Interview with Yusuke Kitazawa, Supervisor of Shiki Theater Company “The Phantom of the Opera”
-- ``The Phantom of the Opera'' is a worldwide hit musical. Since its premiere in Japan in 1988, it has been performed the most times after ``The Lion King'' and ``Cats,'' and is a masterpiece by Shiki Theater Company. I heard that your first stage performance was "The Phantom of the Opera".
Kitazawa : Yes, actually. What's more, the reason I discovered how interesting musicals were and wanted to join Shiki Theater Company was because I saw ``The Phantom of the Opera'' when I was a music college student.
--This work was a turning point in Kitazawa's life, right?
Kitazawa: That's right. I had studied classical vocal music, and until then I had thought that musicals were a completely different genre. But when I saw Shiki Theater Company's ``The Phantom of the Opera'', the first thing I noticed was that the music was amazing. Since it is set at the Paris Opera House, I felt close to myself as there was an opera within the play, and there were a lot of catchy songs that were different from opera, so it was interesting. I immediately bought the soundtrack CD and listened to it every day. The story is also very moving, and I was surprised to find that the musicals are amazing, and Shiki Theater Company is amazing!
--The story of ``The Phantom of the Opera,'' which brings back such memories, is about the Phantom, an ugly monster who lives in the basement of the Paris Opera House, and Christine, the singer whom the Phantom had been in love with and raised with great care, and Raoul Chagnuis, who has a fateful reunion with Christine and falls in love with her. It's a story about a viscount.
Kitazawa: Yes. The Phantom is a talented composer, but he is considered ugly by those around him, so he is confined to the basement of the Opera House. Then, he first met Christine, a chorus girl at the Opera House, and felt affection for her, so he secretly began practicing singing. She continues to grow, and when the soprano who plays the leading role in an opera abandons the performance, she is suddenly selected as a substitute. However, Christine falls in love with Raoul. The story is about the Phantom going crazy with jealousy.
--A very mysterious and dramatic love story. Mr. Kitazawa, what do you find most appealing about this story?
Kitazawa : As expected, it's the sad life of the Phantom. He truly loves Christine, but it is a very painful unrequited love. Personally, I played Raul, but the character I felt most emotionally attached to was actually the Phantom. Even when I was in the audience, I cried at the Phantom's sadness in the last scene.
--I get the impression that most musical fans are women, but men are also moved by it.
Kitazawa : We all have times when the person we love doesn't look back at us. “The Phantom of the Opera” has a lot of feedback from that kind of real emotion. Especially in the last scene, I think everyone will be asking themselves, "What is love?" Not only as a cast member, but also when I am involved in this work as a supervisor, I always tell the performers to value the emotion of the final scene.
--In addition to its dramatic nature, the wonderful music that Kitazawa-san was moved by is also a big attraction. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber also wrote ``Cats'' and ``Jesus Christ Superstar,'' and has been called a modern-day Mozart.
Kitazawa : Andrew Lloyd Webber has a deep knowledge of classical music, so the music for ``The Phantom of the Opera'' is of very high quality. We have a collection of numbers that require a high level of musical technique and are fun to sing and listen to. Phantom's solo number ``Music of the Night'', the title role ``Overture'' that everyone is familiar with, and the duet sung by Raoul and Christine at the end of the first act ``All I Ask of You''. , ``Masquerade'' at the beginning of the second act is also a very good song. Since it is set in an opera house, there are songs that deliberately resemble the tones and situations of famous operas, making it a must-see for music lovers.
-- Mr. Kitazawa was also listening to the soundtrack!
Kitazawa : That's right (lol). Other musicals have some signature songs that make you want to sing this song, but ``The Phantom of the Opera'' is full of great songs. There are many major songs that everyone has heard. Another feature is that the play is written smoothly through songs. It's a very traditional grand musical, where the lines are told through melody.
--The gorgeous stage design, which recreates the Paris Opera House, is also a highlight.
