Interview and public dress rehearsal report on the musical "Colette" just before its opening. A long-awaited new musical with a talented cast!

2025.08.09

The musical "Colette," starring Rio Asumi, opened on Wednesday, August 6th at the Nippon Seinenkan Hall in Tokyo.
Set in early 20th-century Paris, the story follows Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, one of France's most celebrated female writers, who was instrumental in turning a then-unknown Audrey Hepburn into a star when she was cast in the lead role in the stage adaptation of her book "Gigi." Her turbulent life will be portrayed as an original musical, set to premiere in August 2025 at the Nippon Seinenkan Hall in Tokyo and the Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall in Osaka.
Colette will be played by Rio Asumi, who continues to shine in the musical world. The cast also includes Tomohiko Imai (Willie), who has a strong presence in various productions; Tatsuki Otomo (Bertrand), a member of CLASS SEVEN who captivates with his limpidity in stage and film; Hiroki Nanami (Missy), a former star of the Takarazuka Revue's Cosmos and Star Troupes who has since gone on to perform on stage and in music; Keigo Yoshino (Henri), who has taken numerous musicals to new heights; Maria Hanano (Meg), a former top actress in the Takarazuka Revue's Flower Troupe who is now active mainly on stage and in television; and Minami Maeda (Sid), who continues to be active at the forefront of the industry with numerous film and TV appearances. G2 is responsible for the original script, lyrics, and direction, and the story is woven with music by Kiyoko Ogino, a trusted acquaintance.
This time, we covered the public dress rehearsal, which took place on August 5, 2025, prior to the opening.

Pay attention to the unique characters created together with this wonderful company! ~ Coverage just before the opening ~

■ Rio Asumi
As this is a new original musical, we are concerned about how to incorporate the music, movements, and dance numbers we have been given into our own worldview and how to expand upon them. We are very much looking forward to finally being able to show everyone what we have created one by one.
First of all, I will do my best to ensure safety and accurately express what I want to do on stage.
This musical is based almost entirely on true events. Colette, the character I play, has experienced a series of unbelievable events that make you wonder, "Could something like that really happen?" and half of her life has been condensed into two and a half hours. Because of this, the story unfolds very quickly, and it's impossible to keep up with it with my usual sense of humor. When I'm on stage, I have to approach it with three times the normal amount of enthusiasm, which is a challenge.
Colette is a very unique character, but the characters around her are also energetic and unique. That's why we're currently working hard to ensure that Colette doesn't appear "ordinary."

■ Tomohiko Imai
I can't help but look forward to it! Everyone was constantly thinking about what they could do to improve the piece. Whether they were principal or ensemble, everyone brought their own opinions to the rehearsal hall and spent the rehearsal period discussing how things could be done better. I believe that the results of this piece, which was created by everyone sharing their opinions, will be evident in the performance. I am very much looking forward to being a part of it.
I play the role of Colette's husband, Willy, and it's almost my nature to be a little harsh or mean to people, so it wasn't difficult at all! Just kidding (laughs).
I have been working with the people I work with on stage with the intention of creating roles, spaces, and scenes together, so now I am looking forward to hearing their impressions of how they see my role.

■ Minami Maeda
I think the film has been completed in a way that viewers can naturally immerse themselves in the story, to the point that they will feel like, "Is this France? No, I'm watching this in Japan."
I can't help but wonder how many people Colette would have brought "salvation" to if she were alive today.
He is interested in women and men. He is interested in both.
In today's world where this is taken for granted, I believe this work depicts the "cutting edge."

■Tatsuki Otomo (CLASS SEVEN)
The staff and cast were all really wonderful people, so I just wanted to give myself up and do my best. Imai-san taught me everything about acting! Every opportunity was filled with "Imaism"!
This time I will be playing three roles, each with a strong character, so I hope I can play them differently so that people don't think, "Huh? Is this the same person?"
When I think of a "storyteller," I imagine someone who speaks in a monotone, but G2, who wrote the script, lyrics, and directed the play, told me, "Bertrand speaks with all of his emotions in mind while he is speaking," and I learned a lot from that.
One of the three roles is called "Pierre," who appears briefly, and I have to change the flow of the story a little and bring in a breath of fresh air, so I still get a little nervous about playing the role.

