Legend of the Phoenix / The Showstopper
Picture Credit: rachpena
English Title: Legend of the Phoenix: Calaf & Turandot / The Showstopper
Japanese Title: 『鳳凰伝』-カラフとトゥーランドット / ザ・ショー・ストッパー
Romanized Title: Hououden -Karafu to Tuurandotto- / Za Shou Sutoppaa
Troupe: Cosmos
Year: 2002
Performances: Grand Theater, 07/12 - 08/19; Tokyo Theater, 09/28 - 11/10
Shinjin Kouen Performances: Grand Theater, 7/30; Tokyo Theater, 10/8
Legend of the Phoenix:
Based On: The opera Turandot by Giacomo Puccini
Author/Director: Kimura Shinji
Composer: Kai Masato
Choreographer: Hayama Kiyomi, Takemura Rui
Shinjin Kouen Director: Kimura Shinji
The Showstopper:
Based On:
Author/Director: Miki Akio
Composer: Takahashi Kuni, Yoshida Yuuko, Kuratomi Shinichi, Saitou Tsuneyoshi
Choreographer: Hayama Kiyomi, Nakura Kayoko, Sha Tamae
Available on DVD: Yes (release date 12/25/05); Shinjin Kouen: VHS Only
DVD Scene/Music Cut: No
Role | Cast | Shinjin Kouen Cast | |
Calaf (Prince of the destroyed country) | Wao Youka | Ryouga Haruhi | |
Turandot (Princess of China) | Hanafusa Mari | Ayano Kanami | |
The Emperor of China (Turandot's father) | Ban Akira | Hanamiya Airi | |
Timur (Calaf's father) | Natori Rei | Hayami Riki | |
Amin (Princess Adelma's court lady in chief) | Izumo Aya | Tsukishiro Misaki | |
Government Official | Takayagi Midori | Mebae Haruka | |
Adelma (Princess of Khorasan) | Fuzuki Miyo | Miwa Asahi | |
Tamal (Slave girl) | Ayano Kanami | Otono Izumi | |
Zelim (Calaf's servant) | Hatsune Mayo | Sagiri Seina | |
Prince of Persia (Fails to guess the riddle) | Miwa Asahi | Kazune Miou | |
Executioner / Whipping Officer | Kotobuki Tsukasa | Suzu Haruki | |
Barak (Chieftain of thieves) | Mizu Natsuki | Yuumi Hiro | |
Tang (Thief, Barak's follower) | Kuon Maya | Nanaho Hikaru | |
Tong (Thief, Barak's follower) | Tsubaki Hiroka | Toki Irisu | |
Thief (The Rat) | Hanamiya Airi | Natsu Hiromi | |
Thief (The Rabbit) | Ryouga Haruhi | Kazu Ryouka | |
Thief (The Horse) | Amou Tamaki | Seino Kaju | |
Thief (The Rooster) | Yuumi Hiro | Yakumo Mika | |
Chinese Singer (Man) | Sono Mikage | Amou Tamaki | |
Chinese Singer (Woman) | Suzuna Saya | Mikaze Maira | |
Maiden (Singer) | Suzuna Saya | Asana Irumi | |
Scroll Bearer | Natsu Hiromi | Ushio Waka | |
Scholar (The First) | Yume Daiki | Tatsumi Kiwa | |
Scholar (The Second) | Takahane Ukyou | Maki Kaoru | |
Scholar (The Third) | Tsukioka Nanao | Hosumi Sae | |
Wise Man (Yin) | Kazaki Maya | Kazari Jin | |
Wise Man (Yang) | Hayami Riki | Harumi Oora | |
Court Lady (The Ox) | Ayazono Yuki | Shirakawa Ruri | |
Court Lady (The Dragon) | Mariho Erina | Orika Narumi | |
Court Lady (The Ram) | Mikaze Maira | Hanae Miku | |
Court Lady (The Dog) | Mebae Haruka | Takamiya Rina |
Other Cast: Oomi Ako, Tenshou Yuuri, Jun Aira, Mineka Hisari, Ayahana Chika, Ayuse Mito, Kusanagi Moe, Tenga Yuuto, Sakihana An, Karin Moyuru, Tomoka Shuri, Mimaki Sakyou, Harukaze Misato, Hanatsuyu Sumika, Hamuro Chiari, Hasumi Yuuya, Maou Akito, Ayane Raira, Hanakage Arisu, Houshou Dai, Asane Satsuto
WARNING!! MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!
