UtaPri News

--To start with, can you tell us about your impressions from working on "Gekidan Shining from Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Presents JOKER TRAP"? It was only a few months ago, but it already feels like its been years since it happened. (laughs) Since there was so much that happened during that short period of time, I was actually a little sad once it had run its course... I needed some time before I could really tell myself "alright, this is really over".

--Were you particularly invested in "JOKER TRAP"? It was a truly fulfilling experience from the first day of practice all the way to the last day of performances. I was able to work with a wonderful group of people - Takamoto-kun in the role of REN, Kohatsu Allen-kun in the role of RAN, and Kikuchi Shuji-kun as CAMUS - that I would love to have the chance to perform alongside again in the future. It was a project I won't forget for the rest of my life.

--Did you have to change much about yourself to get into the role of TOKI during "JOKER TRAP"? To get into the role of TOKI I had to first learn how to act as Ichinose Tokiya and it's a pretty conscious shift I go through. Ever since I decided to turn acting into a career, I knew I had to be strict with myself. Ichinose Tokiya is also very strict with himself, the kind of person who strives to do everything perfectly. It was inspiring and sort of felt like I was getting a look at myself from a different perspective. As a result, I became more in tune with what I'm currently capable of and what I still need to improve on. The whole experience gave me a chance to grow as a person as well as an actor.

--I saw your performance and thought you were an amazing TOKI. I wouldn't necessarily say amazing, but thank you nonetheless. I think the quality of my acting will differ among viewers, but so long as I was able to grow from the performance I'll be pleased with myself. I can't extend my thanks enough to all the fans who cheered us on and gave me strength. As the audience's excitement grew we found ourselves thinking "I want them to have even more fun! I want them to feel even more fulfilled!" and that really drove us from one performance to the next. I'm proud to say that I was part of a performance that brought the audience together as a whole.

--After the "JOKER TRAP" performances were over, you were also involved in a revue show showcasing songs from "Gekidan Shining from Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Presents Tenka Muteki no Shinobi-michi, Masquerade Mirage, and JOKER TRAP" under the name "SHINING REVUE". Every single performance we did was really fun! All of my co-stars had the same mentality of not wanting to lose and to keep raising the bar for themselves. It was definitely refreshing to collaborate with the actors from separate shows during the variety corner.

--That was also where you first met Shojiro Yokoi, your co-star in "Polaris". That's right. Yokkoi-san (Yokoi's nickname) and I have even started hanging out in our free time. Once "JOKER TRAP" was over, it was nice to have someone who could put up with me. We don't have a senpai/kouhai relationship either which is a plus. (laughs) We haven't known each other for long but I already feel like he's been my best friend for years.

--You've previously said that you're rather shy when it comes to meeting new people. Does this mean you're starting to overcome your shyness? I think Yokkoi-san is a special case. Yokkoi-san seems to be pretty shy himself and that was just sort of an immediate connection between us. (laughs) The more I get to know his bright personality, his smile, and his friendly nature, the more I find myself liking him.

--What's your impression of your other co-star who plays the role of Natsuki Shinomiya, Soichiro Yamakawa? If I had to describe Yamakawa-san in a nutshell, I'd say that he's the definition of "good youth". He was very friendly when we met despite that he's a good few years older than I am and I'm honestly excited to mess around with him backstage as we become better friends. (laughs) It's not stressful being around him so practice is something I look forward to.

--Gekidan Shining from Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Presents Polaris is the first of four in the "Theater Shining" series to make it to the stage. Expectations are high but what sort of work do you think this will be? We don't even have that much information yet on how the science fiction genre will be portrayed on stage but as an "Utano☆Prince-sama♪" fan myself, I'm looking forward to finding out even though I'm a part of it. I trust our director, Hosakayou, to handle the screenplay and production side of things well. I can't wait to jump into the world of "Polaris" once practice starts so that we can truly create something that will satisfy everyone!

--During the visual shoot, you had photographs taken of many different unique costumes. The pilot suit is my favorite! I've always loved space and robots so I'm excited just to be able to wear it.

