Lounge
March 12, 2015
Keiko Toda: A Whirlwind Final Stretch to 2012, From Singing to Drama to Theatergoing
Keiko Toda | Autumn to Winter, a Playback of Her Furious Final Sprint
Looking Back on a Fulfilling Latter Half of 2012: Singing, Dramas, and Theatergoing (Part 1)
Actresses' ROUTE 55 Anniversary Live in Septemberwas so incredibly fun that afterwards, I worried I might be left feeling empty and hollow... and sure enough, I was in a daze for a while (laughs). But work, of course, didn't stop chasing after me. So, here I reflect on the furious days I spent rushing through work and private life from autumn to the end of the year.
Text by KEIKO TODA
Dramas, Music Shows, Mini-Live Concerts, and a First-Time Skydiving Challenge on a Company Trip After Two Years!
ROUTE 55 Anniversary LiveAfter that, I went with director Yukihiko Tsutsumi, who directed the live performance, to film a special program in Gifu, and held mini-live concerts and autograph sessions in Tokyo and Nagoya, working hard like a new singer. Then, I started filming the drama 'Akutō' and co-starred with Tetsu Ya and Hideaki Takizawa. I played the role of a detective agency's office clerk, but I thought I'd want to work with zero lateness and zero absences if I were in a company with such 'scenic' gentlemen (laughs).
Mini-Live Concert & Autograph Session
I also appeared on NHK's 'Kayō Concert.' This was my second appearance, about five years after 'Tsuyogari.' The program requested a vibrant rendition of 'Ie e Oide yo,' so I had a separate rehearsal with the dancers and it was quite hectic from the morning of the broadcast. While most singers barely moved, I was the only one... (laughs). From positioning to everything else, it was chaos. During the camera rehearsal, I was suddenly told to go up the back stairs immediately after the talk, and it was chaos again.
Drama 'Akutō'
NHK 'Kayō Concert'
From morning until the live broadcast, I rehearsed multiple times with full voice during sound checks, camera rehearsals, and stage blocking. My energy was slightly lower during the actual performance (laughs). But I had a lot of fun and received a lot of positive feedback. People said it was like a musical, or that the program became more vibrant. Notably, actress Eri Watanabe emailed me immediately after watching it at home, saying, 'Keiko-san! That was wonderful!' which made me very happy. After all,Released an Album After a Long TimeI released an album after a long time, and received many interviews from newspapers and magazines.
Skydiving
And then, the company trip after two years. It was a trip to reward everyone. Considering the global situation, we avoided Asia and went to Guam. It had been a while since I last visited Guam, and my impression was 'It's so humid and hot!' making me think 'Hawaii is still the best.' But this time, perhaps due to the season, the humidity wasn't too noticeable. More importantly, on a staff member's suggestion, I tried skydiving! Why hadn't I realized this was an option before, even in Hawaii or Australia? (laughs)! Diving from 4,200 meters in the air was, of course, absolutely amazing.
We enjoyed the trip, eating at local cafes in Guam, which was fully decorated for Halloween, watching dolphin watching tours, and fire shows. Next, I'm thinking of going to Bhutan.
Keiko Toda | Autumn to Winter, a Playback of Her Furious Final Sprint
Looking Back on a Fulfilling Latter Half of 2012: Singing, Dramas, and Theatergoing (Part 2)
This is Why You Can't Quit Broadway!!
Our Annual New York Theatergoing Tourwas also undertaken! This year, I took 8 nights and 10 days off... or rather, I fought to secure them! My schedule, including stage performances, is decided far in advance, so I request time off in the available slots (laughs). I cause trouble here and there... (Sorry!!).
New York Theatergoing Schedule
November 20 (Tue) "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" $137
November 21 (Wed) Matinee "Chaplin" $135.5
Evening "Newsies" $227
November 22 (Thu) "A Christmas Story" $159
November 23 (Fri) Matinee "Evita" $157
Evening "Nice Work If You Can Get It" $147
November 24 (Sat) Matinee "Bring It On" $125
Evening "Spider-Man" $159.5
November 25 (Sun) Matinee "Scandalous" $137
Evening "Bare" $89.75
November 26 (Mon) "The Phantom of the Opera" $137
November 27 (Tue) "Once" $150
The ticket prices alone add up to quite a sum (laughs). This time, because it coincided with Thanksgiving, there were more irregular matinee performances than usual, allowing me to see more shows than ever. It felt like rigorous training (laughs). For 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' on the first day, I was of course there to see Chita Rivera, but she didn't dance. While I thought it was a wasted casting opportunity, I still felt her passion just by appearing on stage.
For those planning to visit New York soon, I recommend the new productions: 'Chaplin,' 'Newsies,' and 'Scandalous.' 'Chaplin' depicts the turbulent life of the silent film king, Charlie Chaplin. The stage design, starting with black and white film, and the opening costumes were also monochrome, showcasing high taste. Chaplin's life—In my case, perhaps because it's the story of a fellow performer, I was drawn in even more. It was full of struggles and felt difficult at times, but it was brilliant. I thought Toshiaki Karasawa would be perfect to play him in Japan.
'Newsies' is about newspaper boys who go on strike against a greedy company. The boys, especially the children, were perfect! They knew everything, and had an astonishing amount of composure. The dance performance using newspapers was particularly memorable.
And the highlight was 'Scandalous,' starring Carolee Carmello. I heard she's a talented actress, but this was my first time seeing her on Broadway. She plays the turbulent and scandal-filled life of evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, and her voice is so powerful and deep! It felt as if she had an inexhaustible supply of vocal power. All Broadway musical stars have wonderful voices, but you occasionally encounter someone, other than a Black performer, who is truly 'breathtaking.' Someone you feel you can't possibly compete with, no matter what. Carolee Carmello is one of those people.
I previously witnessed the exceptional singing of Sutton Foster in 'Modern Millie' and 'Anything Goes,' for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress last year. Both are powerful singers who belt out their songs. Their voices extend so beautifully, not with strain, but with richness and ease. When I think about them singing like that every day, I imagine they must perform at about 80% of their capacity to sustain a long run, not 100%. It truly gives me goosebumps. Wonderful! This is why you can't quit Broadway!! In any case, I was happy to once again spend a luxurious New York and Broadway holiday this year, eating, sleeping, drinking, and watching shows with Yuko-rin (Yuji Mitsuya)!
My hobby is clearly theatergoing. Watching a stage (live performance) where someone has honed their craft is incredibly stimulating. And I will work hard to be able to indulge in Broadway again! After returning to Japan,2-Hour Drama 'Detective Gasahime 2'I immediately began filming, and successfully completed the shoot, even in the cold winter locations.
Amidst sad news at the end of the year, I pushed myself to get through the final stretch of 2012. I apologize that this public announcement, which should have been made last year, is being released after the New Year due to various circumstances. Thank you for your continued support last year. I look forward to your continued patronage this year!