REVIEW: SNOW MAN'S SHOTA & SIXTONES' SHINTARO STARRING, DIRECTED BY KOICHI DOMOTO - 'DREAM BOYS'

"DREAM BOYS": Spectacular flying stunts and action sequences set the stage for a grand tale of irreplaceable friendship among dream-chasing boys. Following last year's success, Snow Man's Shota Watanabe returns as the lead, SixTONES' Shintaro Morimoto plays the role of the champion, and Koichi Domoto directs the production once again. Additionally, a group of 21 Shonen Ninja joins the cast, and the show opened at the Imperial Theatre on October 9th. "DREAM BOYS" has been performed continuously for 20 years since its debut in 2004. Past leads include Kazuya Kamenashi (2004ー2012), Yuta Tamamori (2013ー2018), Yuta Kishi (2019ー2022), and Fuma Kikuchi (2021ー2022). Koichi Domoto has been directing the production since 2019.

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The stage of "DREAM BOYS" stands out for its stunning performances and breathtaking flying stunts and action scenes. At the heart of the story is the conflict and bond between SHOTA, played by Shota Watanabe, and SHINTARO, played by Shintaro Morimoto. The drama they weave together profoundly moved the audience.

The story opens with a beautiful yet sorrow chorus that sets the tone, drawing the audience into a dreamlike atmosphere. From the very first scene, where SHINTARO confronts SHOTA about why he stepped out of the ring, the characters' internal struggles are laid bare. Shota’s portrayal of SHOTA's anguish and shadows is meticulously expressed throughout the stage, with his performance capturing the complexity of his character's emotions.

On the other hand, Shintaro’s portrayal of SHINTARO exudes an overwhelming presence as the champion. In the scene where he challenges SHOTA, saying, "Fight me," his dignity and composure are palpable. Shintaro’s commanding stance and sharp gaze give convincing depth to the character of SHINTARO.

On the day of the match, SHOTA’s gloves are tampered with, filled with lead by an unknown assailant, causing SHINTARO to collapse, heightening the tension.

In the scene where SHOTA, hounded by the media, is haunted by nightmares, the stage design is masterfully utilized. The grand scale of the set seemed to embody SHOTA's inner turmoil. Particularly gripping was the moment when Shota struggled to climb a rope with only his arms, as if clinging to life, eventually falling into a pit. The tension in that moment left the audience breathless.

Nao Oriyama, playing the role of NAO, also brought a crucial intensity to the story. In the scene where NAO attacks SHOTA with a knife, his madness consumed the stage, and Nao's gripping performance held the audience spellbound. When KOKI (Koki Kawasaki) intervened and stabbed NAO, the atmosphere was thick with tension and tragedy, leaving the audience feeling as though the entire stage had frozen.

In the climax of Act 1, SHOTA shouts, "I’ll bear it allーbring it on!” to save his younger brother KOKI’s life, gripping a crimson cloth as he leaps into the pit. In that moment, all the energy on stage converged into a powerful display, with Shota’s commanding performance igniting an emotional eruption from the audience.

Act 2 begins with Shota’s beautifully sung solo, "Hikari (光),” highlighting SHOTA's internal struggle once more. As the story unfolds, SHOTA is chased by the police in a rooftop flying scene, showcasing Shota’s athleticism. He runs along walls mid-air, executing forward and backward flips in a breathtaking display that felt like a scene from a movie. The entire stage transformed into an immense action sequence, immersing the audience in thrilling excitement without a moment to catch their breath.

As the story builds towards its climax, it takes a sudden turn. In the scene where SHINTARO faces death, his serene yet sorrowful expression and his final honest words to SHOTA tugged at the heartstrings, moving many to tears. Particularly striking was the moment when SHINTARO, realizing the truth, softly whispered to SHOTA, “Win…!” leaving a deep impression on the audience.

In conclusion, this year’s "DREAM BOYS" is a work that deeply moved the audience through the exceptional performances and physical expressions of the actors. Shota’s portrayal of SHOTA’s inner conflict was the driving force of the story, and his delicate yet powerful performance shone at the center of the stage. Additionally, Shintaro’s overwhelming presence and dignity as SHINTARO amplified the drama of their conflict and reconciliation, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Furthermore, the members of Shonen Ninja, including Koki Kawasaki and Nao Oriyama, added further depth to the story with their powerful performances.

Koichi Domoto's direction skillfully integrated flying stunts and action, adding dynamism to the stage without disrupting the flow of the story, achieving a perfect balance that was truly impressive.

The story itself deals with universal themes such as bonds and friendship, striking a chord with the audience. The emotional storyline blended seamlessly with action, songs, and dance, culminating in a cohesive stage performance. Supported by the actors’ passionate performances, this heartfelt narrative is a production that resonates deeply with the audience, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

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Photo Credit :[Ayaka Ozaki]

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