Takarazuka Journal

Comparing these two, I have to say... 1990 is less painful. And trust me, this is a frightening thing indeed.

Here's the info and song list for TMP 1990 "Hello! Wonderful Time"

Points in its favor include, as many agree, the cuteness of the baby 'siennes in tuxes. Also, Oura Mizuki and Marimo Eri's lovely dance to "New York, New York", Mori Keaki in a suit "42nd Street", and a version of "Leaning on a Lamppost" from Me and My Girl with Kodama Ai playing the policeman.

Points against include: lycra, bad singing, attempts at Beatles and David Bowie covers, and... well, too much to list, really.

TMP 1989 "That's Movie! II

It's two hours of Oscar-winning songs from the 30s to the 80s. And no one attempted to modify them to keys that these woman could actually sing in. I swear my ears started bleeding. Again with the lycra too, but mainly the problem was the singing, because... that's all they did. A few brief walk-across appearances of otokoyaku in dresses (Scarlet ahoy), but that's all we had to break up the monotony.

Points in its favor include.... Suzukaze Mayo singing "Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun (Hey, I'm an 80s child, okay? I like this song; it makes me cry.), and... uh.... Utako's giant, dangly moon earing? ...... And also, um... well, uhm... It's Takarazuka? Actually, though, it was more than worth it for Kaname's version of "Take My Breath Away". It sure did. And also, the faces Fubuki was making at the baby doll in that one song were really priceless.


It appears that Marimo Eri was the current favorite back then. I think she had more appearances in each show than any of the other top stars. I can see why, too. She sang decently and danced well.