Singing! Dancing! Comedy! A thrilling stage that will make your heart flutter!
Go, see, and experience the world of art
File.12 Magcal Performing Arts Academy 2019 Results Presentation
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)
Magcal Performing Arts Academy was established in 2014 with the aim of nurturing talent in the performing arts. The faculty includes top-class figures in their respective fields, such as Kensuke Yokouchi (playwright and director), Keiko Fukazawa (composer and music director), Lucky Ikeda (choreographer), and Eri Saiki (choreographer), making it a place that musical lovers cannot take their eyes off of. Last year, Magcal reported on the main performance held in the summer.
Auditions for new members will be held in the spring, but prior to that, on April 7th, a performance showcasing the students' achievements took place. The venue was Studio HIKARI at the Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center, which had just reopened after renovations. With approximately 130 seats, it is a rare studio of this size in Kanagawa Prefecture, and 22 academy students delivered a passionate performance of singing and dancing.
The show begins, of course, with everyone dancing!
I was captivated by the energetic dance, which made me forget the limited space on the stage.
Next, they passionately sang a number from the musical "A Chorus Line," conveying the feelings of the academy students struggling to achieve their dreams...
The recital stage is comprised of various songs, dances, and plays that the students have been practicing, all woven together like a single story. There are upbeat dances and then heartfelt ballads, making it thoroughly enjoyable as entertainment.
This time, we're trying our hand at comedy sketches for the first time!
The script and direction for the comedy sketches were handled by Takeru Ome (head of the Takeru Ome Troupe). While the ability to "get laughs" isn't something that can be acquired overnight, the script was simply hilarious! The venue was filled with laughter, and the energy and seriousness of the academy students were palpable.
And from last summer's main performance, "Baito Show -BEST Edition-", comes the singing and dancing idol song, "Mirai Create".
Is it really true that they're aiming for a CD debut?
Next up is "A Message from Whales: Let's Aim for Zero Plastic Waste!"
In August 2018, a shocking news story broke when a baby blue whale washed ashore 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," and academy students are now conveying this message through song.
And from the Broadway musical "RENT," we've selected a famous scene.
And of course, it all ends with singing and dancing to get everyone excited!
They may still be one step away from being called "professionals" as stage performers. But watching these young people passionately fighting against harsh realities to achieve their dreams really touches my heart.
I wonder if I ever had such a passionate time in my life... Whether I did or not, perhaps happiness lies in being able to share the feeling of dreaming together.
Five years have passed since the academy opened. We are gradually beginning to see academy students succeeding in various fields. It's not a world where hard work always pays off, but you can't get anywhere without trying.
Even more new members will be joining us for this summer's main performance. We can expect an even more refined stage than before... Good luck, academy students!
