A world of art to visit, see and feel
File.12 Magcal Performing Arts Academy 2019 Results Presentation
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)
Magcal Performing Arts Academy opened in 2014 with the aim of nurturing talent in the performing arts. The school's instructors include Kensuke Yokouchi (playwright and director), who serves as the school's principal, Keiko Fukazawa (composer and music director), Lucky Ikeda (choreographer), and Eri Ayagi (choreographer), and are all top-notch in their fields. As a musical lover, I can't take my eyes off the activities. The performance, which will be held in the summer, was also reported on Magcal last year.
* Click here for the report on the main performance in summer 2018!!
Auditions for new members will be held in the spring, but prior to that, on April 7th, the students held a presentation of their results. The venue was the newly reopened Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Studio HIKARI. With around 130 seats, this studio is rare even in Kanagawa Prefecture, and 22 academy students sang and danced in a passionate performance.
Of course, the show started with everyone dancing!
You'll be drawn in by the energetic dancing, which makes you forget the small size of the stage.
Next, they sang a heartfelt number from the musical "A Chorus Line," conveying the feelings of the academy students as they struggle to achieve their dreams.
The stage performance of the recital was composed of various songs, dances, plays, etc. that had been learned through lessons, and they were woven together like a story. There were fast-paced dances and softly sung ballads, making it a very entertaining performance.
This time, we'll also be trying our hand at comedy for the first time!
The script and direction of the skit was handled by Takeru Ome (head of the Takeru Ome troupe). The ability to make people laugh is not something you can learn overnight, but the script is so funny! The venue was filled with laughter, and the energy and seriousness of the academy students was clearly apparent.
And then there's the singing and dancing idol song "Mirai Create" from last summer's main performance "Baito Show - BEST Edition".
Is it true that they're aiming for a CD debut?
Next up is "A Message from the Whales: Aiming for Zero Plastic Waste!"
In August 2018, a shocking news broke that a baby blue whale was washed up on Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura City, and plastic waste was found in its stomach. Inspired by this, Kanagawa Prefecture announced the "Kanagawa Plastic Waste Zero Declaration." Academy students are conveying this message through a song.
And a famous scene was selected from the Broadway musical "RENT."
At the end, it all comes together with singing and dancing!
They may still be one step away from being called "professionals" in the theater world, but it's heartwarming to see the passion of these young people as they continue to fight against harsh reality to achieve their dreams.
I wonder if I too have had such a passionate season... Whether I have or not, I think it's a happy thing to feel like I'm dreaming with you.
Five years have passed since the school opened. We are gradually seeing academy students succeeding in various fields. It is not a world where you are rewarded for your hard work, but you have to take on challenges to get started.
New members will likely join the main performance this summer. Look forward to a more in-depth stage performance than ever before... Good luck, Academy members!
