Nito-sha Production's "The Men Who Want to Sing": Celebrating the Final Performance

Nito-sha Production "The Men Who Want to Sing": Reaching the Final Performance

The Nito-sha production "The Men Who Want to Sing," which began on February 29th at Kinokuniya Hall, will finally reach its final performance on May 1st (Thursday) in Yamaguchi. A message from Keiko Toda, who has poured her all into the lead role for approximately two months.

Text by Makoto Kajii (This Magazine)

Once the curtain rose, my feelings were set free

Thank you to everyone across the country who attended the Nito-sha production "The Men Who Want to Sing."

Nito-sha Production "The Men Who Want to Sing": Reaching the Final Performance

I previously wrote in this OPENERS series that I dislike encores, but during rehearsals, that feeling of reluctance resurfaced, and I found myself struggling to build momentum, continuing rehearsals with a sense of unease.
Although the curtain rose with this unresolved feeling, the moment I stood before the audience at Kinokuniya Hall, my emotions were completely unleashed, and the character of Michiru Naka expanded far beyond what I had imagined.

Many who saw both the original and the encore production told us, "The characters became clearer." The principal advocating for "Kimigayo," the teachers opposing him, and I, Michiru, who is apolitical and unaware of the world's affairs. Each character's stance and identity were sharply defined, and the wavering between Michiru and the social studies teacher, Mr. Haishima, in their adult relationship was also a highlight.

I sang as I intended, the finale at the Biwako performance

At the end of the play, I sing a song. In all performances, including the original and subsequent runs, it was at the Biwako performance that I was finally able to sing as I intended. I could produce the exact sound, at the desired volume, with the perfect timing and dynamics. After the show, an audience member who had seen it many times told me, "I had goosebumps today." Such moments are rare. Of course, it would be wonderful if it happened every time, but it's precisely because it doesn't that we strive for it.

From the Kushiro performance

From the Hakodate performance

From the Asahikawa performance

I have this time

For the nearly two-hour performance, I take a full hour to warm up, practice vocalizations, and build my motivation. It's been a while since a national tour like this, and while it's challenging with different venues for each performance, I've come to feel that the time I spend preparing my condition and performing is the time when I am most myself.

From the "Fearless Kawakami Otojiro Troupe" at the end of last year to this "Men Who Don't Sing," when I'm performing, it's a very "dry time," but I feel like I'm "doing my work." This feeling is even stronger when I have other work issues or personal matters to deal with.

When I'm on stage, focused on acting, I suddenly realize, "I'm in a limited time that no one can disturb right now." While we actors uphold our shared commitments, I can live without distractions. I truly have this time, and I feel it's the time when I am alive.

Let's meet on Saturday, May 10th, and Sunday, May 11th, at Roppongi Sweet Basil.

Keiko Toda CASUAL LIVE in SWEETBASIL

Keiko Toda's live 2DAYS, where she says, "In 2008, I want to sing songs with all my heart!"

Saturday, May 10th
Doors open 2:00 PM / Performance starts 3:00 PM
Doors open 6:00 PM / Performance starts 7:30 PM

Sunday, May 11th
Doors open 4:00 PM / Performance starts 5:30 PM (3 performances total)

All seats unreserved ¥6,000
Venue: Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil
Sweet Basil: http://stb139.co.jp/139/index.html

Send us your thoughts on "The Men Who Want to Sing"Thank you for enjoying Keiko Toda's series on OPENERS. The Nito-sha production "The Men Who Want to Sing" has successfully reached its final performance, and Keiko Toda has kindly provided an autographed OPENERS original eco-bag.

One winner will be selected by lottery from those who send in their thoughts on the performance. Please send us your feedback!
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