For Whom the Bell Tolls

[ekusudei]

For Whom the Bell Tolls
Cosmos Troupe, 2011
Tokyo Theater - 1.15 (16:00) & 1.16 (16:00)

Stars: Ozora Yuuhi & Nono Sumika

[ TakaWiki ] [ Sanspo Stage Graph ]

Hmm. It lived up to all of my expectations, and yet.... Well, it's a bit complicated.

So far as the summary goes, well, actually, the one on the TakaWiki isn't 100% accurate to the 2010-11 performance. We should have updated it when the new English summary went up. Oops. I've never read the novel, so I can't say how much it differs. From my hazy memory....

Summary:

Act I

The show opens with Robert Jordan being introduced at a charity event (in Hollywood?). He tells his hostess that he can't join her for the after party, as he is flying first to Paris, and then to Spain to rejoin the Republican forces. He has been going there sporadically, helping as a volunteer sent on commando missions to blow up important military targets (mainly bridges). In Madrid he meets General Golz of military intelligence, who sends him on his most dangerous and critical mission yet, to blow up a bridge in Guadarrama. It is a major hinge of a Republican offensive push, timed to begin in four days. Robert also mentions to the general his unease over the death of his Spanish companion on his last mission, as it was his first time loosing someone like that.

He reaches the guerrilla camp in Guaderrama with the help of his old guide Anselmo. There tensions immediately flare up between Jordan and Pablo, their leader. Not impressed with the American, Pablo outright refuses to help when he hears that Robert's objective is so close. Blowing up that bridge will bring the Fascists down on their camp, forcing them to move. Pablo's strong-willed wife Pilar quickly takes command, promising Robert aide, and convincing the other guerrillas to work with him.

Robert then meets Maria, a quiet girl with her hair cut shockingly short. The two are instantly attracted, but Maria is a strange mix of childish curiosity and awkward skittishness. Robert soon learns that she was rescued by the guerrillas from the ruins of a small village near Madrid, and there is little doubt about the treatment she received from the Fascists.

Worried about the size of the project confronting him, and by rumors of Fascist troupes gathering nearby, Robert is advised by Pilar to visit the nearby guerrilla cap run by El Soldo. El Soldo is something of a legend among the guerrillas, a wise and brave old man. He speaks with Robert for some time, and questions him shrewdly about his last mission. Robert admits that he killed his companion himself, since both had taken an oath not to leave anyone alive for questioning, and Kashkin (his companion) had been wounded and unable to escape. El Soldo at last nods laconically and agrees to help Robert by stealing horses from the Fascist army so that they can all escape the amassing soldiers after blowing up the bridge.

Left alone for a moment, Robert is confronted by El Soldo's daughter Rosa, who had been Kashkin's lover, and who had overheard Robert's admission. Robert agrees to let her kill him, but asks her to wait a few more days, until after the mission which is so crucial to the Republican cause.

Taking the long way back, Robert and Maria stop for a moment and Maria begins to tell her story. She had been the daughter of the village's mayor, and loved her town very much. Then the Fascists came, and killed her parents and most of the villagers. They kept some of the girls alive, though they cut their hair. Then one had recognized her as the mayor's daughter, and picked her to go first--

Robert interrupts Maria, telling her he understands and she doesn't need to tell him any more. He has already promised Pilar (and Maria herself) that he will take her back with him when he returns to America, but inside Robert doubts very much that he will survive this mission.

Through all their planning, Pablo continues to mock and enrage Robert and the others' plans. As night falls, it begins to snow. Pablo laughs, saying that the snow means tracks when El Soldo and his band steal the horses. Pilar tries to reassure everyone that the snow will also cover the tracks, but the snow stops prematurely.

The next morning, Rosa visits Robert's camp, asking him to bring her back to America, and harshly critical when she learns that Robert is already planning to return with Maria. Lucia also arrives, with news of troupe movements.

Suddenly smoke and the sound or artillery from the next valley marks an attack on El Soldo's camp. Although it is painful, Robert holds steady, and keeps all of his band of guerrillas from going to El Soldo's aid. The old soldier would understand, he tells them, that if they go they will all die as well. Just as the firefight seems to be dying down, planes pass over and bomb El Soldo's camp....

Act II

Act two begins with a surreal wedding scene.

We return to the story on dawn of the third day. The Fascist troupes are definitely converging on the villages near the bridge, causing Robert to suppose that they know already about the Republican plans to push into the region. He decides to send a warning to General Golz that the attack will probably not succeed. One of the guerrillas, Andres, volunteers for the mission, but is not very familiar with the roads to Madrid. Lucia volunteers to go with him, as she has gone that way many times. Armed with a letter and papers from Robert, they set out.

Agustin, one of the guerrillas who has supported Robert and looks up to him, joins him quietly for a drink. He asks if Robert plans to bring Maria back to America. Robert says yes, and that he plans to marry her. Agustin nods and says it's for the best, though he has loved Maria from the beginning. He never said anything to her, however....

