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Flower Troupe, 2006
Leads: Haruno Sumire & Sakurano Ayane
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Looong summary already on the Wiki, and I think most everyone is familiar with the plot, so I won't repost it here. ;)
So. I don't think it's very surprising that out of the two, I enjoyed Hanagumi's more than Soragumi's. As much as I enjoyed Soragumi's, the cast in Hanagumi's version just seemed to have much better chemistry with each other. It's been a long time since I watched the other, so I can't really compare them point-for-point.
However, I don't remember Izumo Aya's Carlotta being quite so amazing. Just... amazing. I certainly have a favorite Aya show now. Haruno Sumire made a heart-breaking Erik. And her voice... god, her voice. When she's given an opportunity to belt out these angsty songs, like in Kurotokage, I just break out in goosebumps. That said... the wig must go. ;) Now. I'm confused. I continue to be confused. Why do people keep saying Sakurano Ayane isn't a good singer? I like her voice, and I thought she fit the character of Christine very well. She has a young, sweet disposition and a sweet, airy voice. Matobu Sei was adorable, as per usual. Not the strongest Philippe, but then again, is he ever? What she was was believable, which a lot of time Philippe isn't. And she made a lovely reformed playboy. Eheheh. Ayabuki Mao's Gerald was... too young. I think she could have managed her makeup a little differently, at least. Other than that, however, her performance was well done. Her scenes with Osa were particularly touching.
Natsumi You had very scary hair. Aine Harei, Misuzu Aki, and Kiryuu Sonoka all made small appearances in various costumes as members of the opera company. Mattsu even got to sing a duet with Ayane-chan during the performance of "The Fairy Queen." And... Lucia and I both simultaneously discovered Fluffy, a ken-3 with an adorable, fluffy wig. We shall be keeping an eye on Saezuki Luna. ;)
The staging seemed very similar to Cosmos's, but I liked Osa's costumes more than Wao's, in general. Again, the wig was a bit much. But the boots. Oh, I approve of the boots. Hanagumi has very, very solid singers right now, and all of the songs were a treat. The revue was love -- particularly the otokoyaku stair-dance with gratuitous group groping of the top star, the lovely, graceful pair dance, and the star-track otokoyaku number. <3 (Though Hanagata Hikaru looked like she was about to collapse from fatigue.)
And yet, although I really enjoyed most of the show, there remains that huge flaw for me... I can't accept Christine's actions. Selfish, foolish, horrible. It ruins the entire show for me. :(
Overall, loved it. If you can get past the awfulness of Christine, it's a wonderful showcase for the talents of Hanagumi. Osa x Ayane Love, Osa x Yumiko Love, Un-chan x Ayane Love, Carlotta Love.... Everyone Love.
As I'm getting tired, I shall leave you with some wisdom from Gabe, who came in during the touching duet between Erik and Gerald. He tells us:
* Yumiko's mustache is "awesome"
* All the otokoyaku mullets are scary, and Osa's is most frightening of all
* "There's something intense going on right now, huh?"
* "This isn't as good as the one with the demons." (aka - "Scout")