Unforgettable Song / Cherry Blossom Girl / From Manchuria to Northern China
Picture Credit: program cover
English Title: Unforgettable Song / Cherry Blossom Girl / From Manchuria to Northern China
Japanese Title: 忘れじの歌 / さくら娘 / 満州より北支へ
Romanized Title: Wasureji no Uta / Sakura Musume / Manshuu yori Hokushi e
Troupe: Star
Year: 1938
Performances: Tokyo Takarazuka Theater, 03/03 - 03/29
Shinjin Kouen Performances: n/a
Unforgettable Song:
Based On:
Author/Director: Shirai Tetsuzou
Composer: Sudou Gorou, Oka Masao
Choreographer: none listed
Conductor: Nakata Kenjirou
Cherry Blossom Girl:
Based On:
Author/Director: Mizuta Shigeru
Composer: Omura Michizou, Moriyasu Masaru
Choreographer: none listed
Conductor: Moriyasu Masaru
From Manchuria to Northern China:
Based On:
Author/Director: Kishida Tatsuya
Composer: Sakai Kyou, Tsukui Yuuki, Ooishi Hajime
Choreographer: Takagi Shirou, Kishida Tatsuya, Mizuta Shigeru, Zenitani Mitsuzou, Azuma Shinichi, Kawasaki Minoru, Utsu Hideo, Obara Shigeto, Katou Tadamatsu
Conductor: Nakata Kenjirou
Available on DVD: No
Available on Blu-Ray: No
DVD Scene/Music Cuts: n/a
Unforgettable Song
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Role | Cast | ||
Darmen, a Scottish painter | Ashihara Kuniko | ||
Jane, niece of the Meldrums | Sakura Hisako | ||
Melva, a famous opera singer | Kusabue Yoshiko | ||
Doctor Brand, friend of Jane's since childhood | Shiomi Youko | ||
Simmons, Darmen's servant | Yachigusa Tsuyuko | ||
Doctor McKenzie, Darmen's doctor | Izumikawa Mikako | ||
Duke Meldrum, rich man | Akikaze Taeko | ||
Duchess Meldrum | Sonoi Keiko | ||
Catherine | Oozora Hiromi | ||
Pauline | Matsushima Kimiko | ||
Elisabeth | Unabara Chisato | ||
Constance | Momozono Yumika | ||
Billy | Tsukikage Shouko | ||
Willie | Sono Miyuki | ||
pianist | Yuubae Akane | ||
Mary Grey, a nurse | Sakuraoka Chisako |
Other Cast: Yamato Hifumi, Yae Haruyo, Kozue Otowa, Akemi Youko, Hanakage Kinuko, Masumi Haruka, Sazanami Mahoko, Miyako Mitsuru, Wakamiya Haruyo, Yamazato Akiko, Kawabata Keiko, Unaji Haruka, Mizuma Fumiko, Mineyama Hanaka, Kishino Chieko, Chihiro Sango, Tsukio Yasuko, Tsukimiya Mitsuru, Kikuno Hisashi, Sonoo Chigusa, Amagi Tsukie, Matsuho Urako, Hijiri Mizuho, Kiyokawa Hayami, Maizuru Asahi, Takeuchi Kaeko, Asayama Hiroka, Hirono Midori, Hagoromo Minako, Hitomaru Toshiko, Omuro Yukiko, Makikawa Fumiko, Sakuragi Yayoi, Kirino Miyako, Hanaki Homare, Kotoji Ikue, Yuuzuki Ryouko, Takinone Hisako, Fujishiro Izumi, Koyuki Kyouko, Sasabune Youko, Kosuzu Saeko, Kamisugi Ikuyo, Azuma Michiko, Suzune Reiko, Araumi Hideko, Tsukushi Umeko, Kiku Hidemi, Matsuno Tomoko, Hanadori Komako, Kusaba Sakuya, Takaraji Minoru, Terukuni Sachiko, Yodo Nanase, Ooba Umeka, Shinonome Chizuko, Tago Urako, Sazanami Tsunade, Kino Akiko, Takeda Tsuruko, Tani Ibuki, Isokawa Chiharu, Abe Nakako, Ujihara Setsuko, Awa Reiko, Hanasato Isako, Onoe Sakura
Hatsubutai-sei (26th Class): Akita Ihori, Hanazono Masaki, Kuroki Hikaru, Mimuro Junko, Awaji Michiko, Goshikimaru Kazuko, Chiga Youko, Takanawa Mitsuko, Takayama Noboru, Tsuki Haruko, Yoyogi Yukari, Chihaya Seiko, Sakuragawa Ayako, Kumoji Namiko, Okitsu Sonoko, Ichinomiya Yoshika, Otowa Kikumi, Kamimori Katsuko, Oomiyo Toshiko, Settsu Ayako, Tsukishiro Mineko, Namie Teruko, Harumi Hisako, Yoshimizu Noriko
WARNING!! MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!
