D-BOYS ventures into comedy

The “ikemen” acting troupe D-BOYS has unveiled its stage productions for 2010, including their first true comedy work. Titled “NOW LOADING,” the piece is being directed by LaSalle Ishii (54), who is also known as an actor and a member of the comedy trio Conte Akashingo.

In the past, D-BOYS has put together one stage production each year, but this time they have split up the group’s members to put on three separate productions. “NOW LOADING” is the first one, scheduled for April 28 to May 6. The story focuses on a group of failing game creators who must work together to develop a new hit before they lose their jobs. The main cast will consist of Yuya Endo (22), Shunji Igarashi (23), Masato Wada (30), and Yusuke Yamada (22).

“NOW LOADING” will be performed at the Theater Sun-Mall, a much smaller venue than usual. The theater was reportedly chosen to give the audience a better experience. The show will also be performed in Osaka in mid-May.

The D-BOYS website also has information about the other two productions this year.

“LAST GAME” (August 26-September 5 at Aoyama Theatre, September 9-12 at Theater BRAVA!) retells the story of the young men of the Waseda University and Keio University baseball teams as they prepared for their final game, before being sent off to war. The cast features 12 D-BOYS members, including Koji Seto (21), Yuichi Nakamura (22), and Kotaro Yanagi (24).

The third production, “America” (November 3-7 at Kinokuniya Hall), takes place in an ordinary setting but highlights the uglier facets of humanity. The leads will be played by Hiroki Suzuki (26), Hirofumi Araki (26), Masaki Kaji (21), and Tomo Yanagishita (21).

Source:
Sankei Sports