■ Hiroki Nanami
I'm filled with the desire to deliver it to everyone as soon as possible.
I think the music in this musical expresses a very stylish French atmosphere. It also shows how everyone's hearts are moved by Colette's subtle changes in mood, so I hope you enjoy both the acting and the musical.
The character I play, Missy, is someone who supports and loves Colette. Asumi, who plays Colette, and I were classmates at the Takarazuka Revue, and we usually have a relaxed, easy-going attitude, so I want to make sure that this doesn't come across on stage.
I hope to create a performance that will allow me to continue to respect and love Colette and the wonderful actor Rio Asumi, while feeling not only the joy of acting but also the happiness of being able to stand on stage together.

A play that teaches you to live life as you are - Student report

I was overwhelmed by the world view that made me feel like I was in France!
The music, the dancing, the costumes, everything was so delicate and beautiful.
I couldn't take my eyes off Colette, played by Asumi, as she carved out her own path to live her own life.
I think there are many university students who are struggling with the same worries as Colette. I myself was unsure of what I wanted to do and what my future path would be, and Colette gave me a lot of courage.
Also, keep an eye out for the three key characters in the story played by Daito!
I was also impressed by the way people of my generation, like Daito-san, shine on stage.
The musical "Colette" gave me a lot of courage! I think it will also give courage to university students who watch it. I would love for everyone to see it at the theater!
Abe Rurika, second-year student at Showa Women's University

Twelve years ago, Asumi-san appeared in the play that I saw for the first time in my life. That encounter led me to fall in love with watching stage plays. This time, I was able to experience new expressions and acting from Asumi-san again, and it was truly moving.
Colette, played by Rio Asumi, is a character who appears free-spirited and selfish, but because of Asumi's performance, she doesn't come across as annoying, and is full of charm that makes you want to root for her as you watch. The role of "Colette" is a difficult one to play, as depending on the performance, she could be perceived as elusive and without conviction, but Asumi's Colette lives as a beautiful "Colette" with conviction, and I was reminded that only Asumi could breathe life into Colette!
Nanami Hiroki and Asumi were classmates at Takarazuka, so they have excellent chemistry on stage, and I was captivated by the acting that was only possible because of their relationship. What I would like to particularly point out about the brilliance of Nanami's acting is that even in scenes without lights, each of her expressions and gestures moves me deeply. Depending on your seat position, it may be difficult to see, but I hope you will pay attention to her detailed acting even when the lights are off.
Daito Tatsuki plays three different characters of different ages and personalities in this play, and at the end you'll understand why he's playing all three roles! Why did Daito play these three roles, and what do they all have in common? I hope you'll come to the theater to find out!
I sincerely hope that we can make it to the final performance without anyone missing!
Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University

<Overview of the performance>
Musical "Colette"
[Dates and Venue]
　Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 - Sunday, August 17th, 2025, Nippon Seinenkan Hall, Tokyo
Ticket prices (tax included): S seats 14,500 yen / A seats 9,500 yen *Preschool children not allowed
・Contact: Event Office https://supportform.jp/event (Weekdays 10:00-17:00)

　Thursday, August 21st to Sunday, August 24th, 2025, Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall, Osaka
・Ticket prices (tax included): S seats 14,500 yen / A seats 10,500 yen / B seats 6,500 yen *Preschool children not allowed
・Contact: Kyodo Information 0570-200-888 (12:00-17:00 *Closed on weekends and holidays)

[Script, Lyrics, Direction] G2
[Music] Kiyoko Ogino
[Cast] Rio Tomorrow
Tomohiko Imai, Tatsuki Otomo (CLASS SEVEN), Hiroki Nanami
Keigo Yoshino and Maria Hanano
前田美波里
Sayu Otsuki, Hiroko Kachi, Katsuyuki Nakanishi
Tatsumi Tomoaki, Kobayashi Ryosuke, Koita Naomi, Rintaro, Imiya Rie, Yuric Musashi, Hirunagi Arisa

Official HP: https://musical-collet.com/
Official X: @musical_collet

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on August 5, 2025 by Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University and Rurika Abe, second-year student at Showa Women's University