As night falls, Maria asks Robert if she can join him in his sleeping bag, but then admits that Pilar set her up to it. They talk together for some time, and Maria tells Robert that before she gets into the sleeping bag she must tell him all of her story. Over his protestations, she tells him about her experience with the soldiers, or enough of it. He reassures her that it changes nothing, and that he loves her as much as ever.

In the cave, a terrible discovery has been made. Pablo has left with most of the detonators for the bridge. Pilar apologizes, because she saw him leave, but didn't realize the significance of what he took with him. Robert controls his temper, and send the guerrillas off in search of stout sticks to use to create delays so that they can set off just as many explosives with fewer detonators. Pilar continues to apologize, until Robert finally loses control of his temper and snaps. Maria calms him down skillfully.

Pablo returns, and while the other guerrillas would have set upon him, Robert welcomes him back. Pablo admits he found he was lonely, leaving all of them behind. He has brought back with him a few young guerrillas from a neighboring camp and some horses. They all put their heads together to modify the plans.

Andres and Lucia face many obstacles in trying to reach General Golz, both from difficult trails, soldiers suspecting them of being spies, and locating the busy general as he moves about. When at last they reach him on the phone at dawn on the fourth day, they find that he has just given the order to begin the offensive, and it can't be stopped now.

On the fourth day, Robert and the others have finished setting the bombs, but Robert waits for the pre-arranged signal, of Republican planes bombing the Fascist troupes. He hopes yet that the attack might be called off, having seen the extent of the Fascist troupes, and how many have crossed the bridge already. However, the bombing begins, and Robert detonates the bridge, which collapses cleanly. As they celebrate, Anselmo is shot. Robert and Agustin hurry back to rejoin the others. Pablo, Pilar, and Rafael join them, with Maria. They flee for the horses, but Robert is shot in the leg. Agustin suggests carrying him to the horses, but Robert knows they would never make it ahead of the soldiers with him to burden them, and orders them to bring him a machine gun. He says his farewells to Maria, then leaves her in Pilar's care. Rafael and Pilar drag the hysterical Maria away. Robert sets his finger to the trigger, determined to shoot for as long as he can....

What I Thought:

The bridge scene lived up to the stories! It was pretty amazing. And I liked how they staged the effects during the attack on El Soldo's camp, too. Overall, the rock sets were pretty cool.

Music was catchy. I kind of want the soundtrack when it comes out on iTunes. Kazari Jin's solo as El Soldo was really pretty and got huge applause both shows I saw.

Costumes were really fun for all of the guerrillas and gypsies. Kind of had to buy Tomochin's postcard so that I can look at that outfit whenever the mood strikes me. *laughs*


Kyou Misa's Pilar was my favorite. She absolutely owned that role, and gave one of the best, most colorful performances I've seen in the Tokyo Theater. Suzuna Saya was pretty awesome herself, as El Soldo's wife. It was actually a pretty awesome show for fun, strong musumeyaku roles. I bet they had a lot of fun as guerrillas. Junya Chitose was freakin' cool ♥_♥ Sumireno Rei's Lucia, in contrast, was a bit wimpy more traditional. She was cute with Hokushou Kairi's Andres, though. Andres was a pretty smallish role in the first act, but in the second act he and Lucia kept popping up on their "mission".

Suzu Haruki's old Anselmo was pretty impressive character acting. Kotobuki Tsukasa looks as nice in a uniform as usual. Yuumi Hiro's Rafael was a big DORK. I loved her song with the towel♥ I absolutely adored Rafael, and spent most of my time watching Tomochin. This seems to be a pattern of two years running, actually....

Well then, Hoshihara Misao. This is going to sound like a very fannish kind of response, and not someone open to great acting, but I was kind of disappointed that this was the role Hoshi-san went out with. Pablo was just a selfish, grumpy asshole. :( Reunion scene or no reunion scene, his personality was pretty unlikable. On the other hand, he had a lot of screen time, plot significance, and a solo. If I'm being reasonable about it, it was a great role to leave with -- a lot better than what poor Ban-san got last year. I just... it wasn't very romantic. Am I making any sense?

I didn't think Ranju Tomu (Agustin) had enough stage time. I realize this was mainly due to there being too many old and young stars to share amongst, and she did get dancing during the random dance flashback and mini-review, but.... Ohh, but she looked good in that hair. I admit that Tomu with long hair is when she wins me over. I was inspired to pick up my Scout translation after three years. XD Anyway, I think her scene with Robert was one of my favorites in the play, for its quiet understatedness.

Then our principals!

