Keiko Toda: Reflecting on a Hectic Yet Fulfilling Summer, Part 2: A New York Theater Immersion!
Keiko Toda | Looking Back on a Hectic Yet Fulfilling Summer, Part 2
A New York Theater Extravaganza!
This year, I managed to secure a week off, thankfully! Refresh, relax, reset!! From July 10th to 16th, I was, of course, in my beloved New York, catching shows. This time, I departed from Haneda Airport for the first time. As usual, I worked until the very last minute the night before, then rushed to pack for my early morning flight on the 10th. I didn't sleep a wink before heading to Haneda and boarding the plane, but I slept soundly on board, and it felt like the shortest flight I've ever taken.
By Keiko Toda
IN New York!
I saw six shows this time: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I left New York on Friday and returned on Saturday. Then, it was back to work on Sunday (laughs). Despite such a demanding schedule, I was thoroughly satisfied with my New York trip this year! The Broadway offerings were plentiful, and with the Tony Awards having just passed, the city was buzzing with energy. Tickets were hard to come by. I spent a fortune... (cries).
On July 10th (Sunday), I saw 'Anything Goes.' It's a revival musical, but Sutton Foster, who won her second Tony Award for Best Actress in this role, was simply stunning with her beautiful appearance, powerful voice, flawless breath control, and that triumphant smirk (laughs). I myself appeared in the Toho musical starring Mao Daichi many years ago, so this production holds many fond memories for me.
On July 11th (Monday), I went to 'PRISCILLA.' Since most shows are dark on Mondays, this was the only one playing on Broadway, so it was a natural choice. The costumes were spectacular, and the child actors were incredibly cute! It was deeply moving.
Hotel 'SOFITEL'
'HOW TO SUCCEED'
'CATCH ME IF YOU CAN'
On July 12th, I had lunch at the Hotel 'SOFITEL.' It's the same hotel where the former IMF chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, stayed and caused a stir recently (laughs). Afterwards, I saw 'HOW TO SUCCEED.' I was surprised by how excellent Daniel Radcliffe was, both in singing and dancing. Of course, he's a skilled actor, and he was full of playful charm! Since everyone has seen the 'Harry Potter' series, the audience seemed to be watching him with a parental affection (laughs).
My top pick of the trip!
On July 13th (Wednesday), I attended 'War House,' the only straight play I saw this time. I didn't understand a word of the dialogue. But I really wanted to see it. This British production won five Tony Awards this year. It was exquisitely beautiful, in true British fashion. On the same day, I also saw 'CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.' Norbert Leo Butz, who won his second Tony Award for Best Actor, was simply divine. Although it was a matinee performance, he gave it his all. This was my top pick of the trip.
War House
THE BOOK of Mormon
On July 14th (Thursday), my final day, I went to see 'THE BOOK of Mormon.' This was the highlight of my trip. It's a musical that won nine awards at the Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Like 'War House,' tickets were difficult to obtain. The play was outrageously fun, the songs were superb, and I left feeling exhilarated.
My time off ended in the blink of an eye. This year, there were so many excellent shows that I still feel I didn't see enough. I'm already itching to go back! This year, I was able to travel enjoyably with my childhood friend, Yuji Mitsuya, who has grown (and gained a little weight) a bit (laughs). I slept, I watched, I watched, I slept. New York is still New York, but with the determination to work hard so I can go again, I returned home on the 16th. Refresh, relax, reset! I did it!!
—The next installment, "Looking Back on a Hectic Yet Fulfilling Summer, Part 3," is scheduled for release next week on October 19th (Wednesday). Stay tuned!