--While on the topic, what are some of your favorite science fiction movies and anime? For movies, definitely Star Wars. As for anime, I'm fond of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Super Dimension Fortress Macross. Basically I like anything where the characters get to control the robots from inside them.

--Do you have anything you'd like to say to everyone who's looking forward to the performance? I'll do my best to give you a satisfying performance that exceeds your expectations! My goal is to have people correlate Ryunosuke Matsumura with Tokiya Ichinose... The least I can do for everyone who's a fan of the original work is fully engulf myself in the world of "Polaris" this time as well.

--The original "Polaris" from Theater Shining had the catchphrase "What is true strength?" What do you think "true strength" is? I know it's cliche but I'd say the answer is love. I think a truly strong person is someone who would sacrifice themselves for someones else. It's not something as simple as "the strength to get back up again no matter how many times you fall" or "the desire to repay someone" or even "the passion to become something greater than you already are". For instance, even if my acting career starts to overwhelm me in the future, I wouldn't be discouraged because I love what I do and cherish where I am already. Although things may get tough, as long as you can love something for what it is then I think that is enough to qualify as growth. I think that's what "true strength" is.

◆Performance Info Gekidan Shining from Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Presents Polaris [Tokyo Performance] Thursday, September 13th - Sunday, September 23rd, 2018     AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo [Osaka Performance] Friday, October 5th - Monday, October 8th, 2018     Umeda Arts Theater / Theater Drama City

[Original] Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Theater Shining - Polaris [Screenplay/Directing] Hosakayou (Daydream Suite) [Music] Elements Garden

[Cast] Tokiya Ichinose: Ryunosuke Matsumura Natsuki Shinomiya: Soichiro Yamakawa Cecil Aijima: Shojiro Yokoi

Mashu Ishiwatari, Shuhei Izumi, Yusuke Kashiwagi, Yuya Asato, and others

◆Secondary Pre-order Sales (Lottery) [Handling] e+ [Application Period] 18:00 Friday, August 10th ~ 18:00 Sunday, August 19th [Result Announcement] 13:00 Friday, August 24th ※All seats are specified. Up to 4 people per application.

◆General Release [Handling] e+ [Sales Start] 10:00~ Saturday, August 25th ※All seats are specified. Up to 4 people per application.

[Official HP] http://gs-polaris.com/

(C) Gekidan Shining

The cast's thoughts on the stage production of "Polaris"

Now for the interviews with the main cast! We asked each of them for their thoughts on the project.

●Ryunosuke Matsumura (Tokiya Ichinose)

--How did you feel when you were chosen for "Polaris" as the next Gekidan Shining production? Role of Tokiya Ichinose, Ryunosuke Matsumura (Matsumura): I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I previously performed in Gekidan Shining's "JOKER TRAP" as the character TOKI and I'm excited to be able to play the role of Tokiya Ichinose again. I immediately told them that I wanted to improve upon my last performance and exceed their expectations of me.

--What was it like after you had the make-up and costume on? Matsumura: Compared to "JOKER TRAP", the types of costumes, particularly the pilot suits, seem to be getting more complicated and I think that will really show on the stage. I'm actually really looking forward to it. I was very impressed with the costume design in "JOKER TRAP" and it's amazing to see how the crew's love for this series has let their work evolve over time. The final product is absolutely stunning to see. I can't wait to finally be able to wear it out on the stage and let the fans feel just how much passion went into the making of these costumes!

--What is your impression of the character Tokiya? Matsumura: Tokiya Ichinose is the kind of guy who's serious and responsible all the time, always wanting to overcome anything with his own strength no matter what it takes. I think if I met someone like that in real life, they would have a lot of my respect. Despite that however if you look beneath his cool exterior, you'll find that he's actually rather fragile - he's frustrated with himself, his own expectations of what he should be capable of too high. Perfect, yet imperfect but still all a part of being human. Taken as a whole, I think he's a character who can be appreciated by anyone. I personally love Tokiya Ichinose, and hope that my love for him shines through in my performance.

