Musical 'Mary Poppins' Osaka Run Opens Tomorrow! Press Briefing Report Arrives

The globally beloved musical 'Mary Poppins' continues to enchant a diverse audience, from families to musical aficionados. Having wrapped up its Tokyo run on Saturday, May 9, the production will relocate to the Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall for the highly anticipated opening of its Osaka run on Thursday, May 21. On Wednesday, May 20, the day prior to the opening, a press briefing was held at the theater amid ongoing preparations. Megumi Hamada, Rena Sasamoto, and Manato Asaka, who all play the role of Mary Poppins, took the stage to express their enthusiasm.

From left) Rena Sasamoto, Megumi Hamada, Manato Asaka

The pinnacle fantasy musical wrapped in dreams and magic! The Osaka run finally opens tomorrow.

Now in its third staging in Japan, this production achieved its 200th overall performance during the 1:00 PM show on Thursday, April 2, following its preview runs. Furthermore, it reached its 250th performance during the 5:30 PM show on Wednesday, May 6 (a holiday), concluding its Tokyo run on Saturday, May 9, amidst a spectacular streak of daily sold-out shows.

And tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, the Osaka run will finally commence. The magical stage where actors soar through the air is set to generate even more excitement.

Finally, the Osaka run opens on May 21! Press Briefing Report

—With the Osaka run opening tomorrow, how are you feeling right now?

Megumi Hamada (Hereafter, Hamada): After concluding the Tokyo run, we took a short break before coming to Osaka. I believe we each had the chance to let our roles marinate a bit more, allowing us to open the show in an even deeper, more wonderful state.

Rena Sasamoto (Hereafter, Sasamoto): Having performed in Tokyo for about two months, we've landed in Osaka with our performances considerably deepened, so I think we can build up the excitement even further.

Manato Asaka (Hereafter, Asaka): Although this is my first time participating, we warmed up the production significantly together in Tokyo, which made the performances incredibly enjoyable for me as well. I want to maintain that feeling and expand it further, and I'm very excited to perform with the company at the familiar Umeda Arts Theater. I hope many people will come to watch.

—What is the charm of the musical 'Mary Poppins'?

Hamada: I always feel that the message she brings, and the message I want to convey through Mary, resonates most with adults who have forgotten the heart of a child. Every word she says strikes a chord, and I want adults, not just children, to see it. While there are many charms, I perform while treasuring my position as a sort of messenger.

Sasamoto: It's the epitome of a musical—with singing, dancing, acting, and a very glamorous story. During the Tokyo run, we heard the laughter of so many children. In Japanese musicals, we often receive applause, but it's rare to get cheers to this extent. What's amazing about this production is the feeling that the audience and the cast become one. You can feel them joining in to elevate the show. While Osaka has Universal Studios Japan, I think this is a wonderful production where you can leave the theater feeling incredibly happy, as if you've visited Disneyland.

Asaka: It was a production I admired as an audience member when I saw the Japan premiere, so I am truly, deeply happy to be able to perform in it this time. What I find charming and love about Mary is how solid her core self is, yet she remains delightfully aloof.

—Are there any differences between Tokyo and Osaka?

Sasamoto: The fundamental staging is exactly the same, but in the final flying sequence, which is a highlight of the show, Mary's path back is slightly different from Tokyo. Perhaps only the most hardcore fans will notice, but for us performing it, it's a lot of fun.

Asaka: Tokyu Theatre Orb has a deep, longitudinally long seating layout, whereas the Umeda Arts Theater is wide horizontally. So, during our stage rehearsal yesterday, I felt the audience would be closer, creating a stronger sense of unity. It gives the impression of a 'circle,' suggesting a feeling of everyone becoming one. I'm looking forward to having the audience in.

Hamada: By performing for two months in Tokyo, our big numbers have deepened technically and become more dynamic. So, it's that aspect. I think it will have a more expansive and powerful impact.

—If you had to give a catchphrase to each other's Mary?

Asaka: I think Rena-chan is the 'Lovely Mary.' When I watch Rena-chan's Mary, I feel like my heart is captivated, or rather, I feel like I'm being taken to various places. Megu-san is...

Hamada: The Chairwoman?

Asaka: She's the 'Chairwoman of the Japan Mary Dispatch Association.'

Hamada: Everyone calls me 'Chairwoman.'

Asaka: She is the 'Super Perfect Mary.' Everyone thinks so.

Hamada: Ma-chan is bright like the sun, always with positive energy, yet she guides us strictly where strictness is needed.

Sasamoto: