes. Particularly about Audrey being Osomatsu's ugly sister xD
Okubou interested me during this play. I really liked him as Silvius and I love when he's the chicken and his facial expression of unsatisfaction is hilarious during the sheep scene he's in. Also his really cute 'hannyun' crying as Silvius is adorable!
10/18 Lots of falling up the same stairs today with the King and Yamada in a dress. The crowd were more noisy and reactive this day.
Maechan's face is flawless! Endo has nice arms! Mikami is TALLer than expected.
I really enjoy how natural and fluid Kaji's laughter sounds in this play and it wasn't until the last day (24th) that I noticed he would naturally reaction, scoff and laugh quietly whenever he was on stage to whatever was happening around him and I really appreciate that natural touch <3
I really enjoy how natural and fluid Kaji's laughter sounds in this play and it wasn't until the last day (24th) that I noticed he would naturally reaction, scoff and laugh quietly whenever he was on stage to whatever was happening around him and I really appreciate that natural touch <3
On the 18th I can't remember which scene but when Makita said a joke he looked right at me. And at the scene where he and Audrey leave through the side door, his saliva got on me >.< in fact he got Salivia on me on the 20th too xD exact same scene cos I was only one seat over.
It's surprising that even the curtain class speeches are scripted. The same pattern of Mikam speaking about thanking everyone for coming and talking about the repeater tickets and the goods, then Tomo says his thanks for everyone coming and talks about it being 400th year of Shakespeare, and the Duke's actor going 'wow it's been 400 years?!' was all scripted and occured every curtain call. Which is interesting... (same happened at Honoo no Mirage but that's a different, LONG, post xD)
It's surprising that even the curtain class speeches are scripted. The same pattern of Mikam speaking about thanking everyone for coming and talking about the repeater tickets and the goods, then Tomo says his thanks for everyone coming and talks about it being 400th year of Shakespeare, and the Duke's actor going 'wow it's been 400 years?!' was all scripted and occured every curtain call. Which is interesting... (same happened at Honoo no Mirage but that's a different, LONG, post xD)
Critical Comments
After seeing this 5 times, I think I have some sort of space where I'm allowed to talk about the actual script and structure of this play.
Oliver could've been completely left out; I really don't think he was needed, sorry Mikami, but they could've just mentioned the brother in passing and it not have made any difference to the script and main story really. I also feel that maybe they should've just cut out Touchstone and Audrey but seeing Endo like that is too fabulous to seriously want to cut out xD
Also there were no adlib changes throughout the entire 5 shows; which makes watching it 5 times very predictable and a little boring so I wish D-Stage was a bit more 2.5 Theatre and had something different at least for one little scene every day. Just to make the going back a little more worth while.
Also I would've cut down Rosalind's parts because she had a LOT of moment of just talking straight for like 10 minutes and it was a little bit of a drag. Would've been nice to cut that down a little.
But that's all I really have to complain about xD
AfterTalks
20th: Jinnai, Yamada, Kaji, Director and Scriptwriter
Jinnai liked Jacques monologue << the one I menioned I also love
Kaji sat between Yamada and Jinnai on the same small bench during this aftertalk which was cute xD
Jinnai is so handsome by the way but we all knew that <3
The after talk was super quick! I didn't realise D-Stage after talks were only like 15 minutes?!?! I'm so used to like 40 minute aftertalks! =O
Also it was difficult to hear the woman even from 4th row because she's spoke so softly and quietly - she is like 80 years old but come on, give her a mic!
21st: Araki, Shuuto and Tomo
They took out the poems they got and Tomo took them and gave them to the people at the front instead xD
Tomo asked them how it (the play) was so nervously, and Araki said that he doesn't need to compliment Tomo on his performance because he already feels that Tomo doesn't have any room for improvement and already has a solid type of acting down that he doesn't need to be told what he's good at << he said it in a much nicer way but you get the jist right! And Tomo asked if they want to try Shakespeare and if they wanted to try girl roles and they were both like (in reponse to the second question) 'nah we're okay' xD
Then seemingly Shuuto was handing out flyers at the end but I left too early and or didn't notice.
24th: Arai and Mitsuya and Okubou
Mitsuya is so precious and cute and tiny!!! I always forget how small he is til I see him in person! xD
Arai looks more than normal and I mean this in a negative way... I'm not all that interested in him anyway but seeing him out of make up and the way he looked... he's so... lazy looking and looks a little rough naturally - ANYWAY. I know some people like him so I'll stop hating.
We could hear Kaji, Yamada, Tomo and Endo talking from behind the scene and Yamada kept meeering at Okubou. Finally they came out at the end of the AfterTalk in their normal clothes and waved goodbye.
GOODS
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And there we have it! I should really be more organised. I should write one review and just add to it as I go through the performances... but I didn't do that so I had a mass of notes in DATE order rather than story order xD
Enjoy!
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