--What are your impressions of your fellow cast members? Matsumura: I first met Shojiro Yokoi, Cecil Aijima's actor, when he came to see "JOKER TRAP", so it was refreshing rather than surprising to be working with him. We actually do a lot of stuff together on our own time! (laughs) This is the first time I've gotten to act alongside someone I consider a friend so I'm really looking forward to how that will affect practice and the actual production. Yamakawa-san has a unique sense of smell and sensitivity. He's a bit older than I am, but he has a habit of being blurry on film. "It's not funny!" (laughs) It makes everyone chuckle without really thinking. (laughs) That side of him really contributes to a good atmosphere.

--Thank you very much for your time and we wish you luck on your performance. Matsumura: There are just as many uncertainties as there are expectations when it comes to tackling the Theater Shining series. I'm going to put my all into my performance so I can give the audience something that they will enjoy. Our performances will deepen what the fans already know about "Polaris" and I hope that it can come across as a love letter to them. Please come visit the theater once it's out so you can find out how well we do. We look forward to seeing you there!

●Soichiro Yamakawa (Natsuki Shinomiya)

●Soichiro Yamakawa (Natsuki Shinomiya)

--How did you feel when you were chosen for "Polaris" as the next Gekidan Shining production? Role of Natsuki Shinomiya, Soichiro Yamakawa (Yamakawa): It was certainly surprising but I was happy nonetheless. I was familiar with the original work and the realization I would be asked to perform in the production was very humbling. It's always an adventure to try new things, and I plan on doing my best with this one.

--What was it like after you had the make-up and costume on? Yamakawa: It was really exciting - I've never worn a costume quite like this one before! The costumes in "Polaris" are pilot suits and I've always wanted to try one on for myself. I felt like I was becoming one with the costume during the shoot with how warm the inside of the suit was though.

--What is your impression of the character Natsuki? Yamakawa: I feel like I know Natsuki Shinomiya as much as I know myself. He's very charming in the sense that he'll always fight for the underdog and won't waver no matter how hard things get. It's this nice balance between a hot and cool personality.

--What are your impressions of your fellow cast members? Yamakawa: Matsumura-san, Tokiya Ichinose's actor, has always been very friendly when we've met. He's taught me a lot of things that I didn't understand before and I feel like he's really reliable in that aspect. Cecil Aijima's actor, Yokoi-san, is the same age as me and we've only met twice (as of this shooting date), but I feel like he's easy to talk to and communicate well with. I'm looking forward to working with him.

--Thank you very much for your time and we wish you luck on your performance. Yamakawa: "Polaris" will be my first time portraying the character of Natsuki Shinomiya. Matsumura-san and Yokoi-san are alumni of Gekidan Shining so I hope we can work together well and form a good team. I want to take the role of Natsuki Shinoiya and drop myself into them and understand them as much as I possibly can. It's a pleasure to meet everyone.

●Shojiro Yokoi (Cecil Aijima)

--How did you feel when you were chosen for "Polaris" as the next Gekidan Shining production? Role of Cecil Aijima, Sojiro Yokoi (Yokoi): I was honored to be a part of it. My first time in Gekidan Shining was as Cecil-maru in "Tenka Muteki ni Shinobi-michi", and the opportunity to perform in "Polaris" now is all thanks to the wonderful fans and staff.

--What was it like after you had the make-up and costume on? Yokoi: The costume I get to wear in the production is the only one of its kind so the designers made lots of little adjustments to make sure that it fit me just perfectly. I tried to get the feeling the world of "Polaris" gives off across to the camera during the shoot.

--What is your impression of the character Cecil? Yokoi: Cecil Aijima is a very kind person. He lives by a code of not hurting himself, not hurting others, and living life to the fullest. I think the present is a happy place for him while the future and the idea of leaving things behind scares him. Cecil's ability to throw himself headlong into something out of courage reminded me of how I felt last year being a part of Gekidan Shining. I think he's a very sympathetic character.