Nono Sumika is so adorable with her hair cut short! ... I miss short hair. Anyway, she is such an amazing actress. In the beginning of the first act I found the character of Maria pretty hard to stomach (a bit over-the-top), but the character seems to change slightly by the time the next scene comes around and I like her much more. Somehow she always seems to match Yuuhi perfectly, and I love how they play off of each other. I suspect the lyrics will have feminists up in arms, but I love her song about what she'll do for Yuuhi as his wife. The playful innocence of Maria can be too cloying, but when done right it can be oddly moving.

Ozora Yuuhi. The company has this history of giving her 1930s-40s type heroes (Fitzgerald, Stefano, Rick, Jordan), and I'm not entirely convinced that the broody hero is the best for her. Fitzgerald I'm afraid I frankly disliked. Her dramatic acting has improved a lot in ten years; her Rick was amazing. But Jordan was kind of... I'm not sure. I loved the death scene. I loved the love scenes with Maria. Heck, I really liked all of her acting, but something seemed to be missing, somewhere, for me. Maybe I'm just looking forward to Nihonmono so much I couldn't focus. ;)

Overall, I'm glad that I saw it♥, and I liked it. The chemistry between Yuuhi & Sumika was as amazing as ever. But I guess I was hoping for a really visceral response to the drama that I never completely got, and so I ended up personally disappointed despite its being a very good show.

Comments

[winter]

It seems we had very much the same impressions :) Tomochin was just having too much fun, wasn't she? And I loved the scene with Robert and Augustin, it was so perfectly male-bonding.

Mind you, I was won over by the dancing. There's just something about flamenco.

[ekusudei.livejournal.com]

The flamenco was lovely, but I couldn't remember exactly when it fit into the time-line that Pilar started reminiscing.

Tomochin was obviously having a blast♥

[wao-wao.livejournal.com]

You and Tomochin. What can I do to coax this idle love affair into a burning flame... eheheh X3 And why does no one else ever grab you >.>

Thanks for the review, as always. :)

[ekusudei.livejournal.com]

Some love affairs ought to remain idle, for the sanity of all involved. ;)

And why does no one else ever grab you >.>

Probably because I'm too focused on Tomochin. ;p

[tsuki-in-sora.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with you on Pablo there. What a bastard he was T________T But I'm happy you liked Kyou-san as Pilar! :D

I'll also admit that I did think that Sumika was . . . over-acting in certain places, but overall I adored her. I'm happy you liked her too! :3

And OF COURSE I'm looking forward to nihonmono!Yuuhi too :D :D :D

[maruizhen.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this interesting review. I am always enjoying reading about your impressions of a show. <3

Just one little thing though, the name is El Sordo not El Soldo. :)

[caithion.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see, is that how it's spelled in the novel? The official spelling on the English Takarazuka page this time was El Soldo. :)

[maruizhen.livejournal.com]

It's El Sordo in the novel. In Spanish El Sordo means the deaf. El Soldo on the other hand doesn't have any meaning as far as I know. XD

[caithion.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'll fix the TakaWiki too. :)

[x-poorrudolf-x.livejournal.com]

I was watching Tomochin for most of the time too! But then she was giving me some very... questionable stares and gazes through most of the show. Augh, those faces will be burned into my mind until I die. XD

Loved the review, and loved the show! The bridge scene almost made me go WAUGH! XD; I loved it all. <3

[crack-tod.livejournal.com]

Sumika absolutely broke my heart in the last scene when she has to leave Yuuhi T____T

Apart from that and the AMAZING bridge scene, I'm afraid my memory of the rest of the show is somewhat spotty... thanks to Tomochin~ The looks she gave us should've been illegal or something! Tomochin, you big attention-stealer :P

[faux-semblant.livejournal.com]

I suspect the lyrics will have feminists up in arms, but I love her song about what she'll do for Yuuhi as his wife

I was a little bit "surprised" too as well as when she removed Yuuhi's boots and dry her feet (I was like he could do it by himself!! ) but..
1/it's Yuuhi ! (who would not be happy to dry Yuuhi's feet)
2/Maria looks so happy that I think even a feminist can't say anything

[caithion.livejournal.com]

Agreed! And:
3) Yuuhi laughingly tells her he can do it all himself

I think that's what makes it so sweet♥

[lljie-kuen1982.livejournal.com]

Had no idea you'd write a review for this play, but I ended up buying the DVD on faith from another reviewer. Both of you guys seem to agree that there are strong musumeyaku roles and Tomochin:-). Plus Maria's backstory is a personal interest. Bonus with her short short hair...so cute! Also hoping to see Micchan a lot.

Actually I'm just hoping not to be disappointed since it's a drama with a sad ending. I'm more into comedy, and it would be nice if the company lets Yuuhi do more comedic roles. Then again, I'm probably in the minority in thinking that comedy requires more "acting" or skill to pull off...(please don't throw the tomatoes:-)).

[caithion.livejournal.com]

Then again, I'm probably in the minority in thinking that comedy requires more "acting" or skill to pull off...

Not at all! And in most of the interviews, the actresses themselves say the same thing; comedy is hard.