Phoenix Stage
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Emu
Yeah, I thought so too!
The director always looks really grumpy, but he said your acting wasn't bad!
The director always looks really grumpy, but he said your acting wasn't bad!
Nene
I knew that my acting still needed a lot of work and had to do my best as I practiced moving forward...
Nene
But I felt that I was able to produce some results today because all of you helped and gave me pointers.
Emu
You sang so beautifully, Nene...
And you've been putting more effort into this show than any we've done before.
And you've been putting more effort into this show than any we've done before.
Nene
That might've been why I was expecting to receive more comments about my acting compared to my singing...
Nene
I mean, I practiced my singing.
But if someone asked if I worked just as hard on it as I did with my acting, then probably not.
But if someone asked if I worked just as hard on it as I did with my acting, then probably not.
Nene
(Yes, I took a break for a while...
But I still should have more stage experience than most people my age.)
But I still should have more stage experience than most people my age.)
Sound Effect: Play
Nene
(With each performance, Tsukasa just keeps getting better and better. Before I realized it, we were pretty much on the same level.)
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Sound Effect: Play
Sakurako
You've proven that you may be worthy of being our rivals. But you'll need to maintain this standard for your next show!
Nene
(Seiryuin specifically acknowledged me for my singing. I became convinced that I was good at something. That I had talent...)
Nene
(Even though my acting still leaves a lot to be desired, I was sure that my singing would more than allow me to keep up with those two...)
Sound Effect: Play
Director
As for your singing, it simply won't do at this rate.
Nene
...
Sound Effect: Play
Nene
(I'm keenly aware of that fact.
Which is why I've been working so hard on other things to make up for it. Still...)
Which is why I've been working so hard on other things to make up for it. Still...)
Sound Effect: Play
Nene
E-Excuse me, sir... I apologize for disturbing you during your break! I was hoping to discuss what you told me just now...
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Rui
To be honest, I don't really know how to criticize someone's singing since I'm not all that knowledgeable.
Tsukasa
That's understandable. If anything, Nene was essentially our troupe's singing instructor.
Rui
Unlike when we put on shows by ourselves, we have an opportunity to work with some experts.
Emu
Which means she's gonna sing really, really, reeaally amazing during the show and become an extra special Nene!
Tsukasa
We can only provide her with some words of encouragement, but let's help her however we can. Then...
Tsukasa
We can look forward to hearing just how much more beautiful the Cowardly Canary's birdsong will become!
Several dozen minutes later
Sound Effect: Play
Director
Okay, let's begin our afternoon practice.
Director
Let's pick up from where we left off. The scene by the lake...
Sound Effect: Play
Director
Frankly, Kusanagi, you're just not seeing the big picture for this show.
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Director
As I mentioned earlier, your singing sticks out.
Director
If it were you singing alone up there on stage, Kusanagi, you would undoubtedly be able to put on a moving performance.
Director
However, it would not be as the Cowardly Canary...
Director
But as Nene Kusanagi.
Director
Unless you change the way you sing, the scene where the canary sings will not be a scene from “The Happy Phoenix” but your own personal recital.
Director
Precisely.
Director
This isn't going to be an easy problem to solve since it will likely involve breaking some old habits.
Director
However, becoming aware of such habits is difficult. For as long as you remember, they were probably what your mind considered “normal” or “right”.
Director
This process can take quite a toll...
But if you wish to keep moving forward, you'll need to start by figuring out what your habits are.
But if you wish to keep moving forward, you'll need to start by figuring out what your habits are.
Nene
(I never thought to see things from that sort of perspective until now. I always thought that my singing style suited me really well...)
Sound Effect: Play
Director
However, becoming aware of such habits is difficult. For as long as you remember, they were probably what your mind considered “normal” or “right”.
Cast Members
Oh, they're starting.
I can't wait to see the scene with the Great Eagle.
I can't wait to see the scene with the Great Eagle.
Cast Members
Yeah, me neither.
Omori
“Now, my friends, hear me sing.
Your eyes shall glimmer with hope as I bestow upon you the courage to rise!”
Your eyes shall glimmer with hope as I bestow upon you the courage to rise!”
Omori
“And dance up a storm!
Until the gloomy shroud over this forest is lifted!”
Until the gloomy shroud over this forest is lifted!”
Omori
“♪————~~!”
Next Chapter: What Goes Into A Show