The world premiere of the musical "Kein & Abel" took place on January 22, 2025, at the Tokyu Theatre Orb in Tokyo, showcasing the adaptation of Jeffrey Archer's beloved novel. The anticipation surrounding this production was palpable, especially with the lead actors, Matsushita Kohei and Matsushita Yuya, taking center stage as the two rival characters, William Kane and Abel Rosnovski.
During the opening press conference held on January 23, both actors shared their initial feelings about their performances following the premiere. Matsushita Kohei expressed relief and excitement, saying, "I was able to relax more than I thought and have reassuring performances with the customers present." This sentiment resonates with the audience's enthusiasm for witnessing the very first rendition of this story on the musical stage.
Kohei, underlining the uniqueness of the production, emphasized, "We are doing something very fresh, something no one has done before," which certainly sets the tone for audiences eager to experience new theatrical interpretations. His confidence was mirrored by his co-star Matsushita Yuya, who stated, "I'm very relieved to have opened the show safely and was able to perform with calmness and enjoyment."
The direction by Daniel Goldstein, paired with the compelling music by Frank Wildhorn, ensured the adaptation stayed true to the heart of Archer's narrative—a tale of rivalry, ambition, and contrasting life paths. The musical, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, explores the divergent journeys of the two central characters, emphasizing their fateful encounters and conflicts influenced by their vastly different upbringings.
Both Kohei and Yuya, deemed as the 'Double Matsushita' by the press, shared mutual admiration for each other. Matsushita Yuya remarked on their collaborative chemistry during rehearsals: "Both Kohei-kun and I have utmost respect for each other's work and think of each other as companions rather than rivals." This camaraderie underlies their performances, adding emotional depth to their rivalry on stage.
Matsushita Kohei delved more deeply, noting, "It was great to connect beyond language barriers during rehearsals." He reflected on how the cast supported one another through this challenging yet enriching creative process. The sense of teamwork among the cast was palpable, as they navigated through the rigors of staging and honing their characters.
Updating the audience on the various musical components, Yuya highlighted the experience of bringing original songs to life, sharing, "The score is truly remarkable. This new production granted us the chance to be the originals and experience songs freshly crafted for us." Their excitement about the music was contagious and set the backdrop for what would transpire on stage.
With approximately three hours of performance scheduled each night, including breaks, audiences can expect to be fully immersed from start to finish. Kohei remarked on the feeling of fulfillment he gained from the cast's united efforts, demonstrating the spirit of collaboration throughout the production. He continued, saying, "Support from the entire cast and staff made the first night very enjoyable."
Attending the conference alongside Kohei and Yuya were other remarkable talents, including Saki Miuyu and Yamaguchi Yuichiro, all of whom expressed excitement for the show's potential. Miuyu, playing the narrator role of Florentina, excitedly noted her anticipation for sharing the story. Meanwhile, Yamaguchi shared his certainty of the show being renowned as "the most wonderful musical of the first half of the 21st century."
The mutual respect and genuine friendship between the lead actors extend beyond the stage, enriching both their performances and the overall audience experience. Describing their relationship, Matsushita Kohei summarized, "There are countless qualities to admire about Yuya; I've never met someone so diligent and dedicated." Yuya echoed this sentiment, expressing how Kohei's calm demeanor significantly contributed to the rehearsal atmosphere, saying, "He has been the best presence to have by my side during this process."">
With performances scheduled until February 16, 2025, at the Tokyu Theatre Orb and later heading to Osaka’s Shin Kabuki-za from February 23 until March 2, theatre lovers will have ample opportunity to witness this fresh, dynamic adaptation of "Kein & Abel." The overwhelming positive feedback from both the cast and early audiences indicates this premiere is destined to leave its mark on the musical theatre scene.