Kitazawa : I think the first thing that catches your eye when you enter the theater is the frame-shaped proscenium arch that surrounds the stage. The golden statues are very luxurious and the large chandelier is also wonderful. The scenery is comparable to that of a real opera house, and I sometimes find myself wondering, "Where is this? Is it really Japan?" (laughs) The drapes (hanging curtains) and costumes are also carefully maintained and used as they were at the premiere, with elaborate designs and luxurious fabrics. You can feel the weight of ``The Phantom of the Opera'' here as well.
--The costumes that express 19th century Europe are also wonderful.
Kitazawa : Yes, really. For actors in particular, costumes are important to the feeling of playing a role. The costumes for ``The Phantom of the Opera'' are quite difficult to change quickly, and they are heavy, but they have a realistic and profound feel, and there is no compromise. Even for those of us who wear them, we can feel the authenticity and feel our spines grow taller.
--What is your favorite scene in "The Phantom of the Opera"?
Kitazawa : First of all, let's start with the beginning. After the prologue of this story, the scene changes to a rehearsal scene for the opera ``Hannibal,'' where prima donna Carlotta suddenly sings a cadenza. The song surprised me and made me think, ``Huh? Is the opera about to start?'' Its introduction is a highlight.
--What other scenes are memorable?
Kitazawa : Personally, the most memorable scene is the scene in the manager's office. Christine is taken away by the Phantom and receives a threatening letter. There, the feelings of the manager, Carlotta, and Raul intertwine, and the septet ``Prima Donna'' is sung. This song is technical, and you can feel the overwhelming power at the end. It was because of this number that I fell in love with ``The Phantom of the Opera'' as an audience member.
――So, how do you feel about Raul, played by Mr. Kitazawa?
Kitazawa : Raul has all the status, money, and popularity, and has lived his life without any complexes. He is the person who guides Christina towards the light. I think Christine also felt a glimmer of hope there and was drawn to it. As the story progresses through the first and second acts, his attitude toward Christine changes, and I would like people to pay attention to how Christine's feelings turned towards him. I think you can enjoy the story more deeply by imagining the love triangle and the emotional movements of each character.
――After hearing your story, I am even more looking forward to the performance starting next March.
Kitazawa : There is a lot of excitement within the theater company as well. The area near the KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater, which will be the venue, is an area where concerts and plays are popular, so it's a great joy to be able to perform there. I've heard that KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater is a very beautiful theater, and Yokohama has had a strong cultural flavor since ancient times, and its customers are discerning. Our Shiki Theater Company is also based in Yokohama (Azamino, Aoba Ward), so we are very attached to this city. All the members of the theater company are now very motivated to not show anything embarrassing to the local audience (lol). For approximately five months until August, all members of the theater company will work together to rehearse so that you can enjoy the best version of ``The Phantom of the Opera.'' Please look forward to the performance!
Shiki Theater Company musical “Phantom of the Opera” Yokohama performance information
◇Performance period: Opening on Saturday, March 25, 2017 - August
◇Venue: KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater <Hall>
(281 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)
◇First season release date: <Performances from March 25th (Saturday) to June 30th (Friday)>
Sunday, November 20th from 10pm
(Pre-order for “Shiki no Kai” members: from Saturday, November 12th)
◇Fee: S seat 10,000 yen (10,800 yen including tax) / Side S seat 10,000 yen (10,800 yen including tax)
A seat 8,000 yen (8,640 yen including tax) / Side A seat 8,000 yen (8,640 yen including tax)
B seat 6,000 yen (6,480 yen including tax) / Side B seat 6,000 yen (6,480 yen including tax)
C seat 3,000 yen (3,240 yen including tax)
Standing room with side chairs 3,000 yen (3,240 yen including tax)
*“Shiki no Kai” membership fee:
S seat 9,000 yen (9,720 yen including tax) / Side S seat 9,000 yen (9,720 yen including tax)
◇Reservation method: ・Online reservation SHIKI ON-LINE TICKET http://489444.com
(Reception 24 hours. However, the first day of sales starts at 10 a.m.)
・Telephone reservation Shiki Theater Company Reservation Center 0120-489444 (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), etc.
・Direct purchase Each theater company dedicated to Shiki (excluding Jiyu Theater)
Ticket Pia Ticket Kanagawa and others