--What are your impressions of your fellow cast members? Yokoi: I first met Matsumura-kun, Tokiya Ichinose's actor, at a showing of "JOKER TRAP" and we immediately hit it off, becoming fast friends with how well we got along. We've gone to public baths together and we recently watched the World Cup at my house. Doing things with him feels natural. Matsumura-kun is very honest in everything he does. I'm truly grateful to have met him. As of this shooting day, Yamakawa-kun, Natsuki Shinomiya's actor, and I have only met once, but we're the same age and I've gotten the impression that he's a rather frank person. He's easy to talk to without the conversation stagnating. I'm sure our opinions won't always match up but I think we'll make a good pair. I'm looking forward to performing with him.

--Thank you very much for your time and we wish you luck on your performance. Yokoi: It's all due to the fans that supported me and Gekidan Shining that I get the chance to perform in "Polaris". It means the world to me and I can't extend my thanks enough. "Polaris" is the next step for Gekidan Shining. We'll prepare our best to bring the joy we feel for this play across in the theater. We hope everyone can see it.

[Interview Statement / Hina Kato]

Gekidan Shining from Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Presents Polaris

<CAST> ●Ryunosuke Matsumura (Tokiya Ichinose) Born December 28th, 1993, Iwate Prefecture Main Roles Stage  [Sengoku Basara] Demon King of the Sixth Heaven (as Sanada Yukimura) Stage  Terror in Resonance (starring as Nine) Stage  Gekidan Shining from Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Presents JOKER TRAP (as TOKI) Stage  Shin Bakumatsu Junjo-den FAKE NEWS (as Izo Okada)

●Soichiro Yamakawa (Natsuki Shinomiya) Born August 27th, 1990, Okinawa Prefecture Main Roles Stage Shibbou!! Shinsengumi(as Gensai Kawakami) Stage   Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time 5 - Kazahanaki (as Rindou) Hyper Projection Play   Haikyuu!! The Summer of Evolution (as Akiteru Tsukishima)

●Shojiro Yokoi Born January 28th, 1991, Kagoshima Prefecture Main Roles Stage   Gekidan Shining from Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Presents Tenka Muteki ni Shinobi-michi (as Cecil-maru) Stage   Your Lie in April (as Takeshi Aiza) Stage   KING OF PRISM -Over the Sunshine!- (as Yukinojo Tachibana) Musical   Revolutionary Girl Utena ~A White Rosebud~ (as Kyoichi Saionji)

◆Performance Overview

■Tokyo Performances Theater: AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo Dates: Thursday, September 13th - Sunday, September 23rd, 2018 [14 shows]

■Osaka Performances Theater: Umeda Arts Theater / Theater Drama City Dates: Friday, October 5th - Monday, October 8th, 2018 [6 shows]

<Staff> Draft: "Utano☆Prince-sama♪ Theater Shining [Polaris]" Screenplay/Directing: Hosakayou (Daydream Suite) Music: Elements Garden Fight Scenes: Yasahiro Roppongi (Japan Action Enterprises) Choreography: Satoshi Hirasawa Singing Director: Mizuno Rika Stage Director: Gotou Yasunori (Nike Stage Works) Lighting: Tsuruta Misuzu (Creative Art Swink) Acoustics: Yoshimoto Shinya, Suehiro Hitomi Videography: Sumire Mori, Hiroki Arakawa Costumes: Eri Nishihara Make-up: Naoko Shibasaki (M's factory) Props: Kenichi Hatori Conditioning Trainer: Hiroshi Ito Directing Assistant: Maki Takahashi Production: Ayumi Oshida, Mami Sakihashi Advertisement Art: Mariko Hatoi Advertisement Photography: Kanayama Fuhito Production Producer: Tomohiko Sugita (AS Project) Supervision: Sayaka Konno (Broccoli) Organizer: Gekidan Shining

Ticket Information (Tokyo Performances / Osaka Performances) ※All seats are specified. Up to 4 people per application.

・Premium Seats: 12,000 yen (comes with brochure and 3 exclusive bromides) ・S Seats: 8,800 yen (comes with brochure) ・A Seats: 6,800 yen

■Secondary Pre-order Sales (Handling: e+) [Lottery Application Period] 18:00 Friday, August 10th ~ 18:00 Sunday, August 19th [Lottery Results Announcement] 13:00 Friday, August 24th ■General Release 10:00~ Saturday, August 25th