Wonderland SEKAI
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KAITO
Hehe. Having to compete against actors from the Phoenix Stage surely won't be easy, so I wish you the best, Tsukasa.
Emu
You seem a lot more motivated than usual ever since you heard we'd be doing this play. Why is that?
Tsukasa
Oh, I don't think I've told any of you this before... I saw a rendition of “The Happy Phoenix” when I was in elementary school. Not only that...
Rui
You saw a rendition of “The Happy Phoenix” in Japan when you were in elementary school, and the actor you look up to played Rio... Based on that information, and your acting style...
Tsukasa
Huh?! Yes, that's correct...
But I'm surprised you guessed with such little information.
But I'm surprised you guessed with such little information.
Nene
Only a few Japanese people have ever had a chance to play a lead role on Broadway... And he's one of them.
Nene
He's obviously an amazing actor, but he's also a great singer and dancer. As a result, he's received awards around the world. Lately, he's even found success as a director and playwright.
Tsukasa
He knows how to bring each of the characters he plays to life in just the right way, so it feels as if they're truly right there in front of you...
KAITO
I see. That's why you're so motivated. You have an opportunity to play the same role as your hero at a venue as big as the Phoenix Stage...
Tsukasa
I was already very grateful that we were asked to take part in the Phoenix Stage's 30th Anniversary Show...
Tsukasa
But after I heard that we'd be doing “The Happy Phoenix”, it felt like there was a hand guiding me along...
Tsukasa
There is!
It just so happens that Mr. Amami will be starring in a show at Tokyo Century Hall!
It just so happens that Mr. Amami will be starring in a show at Tokyo Century Hall!
Tsukasa
Hah hah hah! I knew you'd say that!
Well, I also just so happen to have advance tickets on reserve!
Well, I also just so happen to have advance tickets on reserve!
Emu
Wait, but your audition's also really soon, isn't it? Are these two things gonna conflict?
Tsukasa
Hah hah hah...!
Nonsense. There's no chance that the date for this show is going to conflict with...
Nonsense. There's no chance that the date for this show is going to conflict with...
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Tsukasa
Well, the show's the day before the audition. However, I want to use every minute available to prepare for it...
Tsukasa
But... It's okay as long as all of you witness the star that I am trying to become...!
Tsukasa
Anyway, I've said everything that I was meaning to, so I'll be heading home now...!
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Tsukasa's Room
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Tsukasa
(Ideally, I'd be able to watch a video of when Mr. Amami performed this role, but that won't be easy now... So, I'll just have to start by getting whatever insights I can from the script.)
Tsukasa
(Red-haired with many freckles.
He's not very athletic and is often teased at school.)
He's not very athletic and is often teased at school.)
Tsukasa
(Unfortunately, his mother accidentally used the witch of the northern forest's favorite broom to clean and was then cursed to an endless sleep.)
Tsukasa
(As he has no father, Rio sets out to save his mother on his own with naught but a bug-catching net in hopes of finding a phoenix heart that can dispel the curse...)
Tsukasa
Hehe. No matter how many times I read this, I can't help but admire him. I mean, he's setting out to capture a phoenix all on his own for the sake of his family...
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Rui
Tsukasa, you seem to prefer to learn by doing or through instinct as opposed to logically analyzing a character.
Rui
I believe finding something in common with your character will open quite a few doors for you in terms of imagining how to play him.
Tsukasa
What do I have in common with Rio...?
First, we both had something terrible happen to our families at a very young age.
First, we both had something terrible happen to our families at a very young age.
Tsukasa
(Back then, I constantly thought about what I could do for Saki while she was in the hospital...)
Tsukasa
(But I really couldn't accomplish much of anything since I was just a child. It became so frustrating...)
Tsukasa
(That feeling may help me understand what's going through Rio's mind after his mother became cursed.)
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Next Chapter: Her Talent