Guys and Dolls (Star 2015)
I was so happy to see Micchan as Top Star. She is so princely, even as a crapshooter. I remember feeling the same way when ihad last seen her live as Franz. She's next set to essenially be Prince Charming in Love and Dream. I love the sweetness and sincerity. At the same time because of this princely image, I found myself giggling whenever Sky was flirting around and could not take his playboy image seriously. I would say I'd like to see her in a different role but that wouldn't be true. I like Prince Micchan too much haha.
Miss Fuu is also SO lovely. Her excitedness is contagious and she is clearly very happy to be there: in Takarazuka alongside Micchan. They make such a sweet, happy couple -- so sweet that passionate kisses aren't even necessary! My favorite part was the scene when Sky takes care of a tispy Sarah. Fuu did such a good job portraying Sarah's progressive falling for Sky: subtle stolen glances over Salvation Army paperwork, allowing him to steal a kiss (even if it later led to a slap!), and then her bubbly confessions through body language in drunken innocence. Coupled with Sky not taking advantage of her lowered inhibitions and sweetly guiding her back to NY, the scene was one big "awwww." But I think 90% of the enjoyment was from seeing drunk Fuuchan.
Additionally, I was happy to finally see a live Hoshigumi show in person. I was a little star-struck after seeing one heavy hitter after the other make their appearances on stage. I got to experience Beni, who is indeed a gift. Seriously, does she even act? She does not even make an effort to lower her voice in a standard otokoyaku way and freely reacts in whatever way she sees fit to the other characters. I was dying every time she was on stage and her antics made up for the silliness and sexiness I wasn't getting from Micchan. Coto was amazing as Adelaide. I'm always impressed by siennes who can flexibly go back and forth between otokoyaku and musumeyaku well. Coto is one of them. Toki Irisu was another source of uncontrolled laughter due to her tsundere-like Big Jule constantly clutching a teddy bear. Seriously she was holding it for 90% of the show -- I was surprised it wasn't her shan-shan. Despite being very talented, I think she's underrated and is overshadowed by younger siennes in terms of role assignments. I also didn't realize she was classmates with Chie (!!!) so I wonder if retirement is imminent or if she's interested in becoming fukukumichou...
Overall, I had a lot of fun watching this show and experiencing Hoshigumi. The last live show I saw was Yukigumi's a grand total of ten times so it was nice to feel happy in the theatre throughout the entire performance as opposed to the rollercoaster of emotions triggered by Hoshiai Hitoyo plus La Esmeralda..