WOWOW's "Invitation to Takarazuka" delivers selected performances from the Takarazuka Revue. The December 28th program will broadcast the 2022 Snow Troupe performance "Sensational!", with former Snow Troupe top star Sakina Ayakaze and former Snow Troupe top actress Kiwa Asazuki providing audio commentary. Ahead of the broadcast, a recording report with interviews with the two and photos from the recording have been released.
"Sensational!" is the second performance for Ayakaze, who just left the Takarazuka Revue in October, after her debut at the Grand Theater. Asatsuki, who also serves as the audio commentary for the show, was Ayakaze's co-star at the time.
When the two entered the studio, they seemed worried at first, saying, "It's rare that I get to see a video of a work I starred in," but as soon as recording started, Ayakaze couldn't help but comment, "So that's what it looked like from the audience," and Asatsuki commented, "In this scene, I was watching everyone dancing from the depths of despair!" Asatsuki gave a big round of applause at the end of each scene, lightening the mood on set.
When Asami Aya, currently the top star of the Snow troupe, appeared on stage in her military uniform, Ayakaze narrowed her eyes nostalgically and commented, "She looks so cool! Military uniform really suits 'Asa' (Asami)!"
After finishing recording the audio commentary, Ayakaze commented, "I almost never have a chance to watch the works I've appeared in, so it was interesting to see how it turned out. But if I look at myself too much, I'll want to criticize myself (laughs), so I watched mainly the other girls." Asatsuki also commented, "Saki-san is right, when I look at myself, I just feel bad about myself (laughs). So I enjoyed the work itself!"
"Sensational!" is the second production for Ayakaze and Asatsuki since their debut at the Grand Theater. Ayakaze reflected, "I've been paired with Kiwa-chan ever since I came to the Snow Troupe as a second-in-command, so even when we were paired again as the top pair, it didn't feel like we were meeting for the first time at all, it just felt like "the usual Asatsuki Kiwa-san" (laughs). It was only when I heard that that I thought, "Oh, it's our second production." I felt like she was my wife who had been by my side for so many years."
In response, Asatsuki looked nostalgic as she reminisced, "As I was watching the duet dance, I remembered all the things Saki said to me at the rehearsal studio and on the final day. At the time, my personal theme for the entire show was 'giving it my all until I collapse', but through this show, Saki taught me once again how difficult it is to continue doing that."
When asked about their favorite scenes, Asatsuki answered without hesitation, "Saki was very sexy in the prologue, I loved it!" She emphasized, "The outfit, with the tie, gloves, hat, etc., was really wonderful overall, and the way she danced and presented herself was really sexy... I think it's a scene worth watching!"
Ayakaze said, "It's the finale, when I sing 'I've Got You Under My Skin' accompanied by male actors in black tailcoats. The bob wig was lovely and the wine-red costume suited me well. It was like, 'We've gathered all kinds of good-looking men!' I wanted to do it myself (laughs)." She then looked at Asatsuki and laughed.
Regarding the highlights of the program, Ayakaze said, "It's rare that people can see past works while taking into account various episodes like this, so I hope that those who actually come to see the show will enjoy it. Also, the works will be completely different depending on the troupe, and I think the collaboration between the teacher in charge of the show and the troupe is one of the highlights, so I hope you enjoy it."
Asatsuki sent the message, "I'm sure all Takarazuka fans are eagerly awaiting commentary from Saki, who has now graduated, so I hope you will enjoy listening to the audio commentary. For those who are seeing Takarazuka for the first time, I think the shows are what make Takarazuka unique, so I hope you enjoy the splendor. In particular, there is a lot of group dancing in 'Sensational!' and it is a show that is still packed with content even when watched now, so I hope you will enjoy it to the fullest."
"Invitation to Takarazuka 'Sensational!' - With audio commentary by Ayakaze Sakina and Asazuki Nozomi" will be broadcast on WOWOW Live from 3:45 pm on December 28th.