Operetto Revue: Unforgettable Song
Set in England on the eve of the War in Europe (WWI). The musical opens at an evening party being hosted by Duke and Duchess Meldrum. Among their glittering guests are the famous opera singer Melva and the Scottish painter Darmen. Although the duke and duchess believe their niece has developed an understanding with family friend Doctor Brand, in reality Jane is secretly engaged to Darmen.
However, when Melva sings a love song at the party, rumors start flying about how she sang it for her lover Darmen. Jane overhears the rumors and when Darmen approaches her later, she freezes him out and leaves.
Time passes, during which Darmen has served in the war and Jane also served, as a nurse. Darmen was badly wounded and lost his sight; a bitter blow for a painter. He has retreated to his homeland of Scotland. After the war, Jane fled to the mountains of Canada to escape the atrocities she had seen and to settle her heart. When she finally returns to London, years later, she learns of what happened to Darmen. In a discussion with Brand, she reveals what happened in the past and how she herself had been the true blind one. She begs Brand to take her to visit Darmen, but Brand explains that Darmen has hardened his heart and likely would not agree to see her and hear her out.
Meanwhile, the duchess had been searching for a nurse to help Darmen and act as his eyes, and she has found Mary Gray. When Jane and Brand learn this, they begin planning.
In Scotland, Mary Gray arrives to work for Darmen. She is introduced by Brand's friend and Darmen's doctor, McKenzie. Darmen instantly wants to send this nurse away, because her voice too painfully reminds him of Jane. McKenzie settles his doubts by pointing out how unfair that would be to the nurse, and describing her as round-faced and brown-haired. Jane, startled by this falsehood, later speaks to the doctor and asks why he lied. McKenzie explains that while working on the front lines during the war, he once saw a hardworking and staunch nurse named Jane Campbell. He had known who she really was, and decided Brand must have had good reason to send her here under an assumed name.
Weeks pass, and Darmen comes to appreciate "Mary's" steadfast support. He also manages to get a tale from her about how she longer to be reunited with her lost fiance. He urged her to write to the fiance, who would surely take her back. So Jane does. When she reads the letter to Darmen, he instructs "Mary" to pen a one line reply: "Come back to me." Jane drops her pen and moves to the piano, where she plays a nostalgic song. Darmen immediately realizes who she really is, and the two are reunited.
Japanese Dance: Cherry Blossom Girl
The time has come for the cherry trees to blossom. Young or old, girl or boy, what Japanese person won't dance and sing? "Cherry Blossom Girl" is a show containing a variety of folk songs and dances, and starts with the Baka Odori.
Next is the Imoseyama, about the confusion of the odamaki spool at Miwa. When the scene changes, we have a full force of priests from Doujouji Temple. It is a very important bell memorial day, and Ashihara will sing the "Japanese Soldiers' Song" in praise of our Japanese soldiers. The finale is a blizzard of cherry blossoms, where in a profusion of red and white that could fool the eye into thinking them celestial maidens, five dancing girls join Ashihara to dance and sing joyfully in the Takarazuka spring dance.
Scene 1 - Odori (Dance)
Baka Odori: Shiomi Youko, Akemi Youko
Entertainer (1): Matsuno Tomoko
Tekomai Singer: Sakura Hisako
Etc.
Scene 2 - Ren no Odamaki (Fan Columbine of Love)
O-Miwa: Hanasato Isako
Etc.
Scene 3A - Sakura no Uta (Cherry Blossom Song)
Japanese Girl: Sakura Hisako
German Girl: Sonoi Keiko
Italian Girl: Oozora Hiromi
Scene 3B - Kiitaka Bouzu (Are You Listening Priest)
Kuni Priest: Ashihara Kuniko
Etc.
Scene 4 - Gonin Doujouji (Five People Dojoji Temple)
Five Maidens: Hanasato Isako, Onoe Sakura, Matsushima Kimiko, Unabara Chisato, Momozono Yumika
Etc.
Grand Revue: From Manchuria to Northern China
(Note: See "Other Information" section below)
To Asia, to Asia.... The time has come to focus the million eyes of Japan—Oops, the two million eyes of Japan—all toward Continental Asia, ride on the beautiful melody of this Oriental paean, we also will not fall behind the spirit of the times, the artist Arima-sensei, an industrialist from Beppu, a modern Yaji and Kita travel journal. Come along with us to our northern lifeline, in a program that holds both concern and sympathy.