Legend of the Phoenix
Prince Calaf leads a vagabond life with his page Zelim ever since his country was destroyed by war. He is heading for Peking as he has heard a rumor that his long lost father, King Timur, now lives there. On his way, he rescues Princess Adelma of Khorasan from an attack by robbers. Princess Adelma is very much impressed by Calaf's dignity and valor. However, Calaf keeps his identity secret and leaves her, ignoring her feelings.
Peking is filled with a strange excitement. Princess Turandot, the only daughter of the Emperor of China, poses three riddles to any foreign prince seeking to marry her. The foreign princes are attracted by her unrivaled beauty — but if they fail to answer the riddles correctly, they are mercilessly beheaded. Her latest suitor, the young and handsome Prince of Persia, has failed and is to be executed at the rise of the moon. Though suffering from tyranny, the citizens of Peking are excited over the bloody spectacle. Amid the crowd, Calaf encounters Timur. The aged king is looked after by Tamal, an ex-slave girl. She says she once gazed upon Calaf's profile on the occasion of his triumphal return. As this was in violation of the law of their country, she is caring for the king in order to atone for the offense. While Calaf thanks her, she keeps her head down. Calaf does not know that Tamal fell in love with him on that day.
Calaf and Timur cannot rejoice over the reunion, as Tang and Tong, the two robbers who assailed Princess Adelma, suddenly come out to kill Calaf in revenge. Their chieftain, Barak, arrives to stop them, and apologizes to the prince. When Calaf reveals that he is the prince of the destroyed country, Barak confesses that he was the Prince of Lhasa. Barak feels sympathy for Calaf, as he sees that they share the same fate. He advises Calaf to stay awhile longer and watch the execution of the Prince of Persia. When at last the Prince of Persia appears, all the onlookers call upon Turandot to spare his life. However, Turandot indifferently calls for the execution. Turandot sings the story of her ancestor Princess Lou-Ling who was assaulted and slain by a foreign soldier. In revenge, Turandot devised this game of riddles. As soon as Calaf sees Turandot, he stands still as if he has fallen under the spell of her extraordinary majesty and beauty.
Calaf, captivated by Turandot, decides to attempt the riddles. Timur and Zelim desperately discourage him, but to no avail. Calaf is enraptured by his love for Turandot. Despite the plea of the tearful Tamal, Calaf strikes the gong that proclaims the arrival of a new challenger to the riddles.
The Emperor of China reprimands his daughter for executing foreign princes one after another. She coldly retorts that there is no end to her revenge upon foreign soldiers who harassed her ancestor. The Emperor asks the prince to give up his quest in the hope of stopping his daughter, but Calaf is not swayed. Turandot proclaims that the bold foreign prince will lose his head. Calaf, undeterred, stares hard at her and declares that he will win her as his bride. The Emperor wishes that the bloody game of riddles will finish once and for all, and prays for Calaf's victory. The prince is successful in solving all the three riddles. Turandot, shaken by the unexpected outcome, cries that none can ever possess her. Calaf says that he wants Turandot to love him, and offers her a riddle of his own. If she can learn his name by dawn, he will forfeit his head. If she fails, she will marry him as promised. Turandot reluctantly accepts his offer.
Everyone in Peking searches tirelessly for a person who knows the name of the prince. A proclamation has been issued — on pain of death, no one in Peking will sleep until Turandot learns the prince's name. The citizens are worried by the nearing dawn and the staff members of the court make a desperate effort to find the right person. Adelma comes to Calaf and tells him that she is trapped in Peking, since Khorasan was vanquished by China. She begs him to escape with her from Peking. Calaf rejects her entreaty and her love as well. She threatens suicide, but Calaf remains indifferent. She is deeply hurt and leaves him.
