RENT: Broadway Farewell World Tour

We had the distinct pleasure of seeing RENT in it's final world tour as a Broadway musical. It's final stop happens to be Tokyo, and original cast members Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, and Gwen Stewart have joined the cast for this last hurrah.

The show was fantastic, as expected, and was blocked differently from the way that I remember it, but then again there's always so much happening on stage that every time I see the show I'm probably just seeing something that I missed before.

I was fortunate enough to see the original cast production of the show in New York City back in 1995 (?), and again in London in 1998.

And the biggest thrill of the evening for me, actually, was getting to meet Anthony Rapp briefly outside a restaurant (Delerium Cafe) in Akasaka about an hour after the show's conclusion.

Of course I made sure to get my program signed, and had about a 15-second chat before I decided to stop wasting his time.

RENT: Broadway Farewell World Tour

"The Sleeping King" (眠り王) by The Exile Company TARA

Bearing a slight resemblance to "The Neverending Story", playwright and director Hiroshi Harada's latest original work with The Exile Company TARA is the story of a young boy who finds himself moving back and forth between the pages of a book and the reality of his hospital bedroom. "The Sleeping King" (眠り王) displays Mr. Harada's delightful storytelling skills, and the current production includes several impressive acting talents (including Harada himself!) from Tokyo's independent theater circuit.

We saw the Saturday night performance of the show amidst a packed house at Woody Theater near Naka-Meguro station. The main theme of the play is facing one's fears as illustrated by the main character, a boy who is battling a life-threatening illness. The part of the young boy was played convincingly by actress Aiko Hashimoto (藍子　橋本). Also putting in a memorable performance was the villain of the play, Hiroshi Okazaki (瑶治　岡崎), with whom I acted in an educational video last year. A strong ensemble, as well as swift changes of scene and setting, help keep this show moving.

"The Sleeping King" (眠り王) by The Exile Company TARA

Black Stripe Theater's Production of Pinter's "The Homecoming"

Black Stripe Theater has announced that it will stage Harold Pinter's classic play, The Homecoming, at Atelier Fontaine theater (near Azabu-juban station) July 4th-6th.

Check the BST website for news on the upcoming show.

Black Stripe Theater's Production of Pinter's "The Homecoming"

White Day: Blue Man Group in Tokyo

We've managed to get in a lot of theater so far this year!

Glengarry Glen Ross, Cirque du Soleil, and now Blue Man Group.

On the occasion of White Day 2008, I managed to snag four tickets to the evening Blue Man Group performance at Invoice Theater in Roppongi (click here and here for ticket info).

As expected, it was an excellent performance! I saw them once back in the 90's in America, and I think that the Tokyo show includes a bit more variety and audience participation. It was also in a much bigger theater, and the three blue men made it a point to wander all over the place during the show.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for some good entertainment in Tokyo! If at all possible, get a poncho seat!

Word of advice: they sell draft beer in the lobby, but they don't let you take it in during the show. Food either. I recommend buying some cans beforehand, stuffing them in your pockets and smuggling them into the theater.

Don't drink too much though. There's no intermission, and having to take a monster leak will only distract you from the stuff happening on stage (yes, I'm speaking from experience). The show is a little over an hour and a half long.

After the show we went to a nice place called Bar del Sole (click here for Japanese) which is right up the road from Invoice Theater. It's a nice Italian bar with a decent selection of food and drink (and gelato!).

White Day: Blue Man Group in Tokyo

Cirque du Soleil's Dralion Show in Tokyo, Japan

We had the good fortune to see Cirque du Soleil in Tokyo recently.

I'd like to take a moment to agree with what everyone else has been saying about the show: "It was absolutely incredible!"

I have never before seen such an overwhelming display of athleticism and theatrical talent.

The show that is currently touring in Tokyo is "Dralion", and it is definitely worth a trip to Yoyogi stadium (near Harajuku station).

Click here for a link to Cirque du Soleil's English website.

Cirque du Soleil's Dralion Show in Tokyo, Japan

Glengarry Glen Ross Test Shoot

Cast photo from "Glengarry Glen Ross".
(l to r) Andrew Woolner (Lingk), Christopher Pellegrini (Williamson), Ryan Drees (Moss), Walter Roberts (Levene), Justin Berti (Roma), Noel Adams (Aaronow), Mishal Samman (Baylen).

Black Stripe Theater's production of the David Mamet masterpiece hits the stage this Friday February 22nd.

Glengarry Glen Ross Test Shoot

Black Stripe Theater's Production of Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross"

I lucked out and will be afforded the opportunity to get back on stage next month. I'm going to be playing the part of Williamson in Mamet's classic, Glengarry Glen Ross, at Theatre Iwato in central Tokyo February 22nd to 24th. This is a link to Black Stripe Theater's site.

Black Stripe Theater's Production of Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross"