On March 26, WOWOW announced that it will broadcast the latest animated film "The Rose The Rose of Versailles " (directed by Ai Yoshimura, scheduled for release in 2025) and the Takarazuka Revue's 2006 Snow Troupe performance "The Rose of Versailles- Oscar Chapter -" in May, under the title "Watch ' The Rose of Versailles of Versailles' in Anime and Takarazuka! A Special Feature on 'The Rose of Versailles'".
" The Rose of Versailles of Versailles" is a masterpiece manga by Riyoko Ikeda, serialized in the girls' manga magazine "Weekly Margaret" (Shueisha) from 1972 to 1973. Set in the late 18th century during the French Revolution, it beautifully depicts the love and lives of Oscar, a beautiful woman disguised as a man, and Marie Antoinette, the innocent queen who came from neighboring Austria. It was adapted into a stage play by the Takarazuka Revue in 1974, and a TV anime aired from 1979 to 1980. In 1990, the animated film "The Rose of Versailles: Love As Long as There Is Life" was released, and in 2013, a new work, the first in about 40 years, was published in "Margaret" (Shueisha).
WOWOW will broadcast the latest animated film on WOWOW Live from 9 PM on May 6th, and will also stream it on WOWOW On Demand. The film reimagines famous scenes from the original work with modern visual technology, portraying the relationship between Oscar and André and the atmosphere of the court with new direction. Oscar is voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro, Marie Antoinette by Aya Hirano, and André by Toshiyuki Toyonaga.
Additionally, the Takarazuka Revue Snow Troupe's performance of "The Rose of Versailles- Oscar Chapter -" will be broadcast on "Invitation to Takarazuka" (WOWOW Live) from 1:30 PM on May 30th. Former Snow Troupe top star Asami Hikaru, former Cosmos Troupe top star Takashiro Kei, and former Snow Troupe top star Mizu Natsuki, who all appeared in the original production, will be providing commentary on the secondary audio track. In this production, they play the roles of Oscar, the cross-dressing captain of the Royal Guard, Andre, Oscar's childhood friend who harbors feelings for Oscar, and Alain, a member of the Royal Guard led by Oscar, respectively.
◇Comment from Hikaru Asami
The Takarazuka version of "The Rose of Versailles" is undoubtedly appealing for its dazzling stage presence, but I also feel it's a work that carefully portrays the thoughts and human dramas of each individual character. The emotional shifts and inner changes depicted within this glamorous world add depth to the story, and I hope you'll enjoy it while paying attention to these aspects as well.
◇Comment from Kei Takashiro
When you think of "The Rose of Versailles," you think of Takarazuka. And when you think of Takarazuka, you think of "The Rose of The Rose of Versailles"—it's a work that's inextricably linked to the two. Among the many famous songs, "Ai Areba Koso" (If There Is Love) remains a beloved classic for many. I hope you will enjoy this stage production, which is packed with the charm of the music, the perfect Takarazuka presence of Oscar, and all the other appealing elements.
◇Comment from Mizuki Natsuki
I think the charm of "The Rose of Versailles" lies in its splendor. In addition to the beauty unique to Takarazuka, I'm also impressed by how it picks out only the most memorable scenes from Riyoko Ikeda's original work and moves the story along at a brisk pace. There are many memorable scenes in each part, and it's a work that you can't forget once you've seen it, and you want to watch it again and again. Including its classic charm, I truly, truly love it.