First, we begin with the national anthem of our ally Manchuria in its sixth year since its founding, from the landscape of the Port of Dalian, to the famous Manchurian Xiaodao (?) Market (小盜兒市場), the Asia Limited Express will pass before your very eyes, and reminisce over the capture of Liaoyang in the Russo-Japanese War. The Anshan iron works. The Zhao Mausoleum. An introduction to Chinese theater. The Fushun coal mines. Scenes from the life of the immigrant forces. Conquest of the rebels and a dance of harmony. The majestic appearance of the capitol, Hsinking, and the pathos of Harbin at night. Collecting gold dust in the Xing'anling mountains. The defences in Manzhouli, along the border. If we return to Lüshun, we hear of the history of Shuishiying. One flight in the air takes us to Rehe Province, and the bewitchingly beautiful (喇?廟殿) palace. Remember the old tale of the sorrow of Lady Meng Jiang at the continuous Great Wall, and the tranquil dreams of the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty in Shanhaiguan. And so, a grand revue bouncing from place to place, leaving footprints from Manchuria to Northern China. Please enjoy.
Scene 1 - Prologue
The characters are a collection of Japanese, Manchurian, Korean, Chinese, and Mongolian girls.
Scene 2 - The Port of Dalian
The characters are a collection of Japanese, Manchurian, Korean, Chinese, Mongolian, and Russian girls, plus Manchurian soldiers.
Manchurian Officer: Yachigusa Tsuyuko
Boat Captain: Sono Miyuki
Manchurian Official: Hanakage Kinuko
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Police Officer: Sazanami Mahoko
Room Boy: Miyako Mitsuru
Etc.
Scene 3 - An Open Air Market (Xiaodao Market)
Seller (1): Izumikawa Mikako
Seller (2): Yae Haruyo
Hat Seller: Akemi Youko
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Etc.
Scene 4 - The Asian Limited Express and Industrial Manchuria
Girls: Matsushima Kimiko, Unabara Chisato, Sasabune Youko, Kosuzu Saeko, Kamisugi Ikuyo, Tsukio Tasuko
—Film—
Scene 5 - Liaoyang
First Lieutenant: Shiomi Youko
Private First-Class: Tsukikage Shouko
Scene 6 - Anshan
Singers, scope dancers, and gear dancers.
Scene 7 - Shenyang Zhao Maosoleum
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Scene 8 - Shenyang
Chinese master musicians, propmen, noblemen, retainers, and female servants.
Aisin Gioro: Akikaze Taeko
His Wife: Momozono Yumika
Scene 9 - Fushun
Miner: Hanakage Kinuko, Miyako Mitsuru, Masumi Haruka, Sazanami Mahoko, Sono Miyuki, Yachigusa Tsuyuko
Scene 10 - Jiamusi (1)
Boys, soldiers, soldiers wives, girls in work pants, and others.
Immigrant Forces Advisor Kitamura: Shiomi Youko
His Wife: Sakura Hisako
Kawano: Tsukikage Shouko
His Wife: Unabara Chisato
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Scene 11 - Jiamusi (2)
Girl in Work Pants (Singer): Matsushima Kimiko, Momozono Yumika, Mizuma Fumiko
Etc.
Scene 12 - Hsinking
Various Manchurian Soldiers.
Scene 13 - Orchid Flower Camp
Singing Woman: Kusabue Yoshiko
Singers: Sakura Hisako, Sono Miyuki, Yachigusa Tsuyuko
All types of flower dancers.
Scene 14 - Night Tales of Harbin (1)
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Russian Lady: Onoe Sakura
Chiba: Akikaze Taeko
Russian Girl Musia: Oozora Hiromi
Scene 15 - Night Tales of Harbin (2)
Band Master: Hanakage Kinuko
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Chiba: Akikaze Taeko
Musia: Oozora Hiromi
Customers, waiters, door boys, Cossack dancers, and musicians.
Scene 16 - Xing'anling Mountains
Many girls prospecting for gold dust.
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Scene 17 - Manzhouli
Soldier: Shiomi Youko
Scene 18 - Lüshun
Singers and soldiers.
Scene 19 - In the Air
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Scene 20 - Rehe (1)
Celestial maidens, sword dancers, etc.
大?正: Akikaze Taeko
Scene 21 - Rehe (2)
Dancers in skirts.
Scene 22 - The Great Wall Of China at Mutianyu (The Sad Tale of the Lady Meng Jiang)
Soldiers and men.
Lady Meng Jiang: Kusabue Yoshiko
Scene 23 - Beijing
Ladies, men, dragon dancers, dolls, Japanese soldiers, etc.
Arima: Ashihara Kuniko
Beppu: Sonoi Keiko
Chengzu: Shiomi Youko
- As with most public performances at the time, the shows contained war propaganda. This is especially overt in "From Manchuria to Northern China," which glorified the Japanese invasion and occupation of Manchuria. It is worth noting that several Japanese Takarasienne who joined the Revue in the 40s listed "Manchuria" as their hometown or place of origin, likely because their fathers and families were stationed there.
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