The nonprofit organization The Classic Live for the United Nations, Japan will present its annual musical of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic children's novel "Anne of Green Gables" at Tokyo International Forum on Sept. 29-30.
Since forming in 1991, the NPO has grown into a sizable troop of amateur performers comprised of children (and sometimes their parents), students and office workers who collaborate on stage with top-level professionals. At the same venue last year, up-and-coming stage actress Yukiko Maisaka, daughter of the late singer Kyu Sakamoto, performed the title role of Anne.
For this year's charity performance (in Japanese), veteran musical actor Kenkichi Hamahata will perform the part of Matthew and actress Yuri Haruna, formerly of the well-known female musical troupe Takarazuka, will play the part of Marilla.
The Classic Live is also looking for foreigners willing to take on the roles of "messengers" on stage (apply by e-mail at the address below, or see classiclive- un.org for more information).
In addition to their September concerts, members of The Classic Live will also be playing on Aug. 10, featuring J.S. Bach's "Partita for Violin Solo No.2," performed by violinist Kiyomitsu Obana. The environmentally themed musical "Our Forest is Alive" (in English), which the troupe performed on their European tour earlier this year, is also on the program. The Japan Times has 10 pairs of tickets to give away to readers for the concert on a first-come, first-served basis (to apply, e-mail [email protected]). The concert takes place at Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Tickets on the day are 4,000 yen.
