"Scout" review

[matataku_hoshi]

I'll start off by saying the following about this show: It makes me really excited that both the director and the choreographer for Scout also worked on Magician no Yutsu. 

Scout is a really stylish show, and I mean that in the best of ways.  Lots of black and white motifs with the costuming.  Although Takarazuka is known for its extravagance, the simple sets worked really, really well.  The choreography was sharp and a good 80% of the song I thought were better than that standard Takarazuka Music Factory creations.  Remember how I was complaining last week about Takarazuka's reluctance to do smart shows?  Okay, so maybe Scout doesn't fall on the same level as Kean and its philosophy in terms of "intelligence", but I did feel like it had a strong concept and direction.  For me, that elevated it above mere popcorn.  (Not that there also isn't value in "popcorn" shows as well, but that's a whole 'nother thing).

Ranju Tomu made a solid lead.  The arrow has not hit my heart at this point, but she could be growing on me (especially during her 11 o'clock number).  The standouts in the cast for me were Ainei Harei as a geeky Ghostbusters-esque character and Sakura Ichika, who looked like she was having an incredible amount of fun playing a demon.  But really, everyone was solid.  Don't get me wrong, I like my 90 person Grand Theater shows, but sometimes I love how 15-20 people can work so well together in a Bow Hall.

My biggest complaint was the ending, or rather the last 15 minutes or so.  The tone wasn't right given all that angsting that had been happening the previous two hours.  Moreover, the conclusion itself was a bit of a cop-out and negated what the show had built up until that point.  I find this especially annoying because otherwise, it's a really, really good show.  Before getting to the ending I was considering adding this to my list of favorites.  As it stands, I definitely can still recommend it, but I personally would have changed parts of the ending.

In any case, you should try to get a copy of this if you can, especially if you're a hanagumi or Ranju Tomu fan.  Sadly it's not available on DVD, and probably won't be until Ranju Tomu eventually makes top star.  (My copy is from Sky Stage.  Sorry, I don't have a DVD burner so I'm of no use on this one).  I came in not being terribly familiar with any of the cast and still really enjoyed it.  Very, very, very slowly I feel like I'm starting to get a better feel for hanagumi outside of Osa.  It makes me want to see more.

Comments

[caithion.livejournal.com]

I really loved Scout. I'm glad to hear that you did too. :)

Regarding intelligent shows... I tend to feel that original Bow Hall and Drama City shows are a cut above Grand Theater shows in general. They don't have to have that overwhelming "karei naru" glamor; they can focus on plot and characterization. Of course, there's silly Bow Hall shows too, but even so.... Anyway, that's why I love Bow Halls best. <3

[muffin-song.livejournal.com]

Regarding intelligent shows... I tend to feel that original Bow Hall and Drama City shows are a cut above Grand Theater shows in general. They don't have to have that overwhelming "karei naru" glamor; they can focus on plot and characterization. Of course, there's silly Bow Hall shows too, but even so.... Anyway, that's why I love Bow Halls best. <3

I think you hit the nail on the head. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of Grand Theater shows I really like, but I think I often prefer Bow Hall/Drama City shows for that reason.

[demoneyeskyo87.livejournal.com]

I am really curious on this show. I hope to get my hands on it real soon because I love Ranju Tomu, ^_^!