Lolo's Itsutaka Series 'School Building, Night Cruising' was too good.
I went to see Lolo's Itsutaka Series 'School Building, Night Cruising.' I want to write down my impressions impulsively.Please be aware that there are some spoilers.
Ever since I got hooked on 'CHANGE THE WORLD,' I've started going to see plays here and there. I went to see this one because the author, Tagawa-sensei, and the editor, Chiyoda-san, were going to have an after-talk, andit was absolutely amazing.
It was so good that I went to see it again on a different day. I cried.
Random thoughts
I'm really weak for works like this. First of all, the characters were all charming, and it was a lot of fun to watch. I was especially struck by the ghosts, who were pop and cute, but also had a touch of sadness that they would show from time to time.
I think there was a line like, 'We're looking at the same schoolyard, aren't we?' and I really love that phrasing.
Favorite scenes
There are so many scenes I love, but the atmosphere of the scene where they recreate lunch break in the school building at night, the stage turns orange, and they are literally 'night cruising' was the best. They can hear each other, but they can't see or touch each other, yet they can feel each other. A time just for the two of them was unfolding, and it was very fantastic.
Also, the scene in the final part where they talk with the ghosts in the classroom with the lights off. Combined with the acting and direction, I even felt like I could sense the coolness and scent of the night breeze.
And above all, the final act where everyone is at their peak of youth, set to the chorus of Sunny Day Service's 'Yoru no Melody.' I really love that part, and it's no exaggeration to say I went to see it a second time just to see that. When that part came, for some reason my chest felt all fluttery, and the moment the lights came up and I could see that scene, tears welled up for some reason. I don't think I've had that kind of experience much before. I also like how the music stops once before the second verse. Also, it was really great how Masakado was looking out the window at twilight just before that scene, and then it faded to black...
The exhilaration, the sounds, and the scents of when I was a high school student, or of the fun moments in my own life, were all brought back at once in that instant, washing over me like a wave. The ability to capture that fun 'now' moment—before it becomes a memory—on stage and share it with everyone is the greatness of theater, and I felt that it is also their greatness.
Also, the way it ended was really good. Not explaining everything and leaving it at the best part—where you still want more, at about eighty percent full—was personally the best, and it made me want to savor it again and again.
Summary
It was so good that I wrote this because I wanted to share it with those who read it, even just a little. There is still so much more I want to write and feelings that won't end, but I will keep those to myself without putting them into words.
By the way, volume 2 of CHANGE THE WORLD has been released! Of course, I pre-ordered it!!!
If you read this article, please check it out too!!!!