While Barak's followers keep watch, Calaf promises Timur, Tamal and Zelim that he will see them again the next day. Calaf discloses his proper name to Barak, who undertakes the protection of Timur, Tamal and Zelim. Altough both Barak and Calaf have the misfortune to lead as vagabonds, they still maintain a relationship of virtue and trust. Amin and Mahmud, Adelma's attendants, spy on Calaf and Barak at her order. Adelma does not wanto to see another woman marrying Calaf since he refused her love. She therefore determines to learn Calaf's proper name by all means in order to hinder Calaf from marrying Turandot. Just after Calaf leaves, the royal guards arrive to arrest Timur and the others. Barak bid his followers to run away with Timur and Tamal, fiercely fighting to kill all the guards before he dies.
Turandot is troubled by Calaf, as he is quite different from any of the prededing princes and is passionately pursuing her. She does not yet realize that it is because she has begun to fall in love with him. Adelma then arrives with the news that she has caught persons who know the prince's name.
Timur, Tamal, Tang and Tong are brought forth. Tamal declares that she will never reveal the prince's name, and that she alone knows it. Turandot, furious, orders an officer to whip her. She remains silent. When Calaf arrives, Adelma whips Tamal even more furiously. Suddenly, Tamal snatches a dagger from the officer and stabs herself. With her last breath, Tamal gasps, "Loves wins, you should know it". Impressed by her dedication, the people grieve her death. The Emperor ousts Adelma, instructs the officers to bury Tamal reverently, and leaves his daughter to her fate. Turandot is left alone, seized with panic. Calaf passionately takes her in his arms and kisses her. Moved by Tamal's sacrifice and Calaf's embrace, Turandot's icy heart is finally melted. Calaf, believing in Tamal's declaration, tells Turandot his name and puts trust in his love.
At dawn, there is a crowd of soldiers and citizens. Turandot announces tho everyone that the prince's name is "Love". Turandot kneels down before Calaf. As they kiss, the people hail them and rejoice. Calaf asks the citizens of Peking to heartily mourn for all of the lives lost until now, and to unite in efforts to make China ever greater. China is about to be reborn with a brilliant future.
The Showstopper
Chapter 1: Birth --- Jazz is born
Act 1 A : The Aria of the Dawn
Light is born in the dark, and it dawns. A melody reminiscent of the native Africa sounds like a beautiful aria.
Nature Spirit S (Man) - Wao Youka
Bird Spirit S (Woman) - Hanafusa Mari
Nature Dancer A - Mizu Natsuki
Act 1 B : The Aria of the Earth
An exotic rhythm joins the voice of the singing people so that the voice changes into a soul-stirring song.
Nature Spirit S (Man) - Wao Youka
Nature Spirit S (Woman) - Hanafusa Mari
Act 2 : Blues
In a big city made of steel, men sing their sorrow under the guise of blues. Blues are born.
Blues Guy A - Mizu Natsuki
Blues Guys - Kazaki Maya. Kuon Maya, Hatsune Mayo, Tsubaki Hiroka
Blues Singer (Man) - Sono Mikage
Blues Singers (Women) - Suzuna Saya, Mikaze Maira
Act 3 : Jazz
When Lady Liiberty smiles, the world enters a new century and a new epoch comes along. People catch a new music with their whole body, yielding themselves to jazz.
Jazz Man S - Wao Youka
Jazz Girl S - Hanafusa Mari
Jazz Man A - Mizu Natsuki
Jazz Men - Kazaki Maya. Kuon Maya, Hatsune Mayo, Sono Mikage, Tsubaki Hiroka, Hanamiya Airi, Ryouga Haruhi, Hayami Riki, Yuumi Hiro, Suzu Haruki
Jazz Girls - Takayagi Midori, Suzuna Saya, Fuzuki Miyo, Mikaze Maira, Asana Irumi, Mebae Haruka, Miwa Asahi, Oomi Ako
Chapter 2 : 1889 --- Paris
Act 4 : La Fontaine Lumineuse
In 1889, at the occasion of the World Fair in Paris. Amid the crowd enjoying an event illuminated under the night sky, a young man encounters a femme fatale.
Young Man - Wao Youka
Femme Fatale - Hanafusa Mari
Parisian Woman (Singer) - Ayano Kanami
Parisian Gentleman - Koshi Haruki
Parisian Women (Chorus) - Otono Izumi, Kazune Miou
Act 5 : Paradise
In a paradisaical man-made tropical rainforest, the young man looks for the femme fatale amid the pretty women.
Young Man - Wao Youka
Woman of Paradise A - Fuzuki Miyo
Women of Paradise - Takayagi Midori, Suzuna Saya, Mikaze Maira, Asana Irumi, Mebae Haruka, Orika Narumi, Hanae Miku, Miwa Asahi
Act 6 : Pavilion of Machines
The young man tired of dancing opens a door and finds himself inside the Pavilion of Machines. Mechanical men hereto asleep wake up and challenge the young man to dancing tangos.
Young Man - Wao Youka
Tango Man A - Mizu Natsuki
Tango Men - Kuon Maya, Tsubaki Hiroka, Hanamiya Airi, Ryouga Haruhi, Hayami Riki, Amou Tamaki, Yuumi Hiro, Natsu Hiromi, Suzu Haruki, Toki Irisu
Act 7 : Dark Eyes --- Russian church
The young man reaches a restaurant that looks like a Russian church. He meets a handsome young woman (the femme fatale) within a room enclosed with a mosaic wall, and falls in love with her. They dance tangos by themselves. Then, the femme fatale goes away alone, leaving him behind.
Young Man - Wao Youka
Femme Fatale - Hanafusa Mari
Act 8 : The shining Eiffel Tower
Men and women enthusiastically dance tangos. Everybody looks for love. The young man goes up to the top of the shining Eiffel Tower, where the femme fatale embraces him.
Young Man - Wao Youka
Femme Fatale - Hanafusa Mari
Man of Flames A - Mizu Natsuki
Chapter 3: Grand Finale
Act 9 : Venice --- Carnival
The young man strays in Venice, the city of water. An empty gondola floats down. A beautiful woman appears in the gondola. The young man falls in love with Giulietta, a phantasmal woman, and is drowned. The two disappear into the water.
Antonio - Mizu Natsuki
Giulietta - Kuon Maya
Noble Lady A (Singer) - Izumo Aya
Noble Man A - Koshi Haruki
Act 10 : Swan Lake
Swans are playing in the moonlight. Chorus-line starts.
Swan singer - Ayano Kanami
Act 11: Havana --- Carnival A
Thunder and raindrops produce a Latin rhythm. In the hot Latin night, men dance sensually.
Latin Man S - Wao Youka
Latin Man A - Mizu Natsuki
Latin Men B - Kuon Maya, Tsubaki Hiroka
Act 12 : Havana --- Carnival B
As women join the men, these men and women of passionate Latin character perform dynamic dances.
Latin Man S - Wao Youka
Latin Woman S - Hanafusa Mari
Latin Women A - Izumo Aya, Ayano Kanami
Act 13 : The Showstopper
Golden tapes fall down at the climax. The Showstopper left alone sings his dream.
Latin man S - Wao Youka
Shadow Trio - Kazari Jin, Harumi Oora, Kazune Miou
Act 14 : Showstoppers
Many other showstoppers flood the Grand Staircase. A hard and enthusiastic finale in rock rhythm starts.
Showstopper Man S - Wao Youka
Showstopper Woman S - Hanafusa Mari
Showstopper Man A - Mizu Natsuki
Showstopper Women A - Izumo Aya, Ayano Kanami
Showstopper Men B - Kuon Maya, Tsubaki Hiroka
- Mineka Hisari was absent for the Grand Theatre performance, and only appeared in the revue half of the Tokyo performance.
- Final performance for Koshi Haruki, Kuon Maya, Sono Mikage, and Hanae Miku.
- Legend of the Phoenix was performed again at Hakata Theater the next year (2003), and revived for a Moon Troupe national tour in 2017.
ENAK Sumire Style Stage GRAPH
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